G. Wilson Groves drives Derawnda Ricardo “Rick” at the 2015 Live Oak International (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (April 8, 2015) — Any competitor at Live Oak International knows how much it takes to successfully finish all three phases in combined driving. One of the key elements to success is a very fit horse, pony, pair, or team. Because Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recognizes this and also aspires to improve the health of all equines with their supplements, the company sponsored the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award at the 2015 Live Oak International. The award was presented to Derawnda Ricardo, an Intermediate Single Horse driven by G. Wilson Groves of Brownsville, Vermont.

Derawnda Ricardo (JMF Wind Walker x WH Dawn’s Felicity) is a 2001 black Morgan gelding. G. Wilson Groves owns “Rick” with his wife, Robin. After driving Derawnda Ricardo through Live Oak International in impressive top health and body condition, G. Wilson was proud to earn the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award. G. Wilson and Robin Groves also compete Rick in distance events, and plan to enter him in an upcoming driving distance event this year. Last year, G. Wilson and Rick were Champions in Combined Driving Single and Carriage Pleasure Driving in the Vermont Morgan Horse Association Open Awards. In addition, the horse was named Reserve Champion in Competitive Trail Driving with Robin and in Endurance with G. Wilson and Jenny Kimberly.

The Groves have regularly competed in multiple disciplines — including eventing, dressage, jumping, competitive trail, endurance, and pleasure show driving — throughout the past 50 years. They currently show in pleasure shows, in combined driving at the advanced and intermediate levels, and enjoy distance driving. Robin is currently the USEF National Champion in Combined Driving for the second time, and also hosts clinics to educate others. She competed on the US Team at the World Singles Championships in Italy in 2010 and in Poland in 2008, placing highest of all of the US drivers in the individual competition. Robin and G. Wilson have many championship ribbons, and have learned through experience that a healthy horse is a winning horse.

The Groves create an individual plan involving both conditioning and nutritional programs for each of their horses. “It gives you a definite advantage if your horse is in good health,” G. Wilson said. “I get the most out of my horse if he is in good health.” To help Derawnda Ricardo stay in shape, he said, “We give him regular work and basically keep his supplements up and his feed right and just keep a good eye on him.”

G. Wilson is already a fan of Omega Alpha products, especially Chill, Biotic 8, and Healthy Horse. His first introduction to Omega Alpha products was at an event at Bromont Equestrian Center years ago. The Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award at 2015 Live Oak International was presented by Patti Hanco, Director of Business Development for the Equine Division. G. Wilson received a commemorative ribbon and prize basket full of Omega Alpha equine products — including many of his favorites. The supplements are made with all natural ingredients and include an array of products for everything from nerves and behavioral issues to sustaining muscle, gut, and digestive health.

Omega Alpha was also a sponsor and vendor at Live Oak International. Hanco was a judge for the children’s horseless jumping competition, which had jumps supplied by Premier Equestrian set up in a fun course for kids to jump over. Those participants who had horses or ponies of their own also received samples of supplements from Omega Alpha.

For twenty-two years, Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals has been carefully developing natural equine products through research-based science. Today, Omega Alpha produces more than 300 effective supplements in five product divisions — Consumer Health Products, Pet Health Products, Equine Health Products, Professional Naturopathic Health Products, and Professional Veterinarian Products. To learn more about Omega Alpha, visit www.OmegaAlpha.ca or call 1-800-651-3172.

Contact: Patti Hanco
Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc.
1-800-651-3172
phanco@OmegaAlpha.ca
www.OmegaAlpha.ca