Lexington, KY (August 26, 2008) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced the dates and locations for the 2009 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships: USDF Region 1 (October 22-25) at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA, USDF Region 2 (September 17-20) at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, USDF Region 3 (October 22-25) at the Palm Beach County Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, USDF Region 4 (September 10-13) at the North Iowa Fair Grounds in Mason City, IA, USDF Region 5 (October 16-18) at the New Mexico Expo in Albuquerque, NM, USDF Region 6 (September 25-27) at the Devonwood in Sherwood, OR, USDF Region 7 (October 1-4) at the Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta, CA, USDF Region 8 (September 9-13) at HITS on the Hudson in Saugerties, NY, and USDF Region 9 (October 29 - November 1) at the Great Southwest Equine Center in Katy, TX.
          These championships recognize the outstanding efforts of riders in each USDF region and provide an excellent opportunity for spectators to view the top competitors in their respective regions.  Kathy Stringer of Great American Insurance Group added, "By being the title sponsor, we are able to help USDF showcase these commendable individuals and provide them with the recognition they so greatly deserve."
          Competitors qualify for Great American/USDF Regional Championships by competing in designated qualifying classes throughout the year at USDF-recognized competitions.  For more information on qualifying or regarding the regional championships, visit the USDF Web site or contact the USDF sport programs department.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.