Lexington, KY (February 5, 2009) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) and Great American Insurance Group are pleased to announce that prize money at the Great American/USDF Regional Dressage Championships has been increased to include the adult amateur and junior/young rider divisions at both the  Intermediate II and Grand Prix Levels.  In total, over $143,000 in prize money will be award in the 2009 Great American/USDF Regional Championships, divided evenly among the nine regions and 35 divisions that are offered.  Champions in each region and division will receive $273 in prize money and an embroidered jacket and cooler both provided by Tuff Rider Inc., official horse clothing supplier of the USDF.  Reserve champions in each region and category will receive $182 in prize money, along with a saddle pad provided from the Great American Insurance Group, title sponsor of the championships.
          "It is with great pleasure that we provide additional recognition to these outstanding competitors through our sponsorship of the regional championship program," agreed Kathy Stringer, Great American Insurance Group Marketing Director of the Equine Division, Ken Standlee, President of the Equine Division, and Jim Mitchell, Vice President of the Farm Division.
          "We're so pleased that through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to recognize even more competitors and continue to expand this already successful program," adds Cindy Vimont, Senior Director.
          For more information about the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships, please visit the USDF Web site or contact the USDF office.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.