Bob Bell, President of the Classic Company, announced, "It’s official," referring to the return of the John Deere-USEF Memberperks bonus program, which will award a new Gator to the high-scoring adult amateur hunter on the final week of the Atlanta Fall Classics in November.
Bell had pitched the idea for rewarding the adult group to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and various committees in late 2005. “I just felt this is a group of exhibitors that so often is overlooked and that their efforts should be recognized in a big way.” Not only did USEF agree, but John Deere took interest in the idea and generously offered a new Gator as the prize. The rules were made simple; the winner would be chosen based upon the horse that accumulated the most championship points. For 2007, those precious points can be captured at the following Classic events: the Atlanta Spring Classics I & II [March 28-April 7], Atlanta Summer I & II [June 20-July 1], Biltmore Estate Summer Classics I & II [July 18-29], and the Atlanta Fall Classics I, II, & III [October 31-November 18], with the winner being presented the John Deere Gator on the final week of the Atlanta Fall series.
The winner of the first Gator prize was Mary Piez with her mount Goodness Gracious. “I was just thrilled to win and for the recognition of our hard work,” she said. Piez went on to express this was a team victory, pointing out that she had been injured about halfway through the 2006 season and her good friend Missy Luczak had taken up the reins as pilot for the remaining events. Trainer of the dynamic duo is Robert Hunt, owner of Hunters Lane based in Monroe, NC, who stated friendship and teamwork are “just normal for our barnmates.” Hunt also praised the Classic Company head for his initiative in launching the new award. “I think it’s great of Bob [Bell] to think of the Adult amateurs and do something this special just for them. His events are always wonderful, and things like this are exactly why so many show at them.”
John Deere is a part of the USEF Memberperks program, which is included with every USEF membership. Through the program, members are offered special discounts on products used both at their farm and home from participants such as FedEx, Sherwin Williams, and even Dodge. John Deere equipment purchased through the program for use at full-time equestrian facilities can receive a discount up to 23% off current list prices. “The partnership of John Deere-Memberperks and Classic Company events is a win-win for our exhibitors.” Bell said, adding, “It’s just nice to be able to reward these riders with something fun, like a Gator!”
To learn more about Classic Company events, visit their website at www.classiccompany.com or call the office at 843-768-5503. For more information on the USEF Memberperks program, visit www.usef.org or call the Memberperks office toll free at 877-576-6872.
~~~