Lexington, KY- The 2013 Markel/USEF National Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships presented by HorseShow.com will host up-and-coming dressage horses over five divisions of National Championship competition. Four-, five- and six-year-olds will vie for national titles in their respective Young Horse Championships. While developing horses have the option to compete in Prix St. Georges or Grand Prix Championships.

Markel has supported the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program since 2004 and looks to further nurture the sport of dressage further by becoming the title sponsor of the Developing Dressage Horse Championship.

Markel has over 50 years of expertise in insuring horses and horse businesses. They continue their firm commitment to the horse industry and offer numerous insurance options.

"Markel is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Markel/USEF Young Dressage Horse Program while expanding its support with the Markel/USEF National Young and Developing Dressage Horse Championships. We welcome HorseShow.com as Presenting Sponsor of the National Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championship," said John Seger at Markel's Agriculture Division. "Markel's partnership with the USEF has led to many new friends throughout the dressage world. We can't say enough about the passion and dedication of the Young and Developing Horse breeders, owners, trainers, riders and their wonderful horses that have made this such a satisfying journey.  It's going to be an exciting decade for USA dressage and Markel is honored to play a role."

HorseShow.com is an alternative way for equestrians of all disciplines to improve their skills and reach the next level. With innovative online horse shows, clinics, and coaching with an acclaimed roster of expert judges and trainers, HorseShow.com utilizes your own videos to provide valuable feedback to help you improve your performance and succeed in the show ring.

With new endeavors in 2013 it seemed an ideal match for HorseShow.com to become the presenting sponsor of the National Championships.

"For more than a decade, the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage National Championships have helped identify and nurture talent for future U.S. Teams, and we are thrilled to partner with USEF and Markel to support this national showcase," said Gil Merrick, Chief Operating Officer of HorseShow.com.  "With HorseShow.com's new online coaching in 2013, we hope to help bring the excitement and benefits of these classes to more and more people, and help continue the growth of this critical developmental program for dressage in this country."

The Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program have continued to identify future talent in the U.S. and create a pipeline for American horses to reach the international level and represent the United States on future teams.

"The Markel/USEF National Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships presented by HorseShow.com and Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program are very important for  identifying talented horses that have the potential to thrive on the international stage;" said USEF CEO John Long. "As a federation we are excited about the continued and growing support from Markel and look forward to our partnership with HorseShow.com."

For more information about the 2013 Markel/USEF National Young and Developing Horse Dressage Championships presented by HorseShow.com and the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Program visit; http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsdisciplines/discipline/alldressage/natDressage.aspx

To find out more about the Markel Insurance Company visit; www.sporthorseinsurance.com

To learn more about HorseShow.com visit; HorseShow.com