September 16, 2006

Open and Adult Amateur Champions Honored at Cool August Nights
Burbank, California, 24th – 27th August
by Angelea Kelly for DressageDaily.com photos by Amy McCool

As the World Equestrian Games came to a triumphant close in Germany, a little closer to home other champions, Open and Adult Amateur alike, were honored. On the West Coast, People on Horses’ Open and Markel Insurance’s Adult Amateur Series Champions were awarded at Cool August Nights Dressage Show. The event was hosted by Cornerstone Event Management and held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, California. The series began this past January at the LA Winter Dressage Show. As per usual, the California circuit boasted stiff competitors across all levels and divisions. Both John Seger of the Markel Group and Jeff Zella of People on Horses were on hand to present the awards.

Photo: Erin Lewis and Seville

People on Horses, owned and operated by Jeff & Lisa Zella, has been in operation approximately seven years now and they have been vending at various shows on the West Coast the last four. When asked how they became associated with the Cornerstone events, Jeff replied, “First and foremost the main reason is Glenda McElroy. She has really helped us in coming into the dressage world through the shows. We learned how to sponsor through Glenda and Cornerstone.” People on Horses co-sponsored all the Open Division Champions designing a sterling silver custom belt buckle for the occasion. The buckle was inspired by the championship buckles often awarded in other disciplines and was crafted from sterling silver with leaf filifree, brass accents and Swarovski crystals.