Langley’s Brent Balisky riding Classical receives a $1,000 SSG Gloves bonus from Thunderbird President Jane Tidball for wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves on his way to victory in the $15,000 Foxstone USHJA International Hunter Derby on August 22. Photo by Aimée Makris - Moi Photography for Thunderbird Show Park

September 2, 2015 – Langley, British Columbia – Brent Balisky of Langley, BC, claimed the final bonus on offer in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion to close out the 2015 summer show season at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, BC.

During the CSI3* Summer Fort Festival, Balisky claimed victory in the $15,000 Foxstone USHJA International Hunter Derby held Saturday, August 22. A total of 39 entries contested the class, with the top 12 returning for the second round. Balisky emerged victorious riding Classical for owner Thunderbird Show Stables, marking the pair’s second win this season in the SSG Gloves “Go Clean for the Green” promotion. Balisky and the 10-year-old German-bred gelding had also won the $3,000 Dexter Associates Realty Canadian Hunter Derby Qualifier during the ‘Western Family Festival’ in July.

Along with the win comes a $1,000 bonus if the winning rider is wearing SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves. As always, Balisky was sporting his ‘Digitals’ to claim the bonus money.

“It’s a fantastic incentive!” said Balisky. “I feel that the hunter riders aren’t always rewarded as much as the grand prix jumper riders, so it’s wonderful that SSG has included the hunter derby classes in its sponsorship at Thunderbird. It’s a great program that gives riders that extra bonus. Thank you to SSG for its support of the riders.”

As for what he likes best about his SSG ‘Digital’ riding gloves, Balisky said, “The fit! And it doesn’t matter if it’s hot, cold, wet or dry; the gloves are not only fantastic, but also a necessary piece of equipment. They are great gloves and everyone should be wearing them. I love them.”

The 2015 season marked the fifth year that SSG Gloves has offered a total of $12,000 in bonus money to both hunter and jumper competitors at Thunderbird. A $1,000 bonus was on offer to the winner of designated grand prix and hunter derby events if they were wearing SSG ‘Digital’ style riding gloves.

For further information on the SSG Gloves ‘Go Clean for the Green’ promotion, please contact Jennifer Ward, Starting Gate Communications Inc., at jward@startinggate.ca.