USET Continues Preparations for 2002 World Equestrian Games

Gladstone, NJ—March 5, 2002—The United States Equestrian Team (USET) began its preparations for the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain almost immediately after the closing ceremonies of the 1998 World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Over the last four years, the USET has maintained ongoing contact with the Organizing Committee of the 2002 World Equestrian Games working to ensure a smooth operation that will maximize the chances of medal-winning performances by all U.S. athletes.

As the Games approach, the USET’s preparations continue and intensify. Travel and lodging arrangements are in place for athletes, staff, owners and a reasonable number of team supporters. Training and team selection has been ongoing since last year and will culminate in the coming months.

“The main focus of all USET efforts in 2002 is the World Equestrian Games,” said USET President Dr. Armand Leone, Jr. “While other programs continue, the most important programs are those devoted to achieving success at the World Equestrian Games.

“We know many USET supporters favor one particular discipline and, with this in mind, we have structured a special World Equestrian Games contribution program where individuals can direct their donations to their favorite discipline. Those sending donations for a specific discipline can be assured that every penny of their contribution will go directly to support competition and training in that discipline, not to administration and not to anything other than where they direct those funds.”

U.S. horses and riders rank among the world’s best and expectations are high for medal-winning performances in all seven disciplines--dressage, eventing, show jumping, driving, endurance, reining and vaulting. With the generous support of USET members and all Americans who care about equestrian sports, these medal-winning performances will be achieved. USET supporters are urged to send contributions as soon as possible to maintain the Team’s on-going programs. Contributions should be directed to your favorite discipline by mailing to: GO Team USA!, c/o USET, Box 355, Gladstone, NJ 07934.

WEG team selection is well under way and each discipline utilizes a selection process developed by its own athletes, coaches and discipline committee that maximizes the chances for success at WEG and is appropriate to its own situation.

Dressage
Selection Trials will be held on June 1-2 and June 8-9 at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, NJ. The Trials will also serve as the 2002 USET Grand Prix Championship.

Eventing
Following six selection trials held in 2001, The MBNA Foxhall Cup, April 18-21 in Atlanta, GA, and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bayer, April 25-28 in Lexington, KY, are the first of five selection trials to be held this spring. The two U.S. trials will be followed by the Badminton CCI**** in England, May 2-5; the Punchestown CCI*** in Ireland, May 16-19; and the Bramham CCI*** in England, June 6-9.

Show Jumping
Selection Trials will be held July 20 – 21 at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar, CA and July 26 and 28 during CSI-A San Juan Capistrano, at Oaks Blenheim in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Combined Driving
Following five selection trials last fall, there are seven additional trials this spring culminating at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions, presented by State Line Tack at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone in June.

Endurance
Candidates for the WEG Endurance squad must complete at least one of nine selection trials being held in the U.S. between April 6 and June 15.

Reining
A series of five Qualifying Classes will determine which Reiners will compete in the WEG Team Secondary Trial, which will take place in May at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby. The top twenty (20) horse/rider combinations, plus ties for 20th will advance to the Final Selection Trial, which will also serve as the USET Reining Championship at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions, presented by State Line Tack at Gladstone in June.

Vaulting
USA Equestrian is conducting the selection of athletes for vaulting. Once the athletes are selected, the USET will coordinate all arrangements and logistics.

The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest possible standard to represent our country in major international competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships. To accomplish this, the USET seeks out and nurtures the development of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org