North Salem, NY – August 16, 2012 – The 2012 American Gold Cup announced today that legendary boot maker, Der Dau Custom Boots, has joined forces as a new sponsor for this year’s event.
The American Gold Cup returns to action in September at its new home at Old Salem Farm, in North Salem, NY. The show is scheduled for September 12th through the 16th, 2012, with the famed $200,000 American Gold Cup, CSI4*-W, a FEI World Cup Qualifying Competition, as the highlight event on the final Sunday.
With roots in pre-World War II Havana, and more than 50 years handcrafting custom boots and shoes at its Brooklyn, NY headquarters, Der-Dau continues to build its reputation for unparalleled excellence. “The pride we have for our trade, as well as our skill, hard work and dedication, have raised us to the level of excellence at which we stand today,” said company founder Jose Der, Sr. “For over a half a century, Der-Dau has been manufacturing custom quality boots and shoes by hand. Our pride is our craft and tradition.”
Jose Der, founder of Der Dau Custom Boots (left) with US show jumping rider Todd Minikus (center) and Joseph Der of Der Dau Boots (right)
Jose’s son, Joseph Der, has since established Der Dau as the best in the elite world of equestrian sports, aligning the company with the sport’s leading associations and events as a sponsor and maintaining, along with both his parents, a visible presence at the nation’s major events.
“I decided to come on-board for the American Gold Cup because of the prestigious name and history of the show as well as the beautiful grounds at Old Salem Farm,” said Joseph Der. “Der Dau has been making custom made boots for over fifty years in the United States. We hope to welcome new riders who haven’t experienced our boots and we invite them to visit us at the American Gold Cup.”
“The American Gold Cup is delighted to have Der Dau with us in North Salem, NY this year,” said Michael Morrissey, President of Stadium Jumping, Inc. “Der Dau Custom Boots has been a leader in this industry for decades and has supported Stadium Jumping for years and years. We’re glad they are with us for the Gold Cup.”
Der-Dau customers include many Olympic riders and other top stars of the sport of show jumping. The key to their allegiance continues to be what has always been the Der-Dau trademark: custom boots and shoes individually crafted by hand with personal attention, quality materials, unmatched skill, and pride in a trade that has become uncommon in this day of mass production.
Der-Dau was the first in the equestrian industry to introduce a line of boots
showcasing exotic leathers in a variety of colors and skins. The use of these rare leathers helped position Der-Dau as ‘refreshing, fashion-forward, and trendy’ according to various media reports.
All aspects of the business remain in-house, utilizing skilled craftsmen who are often second generation employees of the company. “We handle every aspect of the process ourselves,” said Joseph. “We design and manufacture, market and sell. We take great pride in knowing every one of our customers.”
“For more than 50 years, Der-Dau has been making quality boots and shoes by hand and the key to our success has been the pride we take in our craft,” Joseph said. “It is our intention to launch our second half-century with our first-ever line of mainstream accessories and a soon-to-be revealed bold new move that we believe will set our company on a path that will change us forever!”
Der-Dau products are available by calling 1-800-DER-DAU6 or by going on line at www.derdau.com
The American Gold Cup will feature a full array of jumper classes, including sections for Children and Adult Jumpers, Low and High Junior/Amateur Jumpers, plus Young Jumpers. A $25,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Classic will take center stage on Saturday and the day will also include $10,000 NAL Classics for Children, Adults and Low Junior/Amateurs.
Highlight events for Open Jumpers include the $7,500 Hallway Feed & KER Sport Horse Nutrition Open Jumpers on Wednesday, $10,000 1.45m Speed class on Thursday, the $50,000 American Gold Cup Qualifier on Friday, the $35,000 Double H Farm American Gold Cup Jumper Classic on Saturday and of course, Sunday’s main event, the 42nd edition of the $200,000 American Gold Cup.
This year’s event in September will be much more than an equestrian competition, but rather a family destination, offering the non-equestrian enthusiast a children’s fair, a petting zoo, live musical entertainment and a trade fair. The famous Just World International Horseless Horse Show, always an exciting attraction for children attending the event, will also be held.
See you in September in New York!
The official prize list for this year’s event is now available on line at: www.stadiumjumping.com and www.theamericangoldcup.com
