Wellington, FL – February 17, 2003 –Andre Dignelli showed when the pressure is on – he can perform! Crowned Champion of the Equus Medal, he rode beautifully in a class full of the most talented riders in the nation and the world. All riders had to have represented the United States in a Nations Cup, Pan Am Games or Olympic caliber competition. There were riders from Texas, California, Germany and Paris, France to name a few who traveled to be in this class.

Ringside spectators were elbow-to-elbow and very enthusiastic and well informed. George Morris enlightened the audience by critiquing each ride from the announcer’s booth after each performance. Everyone enjoyed watching these professional Grand Prix riders attempt an equitation class. Many had not performed in equitation in a number of years, but all proved they still had stuff to make it to the top.

Four riders were asked to return in the final work off - top call was McLain Ward followed by Todd Minikus, Andre Dignelli, and Patty Stovel. In the ring, they were asked to exchange horses and perform a final test (a shortened course) in reverse order of the their standings. Andre Dignelli was clearly the winner after the test. McLain was second, Patty placed third and Todd finished in fourth place. All results are below.

The winner, Andre Dignelli not only received $8,000 in prize money but a custom bridle, a saddle, and a set of tack room drapes. The top three finishers received medals and specially donated gifts. Each of the final finishers received a wool cooler and flowers, and each of their grooms received a gift bag as well.

$25,000 Wellington Equus Medal - Presented by Wellington Equestrian Alliance

Champion: Andre Dignelli of Wellington, Florida
Patricia Griffith – trainer

3rd Place: Patty Stovel of Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
Patty Stovel – trainer

4th Place: Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, Florida
Ted Weise – trainer

5th Place: Laura Bowery of Wellington, Florida
Geogg Teall & Andre Dignelli – trainers

6th Place: Anne Kursinski of Frenchtown, New Jersey
Sue Ashe – trainer

7th Place: Leslie Howard of Westport, Connecticut
Tim Kees & Peter Pletcher –trainers

8th Place: Debbie Stephens of Palmetto, Florida
Jeff Wirthman – trainer