Lauren Hough riding Ohlala is presented with a $3,000 bonus from SSG Gloves President Ed James, promotion manager Jennifer Ward, and ringmaster Gustavo Murcia for wearing SSG 'Digitals' on her way to victory in the $34,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round IV on January 31 at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Photo by Sportfot

January 31, 2014 – Wellington, FL – Lauren Hough was the big winner on Friday morning, claiming a $3,000 bonus for wearing SSG 'Digital' riding gloves on her way to victory in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series Round IV on January 31 at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Held Friday morning following the cancellation of all classes due to rain on Thursday, a total of 65 horses crossed the timers in an effort to post the fastest clear round over the track set by two-time Olympic course designer Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela. Ireland's Shane Sweetnam held the lead for the majority of the class after posting a time of 62.58 seconds with Solerina. Riding near at the bottom of the order, U.S. Olympian Lauren Hough raced over the track in a time of 61.46 to take the win with Ohlala.

As part of the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion, Hough was also awarded a $3,000 bonus for wearing SSG 'Digitals' on her way to victory.

"I love the gloves!" said Hough upon being presented with the $3,000 bonus from SSG Gloves. "I think it's a brilliant, brilliant campaign that SSG does. I really like wearing the gloves. I always ride in gloves, so I have quite a collection now. I'm really grateful to SSG Gloves for their support."

SSG 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 High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and the High Junior Jumper 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 bonus money during the awards presentation. A total of $60,000 in bonus money is on offer from SSG Gloves at the 2014 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 Beval Saddlery, Hadfields, Jods and Running Fox.

Please refer to the 2014 FTI Consulting WEF Prize List for complete details. For further information, contact promotion manager Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications Inc., at cell: 613 292-5439 or jward@startinggate.ca.