January 10, 2013 – Wellington, Florida – The first bonus of the year offered in the SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion was awarded to Rodrigo Pessoa.  The 2004 Olympic Champion from Brazil picked up a $3,000 bonus for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves on his way to victory in the first $30,000 WEF Challenge Cup of the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival, held January 10 in Wellington, FL.

As the lead-off rider in a nine-horse jump-off, Pessoa posted a clear round in a time of 35.94 seconds to set the pace with Let’s Fly, a 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by Double H Farm.  None who followed were able to catch his time, giving Pessoa his first win of the 12-week circuit in addition to a $3,000 bonus from SSG Riding Gloves.

“It’s a good start to the circuit, and a nice way to kick off the season,” said Pessoa.  “It’s never easy to go first, but you try to have a plan and execute it as best as you can.”

The win also marked the first time that Pessoa has claimed the bonus money in the SSG Riding Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion, now in its third season at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

“I think the promotion is great, and it’s a great incentive,” said Pessoa.

SSG Riding Gloves will continue to offer a $3,000 bonus in each of the weekly WEF Challenge Cup Series events, as well as a $1,000 bonus in the Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic and the Junior Jumper High Classic competitions.  If the winning rider in any of these three competitions is wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style gloves with the SSG horse head logo clearly visible, they will be presented with a cash bonus during the awards presentation.  If not awarded, the bonus money carries forward to the next event in the series.  A total of $60,000 in bonus money is on offer from SSG Riding Gloves at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

SSG ‘Digital’ Riding Gloves are available for purchase at numerous Wellington locations, including Tackeria, as well as on-site at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds at various retailers including Running Fox and Beval Saddlery.

Please refer to the 2013 WEF Prize List for complete details.  For further information, contact Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications, at cell: 613 292-5439 or jward@startinggate.ca