Wellington, FL (February 1, 2011) – New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag recently unveiled her new novel Secrets To The Grave, and now the writer and dressage rider is unveiling another mystery – she is a great sport! Hoag won the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the Gold Coast Dressage Opener Festival CDI.

Sponsored by Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories, the Premier Sportsmanship Award is awarded to a rider who displays a high level of sportsmanship during a show. Thanks to being a great sport, Hoag rode away with a pair of German-designed Roeckl gloves from Premier Equestrian.

“I am really honored to win the Premier Sportsmanship Award. It’s an important thing for me to be a good example, as well as a good sport, at all the shows,” Hoag said. “While I am happy to be considered a ‘good sport,’ I think one reason I would be seen that way is because I do have fun at the shows. It really should be a fun experience for everyone, after all, we come to the shows because that is what we love to do.”

In addition to winning the Premier Sportsmanship Award while at the Gold Coast show, Hoag rode her new horse Lonestar in his first Grand Prix class. “He came in fourth in a huge class and that was a great way to start the Grand Prix,” Hoag said. “During the test he was really rideable, listened well and his piaffe and passage were a nice highlight. We are building our partnership and I look forward to the next show.”

Hoag also competed her horse Bacchus de Light at the Gold Coast show and was pleased with his success. “He came in sixth in the Intermediaire 2 class, which was also a huge class,” Hoag said. “I am so excited because he is really nice in the bridle this year.”

Hoag, who now has 16 New York Times bestsellers to her name, has fans all over the world. She makes her home in Wellington and is well known in the equestrian community as both a writer and a rider.

Heidi Zorn, President of Premier Equestrian, congratulated Hoag on winning the Premier Sportsmanship Award. “Tami is not only a wonderful writer and rider, but also a great person who has a smile on her face throughout the stress of a long day at a show,” Zorn said. “At Premier Equestrian we believe a good sport is one that has a smile on their face whether they win or lose and Tami is that person. I also know she will love the pair of Roeckl gloves she won, the are a favorite among dressage riders.”

Roeckl Gloves, which are available at Premier’s website and in their catalog, are available in the Regent Glove, an all leather sports design made from buttery soft leather with an elastic wrist and snap. Considered Roeckl’s most comfortable schooling glove, they are also great for driving. The Chester is a German-designed synthetic leather glove by Roeckl that combines style and versatility and features a textured palm and Velcro brand closure.

Premier Equestrian is considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dressage arenas. Chosen as an official supplier to the World Equestrian Games, Premier Equestrian supplied the dressage arenas for the World Equestrian Games, as well as the dressage warm-up arena, driving arena, driving warm-up arena and the flower boxes and dressage letters. “Our products are world-class and they were very well received by the international dressage community at the World Equestrian Games,” Zorn said.

Premier is also a leading supplier of arena footing, and has supplied the new Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex, located in Wellington, with GGT footing for their new 220 x 90 covered dressage arena. GGT footing was also used in the dressage arenas at the World Equestrian Games. Premier Equestrian also offers Prostride Horse Arena Footing and ProTex Rubber/Textile Horse Arena Footing.

For more information on all Premier Equestrian products, including footing, dressage arenas, jumps and stable accessories, visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109