Morgan Thomas wore SSG 'Digitals' on his way to victory with Hennepin County in the $2,500 Dexter Associates Realty USHJA National Hunter Derby to earn a $1,000 bonus from SSG Gloves. Photo by Thunderbird Show Park
Brian Morton earned a $1,000 bonus as part of the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion after winning the $25,000 International Gems Grand Prix riding Spitfire on Sunday, May 25, at Thunderbird Show Park. Photo by Thunderbird Show Park

May 26, 2014 – Langley, BC – The SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion kicked off its 2014 season at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC, during the Canadian Premier tournament held May 21 to 25. Both bonus cheques on offer were awarded, with Brian Morton and Morgan Thomas each picking up $1,000 in bonus money.

Local favourite Morton, who is based in Langley, BC, topped a starting field of 45 horses to win the $25,000 International Gems Grand Prix on Sunday, May 25. With 22 horses qualifying for the jump-off, speed became the name of the game. As the third last competitor to return for the jump-off, Morton took the lead with a clear round in a time of 39.22 seconds riding his long-time partner, Spitfire. Last to go, Andrew Ramsay came close to catching Morton with a time of 40.22 seconds, but had to settle for second in the final placings.

Morton has been riding Spitfire, a 17-year-old selle francais gelding owned by Equimark Farm, since 2009 and the pair has developed a formidable partnership in the grand prix ring. As Thunderbird is his 'home show', Morton was thrilled to start the season with a victory, and even more thrilled to win the $1,000 bonus from SSG Gloves for wearing SSG 'Digitals' on his way to the win.

"The SSG 'Digital' gloves are fantastic; I think they are the best glove out there," said Morton, 28, who operates Equimark in partnership with Mark Laskin. "I love the lightness which, at the same time, gives tremendous grip. Thank you very much to SSG for their sponsorship."

Morgan Thomas was happy to be back showing at Thunderbird after a 13-year hiatus. He topped a 29-horse starting field in the $2,500 Dexter Associates Realty USHJA National Hunter Derby held in the new Grand Hunter Ring. With a score of 94 in the first round and a 90 in the handy, Thomas came out on top with Hennepin County. Owned by Terry Garfield, Thomas has been riding Hennepin County for the past two and a half years.

By wearing SSG 'Digitals' on his way to victory, Thomas earned a $1,000 bonus in recognition of his loyalty to the Canadian riding glove manufacturer.

"I think the SSG bonus program is a fantastic incentive!" said Thomas. "I love riding in them, and the texture of the gloves gives a perfect grip. I'll be recommending them to all of my clients."

For the fourth consecutive year, the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion is offering a total of $12,000 in bonus money to competitors throughout the 2014 show season at Thunderbird Show Park. A $1,000 bonus is on offer to the winner of designated grand prix and hunter events if they are wearing SSG 'Digital' Riding Gloves with the horse head logo clearly visible in all rounds of competition.

The 2014 SSG Riding Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion at Thunderbird Show Park includes the following events:

Canadian Premier - May 21 - 25
$2,500 Dexter Associates Realty USHJA National Hunter Derby - Saturday, May 24
$25,000 International Gems Grand Prix - Sunday, May 25

CSI2*-W BC Open - May 28 - June 1
$2,500 Grand Prix Hunter Derby Qualifier - Saturday, May 31
$55,000 CSI2*-W Purica Recovery EQ World Cup Grand Prix - Sunday, June 1

West Coast Classic - June 25 - June 29
$5,000 Cobblestone Hunter Derby - Saturday, June 28
$10,000 Fort Langley Grand Prix - Sunday, June 29

Western Family Festival - July 2 - 6
$2,500 Dexter Associates Realty Canadian Hunter Derby - Thursday, July 3
$10,000 Facet Advisors Grand Prix - Sunday, July 6

CSI3*-W Summer Fort Classic - August 13 - 17
$2,500 Grand Prix Hunter Derby Qualifier - Saturday, August 16
$100,000 CSI3*-W World Cup Grand Prix presented by International Gems - Sunday, August 17

CSI2* Summer Fort Festival - August 20 - 24
$15,000 Foxstone USHJA International Hunter Derby - Saturday, August 23
$55,500 CSI2* Bryan Anderson Memorial Grand Prix - Sunday, August 24

SSG 'Digital' Riding Gloves will be available for purchase on-site at Thunderbird Show Park at the Thunderbird Tack Shop, The Dog and Pony Shop, Equestrian Factory Outlet, Equi-Products, and Greenhawk Harness and Equestrian Supplies.

Please refer to the 2014 Thunderbird Show Park prize lists for complete class details. For further information, contact SSG "Go Clean for the Green" promotion manager Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications Inc., at cell: 613 292-5439 or jward@startinggate.ca.