The American Trakehner Association Congratulates 2008 Futurity Award Winners

Newark, OH, January 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The American Trakehner Association (ATA) congratulates the 2008 Futurity Award winners. Horses nominated for the futurity have two opportunities to win. As three-year-olds, horses may compete in the U.S. Dressage Federation (USDF) Dressage Sport Horse Breeding (DSHB) In-Hand classes under the USDF Horse-of-the-Year program rules. Horses compete at age 4 ½ to 5 in the Dressage Futurity by competing at Training Level in USDF recognized shows, following the Horse-of-the-Year award rules.

Each year the ATA Futurity showcases talented young Trakehner horses. More information on the ATA Futurity can be found on the ATA website at www.americantrakehner.com.

2008 ATA Futurity winners are as follows:

2008 In Hand Futurity - Born in 2005

First: Le Rubio OAB-D-G358 (by Rubino Bellissimo (HAN) out of Lacrosse by Vincent); bred and owned by Stefanie Moses, Chester, N.H.

Second: Rousselet ORB-A-M2713 (by Beaujolais II out of Raumflug by Erzsand *E*); bred and owned by Linda Boyles, Lee, Fla.

Third: Oksana SR OSB-A-M2360 (by Summertime out of Onia by E.H. Consul); bred and owned by Nancy and Todd Shaw, Eustis, Fla.

2008 Under Saddle Futurity - Born in 2003

First: LeDon ORB-A-G658 (by Donaufürst *Ps*E* out of l'Egant *M* by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Corrine Morrison, New Orleans, La.; ridden by Iris Eppinger

Second: Forrte ORB-D-S812 (by Beaujolais II out of Fem Fatale by Hailo *Pg*E*); bred and owned by Jean Brinkman, Wellborn, Fla.; ridden by Iris Eppinger

Third: Donauwaltzer ORB-A-G726 (by Stiletto *Pb* out of Donaulied by Avignon II); bred by Laura and Mike Hassel, Alpharetta, Ga. owned and ridden by Kelley Delaperriere, Alpharetta, Ga.

Fourth: Cailn Leith ORB-B-S1130 (by Leonidas *Pg* out of Caledonia xx by Rogreek xx); bred, owned and ridden by Nancy Winning, Holtwood, Ca.

Fifth: Libbie *M* OSB-A-M2196 (by Feuertänzer out of Lucie by Enrico Caruso *Ps*E*); bred and owned by Rita Haas, Corvallis, Mont.; ridden by Courtney Ells and Barbara Crabo.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) was established in 1974 as a non-profit association of breeders, owners, and friends for the promotion and preservation, in the Western Hemisphere, of the warmblood horse of Trakehner origin. The ATA serves a number of purposes including:
· Maintaining a public registry of Trakehner horses.
· Marking and branding approved stallions, mares and foals with the Association's corporate seal.
· Disseminating information to breeders, owners and friends pertaining to the breeding and raising of Trakehner horses.
· Promoting the performance of the Trakehner horse in dressage, three-day eventing, hunting, jumping, driving and other sporting disciplines.
· Encouraging a public understanding of the Trakehner horse, its breeding and performance.

For more information on the American Trakehner Association visit www.AmericanTrakehner.com.

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