(Lincoln, Nebraska) June 1998

This fall, at the 1998 American Bankers Insurance Group (ABIG)/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Dressage Championships, dressage enthusiasts have the chance to measure their skill against the best horses and riders in their regions. The Championship action starts in August and runs through November at nine different locations around the United States.

This year the ABIG/USDF Regional Champions will receive jackets embroidered with the ABIG/USDF regional championship logo. The champions will also receive quarter sheets and a neck sash.

To qualify for a 1998 ABIG/USDF Regional Championship, riders must earn two qualifying scores in official ABIG/USDF Qualifying Classes, which will be the highest test for that level. The standardized qualifying system is consistent nation-wide, and is recognized by the American Horse Show Association (AHSA). More information on the ABIG/USDF qualifying rules and percentages is available from the USDF office. (402/434-8550)

Dates for the 1998 Regional Championships are:

    Region 1 - East Coast                 Region 6 - Pacific Northwest
    October 9-11                          September 4-6
    Allentown, NJ                         Auburn, WA
    Qualifying Dates: 9/11/97-9/9/98      Qualifying Dates: 8/19/97-8/17/98
    Kathy Moffitt (908) 647-2553          Helen St. Amand (360) 678-6458

    Region 2 - Great Lakes                Region 7 - West Coast
    August 28-30                          October 1-4
    Wayne, IL                             Los Angeles, CA
    Qualifying Dates: 8/26/97-8/10/98     Qualifying Dates: 8/18/97-9/3/98
    Sue Irwin/Gail Cooper (630) 208-9025  Glenda McElroy (818) 841-3554

    Region 3 - Southeast                  Region 8 - New England
    October 31- November 1                October 3-4
    Newberry, FL                          Ellenville, NY
    Qualifying Dates: 9/8/97-9/21/98      Qualifying Dates: 8/1/97-9/3/98
    Carlie Evans (352) 472-3654           Robert Higgins (407) 365-4596

    Region 4 - Great Plains               Region 9 - South Central
    October 15-18                         November 12-15
    Kansas City, MO                       San Antonio, TX
    Qualifying Dates: 9/15/97-9/21/98     Qualifying Dates: 10/21/97-10/19/98
    Emily O'Shea (913) 962-0042           Betty McMahan (830) 249-9219

    Region 5 - Mountain and Southwest
    October 16-18
    Chandler, AZ
    Qualifying Dates: 8/19/97-9/7/98
    Dorie Vlatten Schmitz (602) 963-1310

The American Bankers Insurance Group (ABIG)/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Regional Dressage Championships are designed to provide a showcase venue for riders within each USDF Region, and to promote the pursuit of excellence in dressage by recognizing progressive achievement in each USDF region.

USDF is proud to acknowledge American Bankers Insurance Group (ABIG) for its support of the Regional Dressage Championships. ABIG began their sponsorship of the USDF Regional Championships program in 1993.

The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation with more than 36,000 members throughout all 50 states. As the national voice of the dressage community, USDF promotes dressage, primarily educational programs. Membership in USDF is achieved by joining one of the more than 130 affiliated dressage groups, or by joining USDF directly to receive additional benefits of membership.