Thursday, January 20, 2005

Amateur Dressage Riders Honored at the Markel Amateur Awards Ceremony

Over $5000 in Prizes Awarded

Three years ago, Shirley Johnson, owner of A’Dashi an exclusive equestrian apparel boutique, became the driving force behind her brainchild to recognize adult amateur dressage riders with a special championship program. Johnson solicited the help of other equestrian retailers to make her dream a reality. This year over 50 adult amateurs shared over $5000 in prizes.

Last year Markel Insurance became the title sponsor of the championships adding additional financial support."Sponsorships are a good thing," said Mary Phelps, whose full coverage of the event is featured on her website Dressagedaily.com."It was fun to see that most of the horses who won are insured by Markel, including both of our High Point winners.I know the fine folks at our corporate offices in Glen Allen, Virginia are as pleased as the riders here today."

Photo - Debra Schoder and Ilona