Abigail McArdle riding Bravoman is presented with a $2,000 bonus from Ed James and Jennifer Ward representing SSG Riding Gloves and ringmaster Cliff Haines after winning the $10,000 High Junior Jumper Classic during the final week of the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. Photo by Sportfot

April 1, 2012 – Wellington, FL – Abigail McArdle claimed a $2,000 bonus after winning the final event in the SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion held at the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida.

McArdle was one of three riders to advance to the jump-off in the $10,000 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday, April 1.  All three jump-off contenders were wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves to be eligible for the $2,000 bonus, but McArdle had the advantage of being last to go.  With Bravoman, McArdle posted a clear round in a time of 46.08 seconds to take the win.

McArdle opened the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival by winning the $10,000 Griffis Group High Junior Jumper Classic with Bravoman during week one but, unfortunately, was not wearing SSG ‘Digitals’ and missed out on the bonus money.

“I started the first week of the circuit with a win in the Classic, but I didn’t have the gloves on,” explained McArdle, 17, of Barrington, IL.  “My sister and I both went out and bought the gloves.  It was a great incentive to buy them.”

It proved to be a wise purchase as McArdle’s older sister, Amelia, 22, won the $15,000 SJHOF High Amateur-Owner Classic during week nine of the circuit to also claim a $2,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves.  Both Abigail and Amelia McArdle train with Henri and Katie Prudent.

“I think it’s a great promotion, and everyone is very aware,” said McArdle.  “If you’re going to go out and buy a new pair of gloves, you’re going to buy SSG’s!”

The SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion offered a bonus of $3,000 each week to the winner of the WEF Challenge Cup Series.  In the weekly High Junior Jumper Classic and High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic, a bonus of $1,000 was offered.  Any bonus money not awarded was carried forward to the next week.