Lexington, KY (March 8, 2011) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Merial Pharmaceuticals has signed a contract as supporting sponsor for the 2011 Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Dressage Championships.
            "A world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, Merial has a long-standing commitment to providing a comprehensive range of equine products to enhance the health, well being and performance of horses," says Steve Lerner, Head of Merial's Large Animal Marketing. "While Merial is dedicated to providing veterinarians, horse owners and others with the highest quality products, we are equally committed to supporting the organizations and people who comprise the foundation of the equine industry. Given the USDF's commitment to its sport and advancing competition, Merial is pleased to support it and the competitors, horses and spectators who make its events so exciting."
            "We are pleased to welcome Merial aboard and look forward to working with them to provide a great championships series this year," adds Linda Schultz, Director of Marketing for USDF.
            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. 
            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 the Regional Championship program, visit the USDF Web site or contact the USDF sport programs department.
            Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,600 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2010 sales were more than $2.6 billion. Merial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis.
          For more information, please see www.merial.com. 
©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. EQUILGN1123 (02/11)

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 usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.