Monday, August 28, 2003

Winners Announced for the DIF-OPL & A'Dashi Amateur Winter Dressage Championships

The Sponsors

As sponsor Cetty Weiss of Weiss Family Chiropractic says, "Now that we've opened up the competition, some people who didn't think they were even qualified might get a nice surprise at the end of season!"

Cetty Weiss praises this award series for bringing a new incentive to riders in the amateur ranks. "These awards reward amateurs for the amazing level of sacrifice that many make to ride and, even more significantly, to ride at this level of competition."

Weiss Family Chiropractic sponsors ribbons in each division to 8th place in addition to an Overall High Point Perpetual Trophy.

Suzie Cook, owner of Spectrum Saddle Shop in Coconut Creek, FL, heard of the idea and immediately signed on. Her store awards gifts certificates for 1st-3rd place at each competitive level in the awards program. "I am an amateur dressage rider myself, so I like seeing awards for amateurs," Cook said.

"The abundance of wonderful professionals in our midst makes the amateurs strive harder towards their goals, but it also makes it harder to place in competitions." Cook praised the "great amateurs who live in our area, and deserve to be recognized." Her Arabian gelding SH Testarosa currently competes at 3rd & 4th levels with trainer Ellie Scofield.

Already very active in sponsorships, dressage riders and owners of EuroAmerican Saddlery, Charlie and Romy Tota were both eager to support the Amateur award series.

"In competition, Amateurs must rank themselves against not only the amateurs, but also the seasoned professionals," Romy said. "The Amateur Championship acknowledges the accomplishments of the amateurs who do this for fun, and who deserve feedback on their progress. And let's not forget, it is the Amateur that is our business base. Giving something back to them is important for them and us [retailers.]"

And the competition among Florida's expanded winter crowd of amateurs is significant. Charlie Tota's first show ring experience was in Florida. "I got a solid score of 64%. And a professional won the class with a 76%. How can we expect our amateurs not to get jaded?"