Monday January 10, 2005

A'Dashi Awards the 2004 Markel Amateur Winter Dressage Champions At the Derby Kickoff

FEI Level High Score for Michael Shondel

The FEI Level High Score went to Michael Shondel riding his striking chestnut gelding, Wallaby. The pair captured the high score with a 67.9% at Intermediaire-I. That score also earned them the Intermediaire Championship for the series. 2004 was Shondel’s first season competing as an adult amateur and his success is a credit to the quality of riders the Young Riders program is producing. Shondel and Wallaby also won the Prix St George Championship for the Markel Championships with a 67.763%.

Other top winners who will be recognized include 4 th level Champion, Jennifer Brinkley, and 2 nd level Champion, Debra Schoder on Ilona, 1 st level Champion, Beverly Zimmer on Eurhythmic, training level Champion, Debra Gyulay on Ferrari and Grand Prix Champion, Emmy Adwers on Ali Baba. A complete list of winners is available online at dressagedaily.com.

“Thanks to Markel's participation, this year’s championships were an even bigger success”, said series creator, Shirley Johnson . Along with Markel, Johnson thanked the retailers, Beyond the Barn, Caracol Unique Sterling Silver, Dianne Sasser, Cork’s Saddlery, Euro American Saddlery, Sho Clothes, The Paddock Saddlery, Kada Properties, The Horse of Course, Harmony In Motion, The Tackeria, and the Video Guys. Thanks to Swedish Exclusive Inc in helping with the wonderful Kyra K Jackets. Thanks to Weiss Family Chiropractic for donating all the ribbons and high point awards. Thanks to Mary Phelps of Markel and DressageDaily.com for her participation and support of the amateur series."