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USET Continues
Preparations for 2002 World Equestrian Games
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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
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