September 16, 2006

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

Tami Hoag and Coco Chanel Adds More Markel Jackets to Her Wardrobe

Likewise, top FEI competitor, Tami Hoag of Malibu, California was back for a second year in a row to win the Adult Amateur Markel Grand Prix Championship. This year Hoag won on her Reinlander mare by Circus, Coco Chanel with a 62.083%. “I was very happy to win the Markel Amateur Grand Prix jacket, of course! Markel has been such a staunch supporter of Adult Amateurs at all levels in our sport, which I think is wonderful.” Hoag continues, “Amateurs are the backbone of the sport, but we don't always get credit for that. I was fortunate enough to win this honor last year as well with Feliki. I hope to continue to add to my collection of jackets!”

As a successful author, not being tied to a geographically specific location, Hoag is able to spend her winters competing on the Florida circuit and springs and summers back home competing in California. Hoag added, “I feel so incredibly fortunate to be able to pursue my riding goals on both coasts. I've worked really hard to get where I am as an author. That hard work has enabled me to be in a position to support myself as an international grand prix dressage rider. I can't wait to get back to Florida for the 2007 season.”