Gareth Graves proudly displays his $1,000 bonus for wearing SSG 'Digital' riding gloves on his way to victory with Babette in the $10,000 Western Family Grand Prix on July 6 at Thunderbird Show Park. Presenting is Chris Pack. Photo by Aimée Makris - Moi Photography for Thunderbird Show Park
Jane Tidball and Chris Pack of Thunderbird Show Park present Jessica Rooks, mounted on Heathrow, with a $1,000 bonus in the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion following her win in the $2,500 Canadian Hunter Derby at the Western Family Festival held July 2 to 6. Photo by Totem Photographic

July 11, 2014 – Langley, BC – Two new faces earned bonus money in the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion, now in its fourth year at the Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC.

Gareth Graves earned a $1,000 bonus for wearing SSG 'Digital' riding gloves on his way to victory in the $10,000 Western Family Grand Prix while Jessica Rooks did the same while winning the $2,500 Canadian Hunter Derby. Both classes were held during the Western Family Festival from July 2 to 6.

The $10,000 Western Family Grand Prix saw 14 entries jumping off for the win. As the fourth rider back, Graves took over the lead with a time of 41.02 seconds and then sat back and waited while 10 more riders attempted to catch his time. In the end, his effort held up, giving Graves and Babette, an eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Jillian Halina, the victory. As he was wearing SSG 'Digitals' during both rounds of competition, Graves was presented with a $1,000 bonus from SSG Gloves in recognition of his loyalty to the Canadian brand.

"The SSG program is fantastic, and is such a great support for the riders," said Graves of Edmonton, AB. "The SSG 'Digital' gloves are great; comfortable and light-weight. They have a great fit with a great grip. I would tell any rider to switch to SSG for improved performance. A huge thank you to SSG Gloves for their support!"

Over in the hunter ring, 34 entries tried their luck in the $2,500 Canadian Hunter Derby. In the end, Rooks emerged victorious riding Heathrow for owner Artisan Farms LLC, taking the win over Julie Nordstrom and Advance. As she, too, was wearing SSG 'Digital' style riding gloves, Rooks was awarded a $1,000 bonus.

"I think the program is awesome; it is a great way to get people into the product and discover that they love the gloves," said Rooks of Maple Ridge, BC. "SSG Gloves are the only gloves that I will wear because of the selection and comfort. I have at least five pairs in my backpack at all times. I ride a lot of horses in the ring, and I think what makes SSG Gloves different is their durability and quality.

"I would like to thank SSG for giving back to the riders in such a big way," said Rooks in appreciation of the SSG Gloves "Go Clean for the Green" promotion. "Most riders do not own their horses, so for us to get a direct bonus is awesome. I am truly grateful."

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 continues at Thunderbird Show Park with the following events:

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.