Lexington, KY (May 8, 2008) - United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today that the 2008 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships will award prize money of over $146,000 divided among the nine regions.  Champions will each receive $314 in prize money, a jacket, and an embroidered cooler provided by Tuff Rider, Inc.  Reserve champions will each receive $210 in prize money and a lead shank from the Great American Insurance Group, title sponsor of the championships.

Every year Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships are held in each of the nine USDF regions.  As a direct result of the support of this program by the Great American Insurance Group, these championships have continued to flourish and grow.  Competitors around the country compete in United States Equestrian Federation-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions throughout the competition season to qualify to compete in these championships. 

"It is with great pleasure that we provide additional recognition to these outstanding competitors through our sponsorship of the regional championship program," agreed Kathy Stringer, Great American Insurance Group Marketing Director of the Equine Division, Ken Standlee, President of the Equine Division, and Jim Mitchell, Vice President of the Farm Division. 

"We're so pleased with the growth of this program through the help of all our generous sponsors," adds Cindy Vimont, Senior Director of Member Services.

To learn more about the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships or for qualifying requirements, please visit the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF at regchamps@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage.  For more information about USDF membership or programs visit www.usdf.org, e-mail usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.