When Merial put out the call to be the next face and voice for ULCERGARD® (omeprazole), the response was amazing. Horse owners, equine competitors and veterinary professionals from throughout the country submitted heartfelt entries that demonstrated their love and trust of the product, as well as their commitment to guarding their horses against stomach ulcers.
Today, after weeks of reviewing entries and allowing the public to cast ballots for its favorite finalists, Merial is pleased to announce the winners of its Stay on Guard Contest – and the newest spokespeople for ULCERGARD.
The winner of the Western category is Kari Kemper Hickam, who hails from Blue Springs, MO. Kari, who works in marketing, competes in halter and Western pleasure, participates in six to 10 events a year, and has used ULCERGARD for five years.
Winning the English category is Lyndsey Tait, who is from Moorestown, NJ. Lyndsey, who is an assistant processor for a home mortgage company, competes in English pleasure and equitation, participates in 21 to 25 events a year, and has used ULCERGARD for one year.
From Fort Jennings, Ohio, is the winner of the Racehorse category, Christina Zehender. Christina, who is a pre-clinical laboratory supervisor, competes in Quarter Horse racing, participates in 21 to 25 events a year, and has used ULCERGARD for three years.
And the winner of the Veterinarian/Veterinary Technician category is Amie Allen, from Oakdale, Calif. Amie is an equine veterinary technician at Pioneer Equine Hospital and has used ULCERGARD for four years.
“Reading the sincere, first-hand account of how this product has worked for others is truly gratifying and reaffirming,” says Amanda McAvoy, Merial’s product manager for Equine Pharmaceuticals. “I think horse owners, competitors and veterinary professionals will appreciate and be able to identify with the successes our winners have experienced with ULCERGARD, and hopefully recognize the value and benefits the product can bring to their horses as well.
“On behalf of Merial, I also want to thank everyone who entered the contest. The photos and the stories were phenomenal, and we appreciate the time, effort and support of the product.”
Each winner will be featured in an advertisement, will participate in a photo shoot with renowned photographer David Stoecklein, and will receive 40 tubes of ULCERGARD. For more information about our Stay on Guard Contest winners, visit the spokesperson section of www.ulcergard.com. Also watch for ads featuring the winners’ faces and ULCERGARD success stories in the spring issues of equine publications.
Visit www.egus.org for additional details about equine stomach ulcers. ULCERGARD information can be found at www.ulcergard.com.
Important safety information:
ULCERGARD can be used in horses that weigh at least 600 pounds. Safety in pregnant mares has not been determined.
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 5,700 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2009 sales were over $2.6 billion. Merial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi-aventis. For more information, please see www.merial.com.
