DR. EDGAR HOTZ PASSES AWAY

USA Equestrian (formerly AHSA) announced today that Dr. Edgar Hotz, a
prominent dressage judge, died on October 17, 2001, from complications of a
severe stroke. Edgar's judging career spanned 30 years and he eventually
became an AHSA 'S' judge, Canadian 'S' judge and FEI 'I' judge. He
officiated at countless major shows in the United States and abroad,
including several Olympic selection trials, World Cup Finals, Olympic
Festivals, and American Young Rider Championships.

He was a highly regarded instructor for aspiring judges and conducted many
seminars and other educational activities. Edgar served on numerous
committees, including the AHSA Dressage Committee and USET Dressage
Committee. He served the on the AHSA Board of Directors from 1996 to 1998.
He was also a member of the USDF Judges Council, the USDF "L" Program
Faculty, and the German Judges Association. He will be sorely missed by his
many friends and colleagues as well as the many competitors who had the
privilege of riding in shows where he officiated.

Edgar Hotz was born July 24, 1941 in Seeligenstadt, Germany. He studied
economics in Germany and worked some time as a banker in Frankfurt. Edgar
also was a member of the German Air Force Reserve. After the death of his
father-in-law, he took over the Machine Tool Company owned by his wife's
family and subsequently represented it in the United States. His parents
preceded him in death.

His first riding experiences were in a private club near Munich. Later, he
boarded several horses in the stable that was owned by the family of his
future wife, Irmtraud. At the time, Edgar was active in all equestrian
disciplines, including hunting which was one of his favorite activities.

He married Irmtraud in 1971 and they moved to the United States that same
year. Since then, they resided at their Dogwood Farm in Lebanon, NJ. Besides
being a passionate equestrian, Edgar was very fond of classical music.
Already as a 12-year-old, he was the organist at many church ceremonies.
Later, he also conducted choirs and gave piano recitals. He loved to read
and indulge in animated conversations.

In his memory, Mrs. Hotz would appreciate donations to the Red Cross for
victims of the September 11th attack. Contributions can be sent to any
local American Red Cross office. Checks should be earmarked "Disaster Fund
New York."

USA Equestrian Inc., as the National Equestrian Federation of the U.S., is the regulatory body for the Olympic and World Championship sports of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, reining, show jumping, and vaulting, as well as 19 other breeds and disciplines of equestrian competition. As the country's largest multi-breed organization, the Federation has over 77,000 members and recognizes more than 2,800 competitions nationwide each year. It governs all aspects of competition, including educating and licensing all judges, stewards, and technical delegates who officiate at these shows.