Giavanna Rinaldi riding G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise, pictured with SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion manager Jennifer Ward, ringmaster Gustavo Murcia, and trainer Haylie Jayne, is presented with a $1,000 bonus in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion after winning the $10,000 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper Classic on February 8. Photo by Sportfot
Kaely Tomeu, riding Fidalgo van het Leliehof, is presented with a $1,000 bonus from Jennifer Ward on behalf of SSG Gloves for wearing SSG ‘Digitals’ on her way to victory in the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. Photo by Sportfot

February 8, 2015 – Wellington, FL – Giavanna Rinaldi and Kaely Tomeu were both winners in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion during week five of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. A total of $60,000 in bonus money is on offer from SSG Gloves over the course of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival.

A total of nine riders advanced to the jump-off in the $10,000 Sleepy P Ranch High Junior Jumper Classic on Sunday morning, February 8. All nine riders were wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves to be eligible for the $1,000 bonus. Having finished second to Lucas Porter last week, Giavanna Rinaldi was focused firmly on a win this time out. Riding G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise, Rinaldi set the pace in the jump-off, turning in a clear performance in a time of 36.99 seconds. None of the eight riders who followed could even break the 40-second barrier, giving Rinaldi a resounding win.

“I knew since I was first to go that I would have to set the pace and get it done early,” said Rinaldi, 15, of Chicago, IL. In praise of her horse of the past two years, G.P.S. Brilliant Disguise, Rinaldi said, “He’s a great ride. He always wants to win. He’s always game when he goes in the ring.”

As Rinaldi was wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves on her way to victory, she was presented with a $1,000 bonus in recognition of her loyalty to the SSG Gloves brand.

“I think it’s a pretty great prize!” said Rinaldi, a first-time winner in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. “I usually wear the gloves all the time in the jumpers. I like how stretchy they are, how they fit, and how breathable they are.”

Kaely Tomeu was also a first-time SSG Gloves bonus winner, claiming $1,000 for wearing SSG ‘Digitals’ on her way to victory in the $15,000 High Amateur-Owner Classic. Saving the best for last, the Wellington resident topped a 12-horse jump-off riding Fidalgo van het Leliehof.

“We had a plan and I stuck to that really well,” said Tomeu of her jump-off strategy. “My horse is amazing. He really knows his job and he helped me out a lot. He really takes care of me; without him, I probably wouldn’t be winning these classes. I love him, and I’m so grateful for him.”

The 19-year-old, who trains with Irishman Shane Sweetnam and his team at Sweet Oak Farm, was especially pleased to win her first bonus in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion.

“I’ve always worn these and, obviously, I would not miss the opportunity to go clean for the green!” said Tomeu of her SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves. “They last a long time. A lot of other gloves get holes, they tear, and they don’t have grip anymore. SSG ‘Digitals’ are my favourite.”

As for how she plans to spend her $1,000 bonus, Tomeu said, “I am going to give half of this to my groom, Milton, because none of this would happen without him. He is the biggest part of my team.”

SSG Gloves will continue to offer a $3,000 bonus in each of the weekly Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup Series events, as well as a $1,000 bonus in the High Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic and the Sleepy P Ranch 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 the SSG Gloves bonus during the awards presentation. A total of $60,000 in bonus money is on offer from SSG Gloves at the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival.

SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves are available for purchase at numerous Wellington locations including Tackeria and Dover Saddlery, as well as on-site at the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds at various retailers including Running Fox and Hadfield’s Saddlery.

Please refer to the 2015 Winter Equestrian Festival Prize List for complete promotion details on the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. For further information, please contact promotion manager Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications Inc., at cell: 613 292-5439 or jward@startinggate.ca.