Caitlin Ziegler is presented with a bonus from Jennifer Ward representing SSG Riding Gloves after winning the $10,000 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper Classic on January 29 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Photo by Sportfot

January 30, 2012 – Wellington, FL – For the second week in a row, Nick Skelton took home a cash bonus from SSG Riding Gloves after winning the $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round III while wearing SSG ‘Digital’ gloves at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

Skelton, who claimed a $6,000 bonus after winning during week two, returned to the International Arena on Thursday, January 26, to claim his second consecutive $32,000 WEF Challenge Cup.  Riding Carlo 273, Skelton topped a jump-off field of 17 horses to win not only his share of the prize money, but a $3,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves.

“This is the hardest class of the week,” said the British Olympic veteran, who has now claimed $9,000 in bonus money from SSG Riding Gloves.  “It is always a very difficult class to win.”

Caitlin Ziegler of Mequon, Wisconsin, also faced stiff competition to win the $10,000 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday, January 29.  A total of seven horses advanced to the jump-off, with six of the riders wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves.  Some excitement at the ingate resulted in Ziegler falling off before entering the International Arena, but the 17-year-old kept her cool and was lightning fast around the shortened jump-off course.  Her time of 34.85 seconds riding Butragenia gave her the win over lead-off rider, Wilton Porter, who had stopped the clock in 35.47 seconds riding Phineas.

“She hates the ingate,” laughed Ziegler of her horse’s antics.  “I’m used to it with her.  It probably wasn’t good to fall off, but it didn’t bother me too much.  I just try to think of it as funny.”

Once she was on course, Butragenia, an 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare, was all business.  Ziegler explained, “Outside of the ring, she is always suspicious, but once you are in the ring, you can trust her.  She always wants to win.”

Ziegler had two entries in the jump-off, having also posted a clear first round effort with Dollar Van’T Eigenlo DH, a nine-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding.

“Dollar is younger and hasn’t had as much experience, but it was good to go in and see the course with him before I went fast with Butragenia,” said Ziegler, whose horses are both owned by Artisan Farms.

Her quick pace earned Ziegler not only the victory, but also a $1,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves.

“I love the gloves and the promotion,” said Ziegler.  “It gets everyone excited, and it gives an extra incentive to win.  People have fun with it.”

Now in its second year, the SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion offers a bonus of $3,000 each week to the winner of the WEF Challenge Series if they compete wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves.  In the Junior Jumper High Classic and the weekly Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, a bonus of $1,000 is offered.

Week three’s winner of the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Classic, Kaitlin Campbell riding Rocky W, was not wearing gloves, so the unclaimed bonus money will be carried forward to week four, where a $2,000 bonus will be on offer.  To claim the bonus, riders must wear SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves in the first round of competition and any subsequent jump-off.

SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves are available for purchase at numerous Wellington locations, including Tackeria, as well as on-site at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds at Running Fox, Beval Saddlery, Hadfield’s Saddlery, Ann K Hubbard’s Tack Shop and Jods.

Please refer to the 2012 WEF Prize List for complete details.  For further information, contact Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications, at cell: 613 292-5439 or jward@startinggate.ca.