FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES TRYON 2018 TM
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
This Handbook has been written, produced and designed by the United States Equestrian Federation and is the Property of the USEF. Headshot photos by Taylor Pence/US Equestrian unless otherwise stated. Cover Photos: Andrea Evans/US Equestrian, Shannon Brinkman Photo, Taylor Pence/US Equestrian, PicsofYou.com, Waltenberry
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 2 Letter from US Equestrian President 3 Letter from U.S. Chef de Mission 4 About US Equestrian 5 U.S. Chef de Mission and Press Officer Bios 6 US Equestrian Sponsors 7 Competition Schedule 8 U.S. Endurance Team 16 U.S. Reining Team 24 The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team 32 Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team 40 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte 48 U.S. Vaulting Team 60 NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team 68 U.S. Driving Team
USEF MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT
FOLLOW & TAG US EQUESTRIAN
Julian McPeak
@USequestrian
Team Press Officer +1 484.764.7192 jmcpeak@usef.org *all official media requests should be submitted via email or at the press office
@USAEndurance and tag #USAEndurance @USEFReining and tag #USAReining @USADressage and tag #USADressage @USAEventing1 and tag #USAEventing @USAParaDressage and tag #USAParaDressage @USAValuting and tag #USAVaulting @USAJumping and tag #USAJumping @USACombinedDriving and tag #USADriving
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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LETTER FROM
US EQUESTRIAN PRESIDENT Dear Members of the Media, Welcome to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018! The United States Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is extremely excited and proud that this prestigious event is being hosted in the United States for the second time! As nearly 500,000 spectators gather to watch some of the best horses and athletes from across the world compete for medals and Olympic qualification, I hope that you find the atmosphere electric, the competition fierce, and the U.S. hospitable. US Equestrian thanks you for your dedicated efforts and hard work; for your fair and engaging coverage of the U.S. teams. We thank you for joining us and for choosing to focus your talents on this pinnacle event, placing it at the forefront of the minds of the public and elevating the sport as a whole. The last time the WEG was held on U.S. soil was in 2010 in Lexington, Ky. Fifty-seven countries and nearly 800 athletes and their horses competed. In 2014 in Normandy, France, 984 athletes from 74 nations participated. In 2018, we are estimating 850 athletes and their horses from over 60 nations will compete for bragging rights and the title of World Champion. It is going to be an exciting event! First and foremost, special recognition must go to Mark Bellissimo and his staff at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for stepping up and providing a home for the 2018 WEG with only half the time an organizer normally gets to prepare. I hope you will agree that Tryon is a unique and amazing facility that will play a major global role for equestrian sport for years to come. We also thank the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) for all of their incredible support to help pull off this monumental task. It was a true team effort. To the volunteers, staff, and officials, we recognize your tireless work and appreciate your commitment to ensuring that this WEG is safe, fair, and enjoyable for horses, athletes, and spectators alike. We wish all of the athletes and their exceptional horses competing in this WEG the very best of success and safety. And for the hundreds of thousands of fans watching in person and around the world, we hope you enjoy the joy of horse sports as never before at the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018!
Murray S. Kessler President
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PHOTO: ISABEL J KUREK PHOTOGRAPHY
Bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible,
LETTER FROM
U.S. CHEF DE MISSION Members of the Media: As the “Home Team,” we are proud to welcome the equestrian
Vaulting in the U.S. is dominated by West coast-based athletes,
elite from around the globe, and this, of course includes the
a very long way from the heart of the sport in Europe. Due to
media. We also hope that competing at home will mean there
financial realities, U.S. vaulting athletes often have to compete on
are plenty of spectators cheering on the U.S. athletes and
borrowed horses when they travel to foreign competitions. The
horses. The support will definitely help!
U.S. Vaulting Team will be on their own horses in Tryon, and are
For four of the disciplines, reining, driving, vaulting, and endur-
ready to go ‘Citius, Altius, Fortius,’ to borrow the Olympic motto.
ance, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) marks the pin-
In driving, the rules allow for the best two scores from each of
nacle of their sport. For the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines
the three disciplines to count towards the team score; this will al-
of jumping, dressage, eventing, and para-dressage, the WEG
low the U.S. Driving Team to play to their strengths and challenge
is equally as high profile. However, the WEG also serves as the
the Europeans – it will be an exciting competition!
first opportunity to secure U.S. team spots at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Securing this Olympic and Paralympic qualification will be the primary aim for many of the nations’ Olympic disciplines competing in Tryon over the next two weeks. Qualification is the primary target for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team, and the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team. This does not mean we do not want to win medals, absolutely we do, but we recognize the importance of securing Olympic Team qualification now, so as not to rely on results at the Pan American Games or Nations Cup Finals. The targets and aims for the U.S. teams differ across the
We would not have a U.S. Team in Tryon if not for the support of the owners, the US Equestrian membership, the US Equestrian sponsors, and the USET Foundation. We hope their support and encouragement will be recognized. Ultimately, our athletes are in Tryon to deliver on the field of play, and all of us who make up the support team (grooms, trainers, veterinarians, physical therapists, farriers, team leadership, and, of course, owners) are here to ensure the athletes have nothing to focus on other than their competitive performances. We ask that all help us achieve this by giving the athletes the space to prepare and thus concentrate on ‘wowing’ the world!
disciplines. The U.S. Reining Team arrives at the 2018 WEG
Will Connell
with a certain level of expectation following their outstanding
Chef de Mission and Director of Sport
results in Normandy in 2014. For the U.S. Endurance Team, we have been working very hard to build programs and help our
U.S. TEAM CENTRAL STAFF
athletes prepare for what will be a challenging topographical
Steven Morrissey, Asst. Chef de Mission
feat – completing, as a team, is our first and primary aim.
Andy Thomas, Team Human Physiotherapist
U.S. para-equestrian dressage has been another discipline
Dr. Mark Hart, Team Doctor
where we have invested time and resources to grow the programs, launching the USEF/USPEA Centers of Excellence and seeking to proliferate the link between therapeutic riding and para competition, while working with our athletes, their coaches, and the owners to raise the scores at the top level. The podium for the U.S Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte is within sight, but we will ultimately measure success by analyzing how far we have come in closing the gap to the podium.
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ABOUT THE
US EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION VISION STATEMENT To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible
MISSION STATEMENT To provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans, and enthusiasts each share a personal bond with the horse. This commonality defines the membership of the US Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian), which serves as the National Governing Body for equestrian sport. Since its inception in 1917, US Equestrian has been dedicated to pursuing excellence, promoting growth, and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes. Currently led by President Murray Kessler, US Equestrian remains dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, fostering the development of young riders and newcomers, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. US Equestrian trains and recommends, and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) selects and helps fund the United States Equestrian Olympic Team, which consistently wins medals. US Equestrian receives gracious assistance from the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET), which supports the competition, training, coaching, travel, and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international high-performance horses and athletes. US Equestrian also USEF Network, an online platform for live and on-demand event coverage. In 2018, US Equestrian embarked on the journey of spreading joy and embracing change as step two in the re-branding initiative “Discover the Joy of Horse Sports,” that began in 2017. As a part of these efforts, US Equestrian has expanded the new Learning Center with sponsored content from our breed and discipline experts, partnered with top-tier equestrian media outlets to cover and promote our athletes and horses, and signed many new sponsors with valuable member benefits. Horse and human welfare continue to be top priorities, as we educate our members and athletes about the importance of both Clean Sport and Safe Sport.
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PHOTOS: BRITISH EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION (TOP), TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRAIN (BOTTOM)
licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year and operates the
U.S. CHEF DE MISSION AND PRESS OFFICER
BIOGRAPHIES
U.S. TEAM CHEF DE MISSION || WILL CONNELL Will Connell was named as the USEF Director of Sport Programs and Chef de Mission for the U.S. teams in 2014. From 2003 to 2014, Connell served as the British Equestrian Federation Performance Director and Chef de Mission (attending 4 Olympic & Paralympic Games and 3 World Equestrian Games) with responsibility for the coordination and delivery of the UK Sport-Funded World Class Program for the disciplines of eventing, dressage, jumping, and para-equestrian dressage. He served 17 years in the Royal Artillery and was Commanding Officer of the King's Troop RHA, a Mounted unit based in London. Connell served as Chef d'Equipe for the British Young Rider Eventing team from 1997 to 2001, served as a British Eventing Steward, and was Deputy Equestrian Director of Olympia, The London International Horse Show. In January 2013, he was appointed, by Her Majesty, a Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to Equestrian Sport (following the London 2012 Olympic Games). Connell’s lifelong involvement in equestrian sport brings a breadth of experience and leadership to his role with the U.S. teams. Connell is responsible for the administration of all aspects of sport programming at US Equestrian, primarily the eight international disciplines. In addition, Connell serves as the Chef de Mission at the FEI World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, and Olympic Games and is responsible for oversight of the US Equestrian coaching and sports science & medicine programs, as well as collaborating with and leading the dedicated USEF Discipline Directors and their staff.
U.S. TEAM PRESS OFFICER || JULIAN MCPEAK With a professional background in non-profit, equestrian, sports public relations, communications, and marketing, McPeak has combined her lifelong passion for horses with her career. McPeak's role as the Director of Communications and Team Press Officer for the U.S. teams includes providing communications support across US Equestrian, but is centralized on the promotion of equestrian sport in the U.S. through communication pathways, as well as media and public relations support and exposure for U.S. athletes. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in Strategic Communications, she took a position with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) as their Director of Marketing and Communications. Having grown up riding and owning Arabian horses, it was a natural fit that allowed for continued growth within the marketing and communications profession. McPeak’s travel to and work at Arabian horse World and National Championship events for onsite marketing and public relations opened the door for her transition to US Equestrian as the Team Press Officer and Director of Communications. For interviews with U.S. athletes, Chefs d’Equipe, or other U.S. team members, please contact Julian directly via email or phone. Requests can also be submitted through the media center, however, direct contact with athletes is discouraged. jmcpeak@usef.org Cell or WhatsApp: +1 484.764.7192
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US EQUESTRIAN
SPONSORS U.S. TEAM SPONSORS FOR THE FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMESTM (WEG) TRYON 2018 Official Team Sponsor of the NetJets® U.S. Show Jumping Team
Official Team Sponsor of The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team
Official Team Sponsor of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team
Official Team Sponsor of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
The Official Joint Therapy of US Equestrian
Official Footwear and Apparel Partner of the U.S. Equestrian Team
Official Tailcoat Supplier of US Equestrian
Official Blanket of the U.S. High-Performance Teams
Official Saddlepad Supplier of US Equestrian
PLEASE VISIT ALL US EQUESTRIAN SPONSORS AT: USequestrian.org/about-us/partners
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COMPETITION
SCHEDULE TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Opening Ceremony—Evening
Para-Dressage—08:30–17:30—Individual Medals*
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Vaulting—09:30–20:00—Nations Cup Team Freestyle
Endurance—07:00–20:30—Team/Individual Competition
Medals*, Individual and Pas de Deux Freestyle
Reining—08:30–13:30,
Jumping—09:00–17:15—Team Competition/Individual Round 1
16:00–21:00—Team Medals*/
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Individual Qualifier Dressage—08:45–18:00—Team Competition/Individual Qualifier (Grand Prix)
Para-Dressage—09:00–16:00—Team Competition Jumping—09:00–17:15—Team Competition/ Individual Qualifier
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Vaulting—12:00–20:00—Pas de Deux Freestyle Medals*,
Dressage—08:45–18:00—Team Medals*/Individual Qualifier
Squad Freestyle (Non-Nations Cup Teams),
(Grand Prix)
Individual Technical
Eventing—09:00–16:30—Team/Individual Competition
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
(Dressage) Reining—14:00–16:15—Individual 2nd Qualifier Endurance—14:00—Medals
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Eventing—09:00–16:30—Team/Individual Competition (Dressage) Dressage—10:30–17:30—Individual Competition Medals* (Grand Prix Special)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Eventing—11:00–17:00—Team/Individual Competition (Cross-Country) Reining—18:00–20:15—Individual Medals*
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Para-Dressage—09:00–16:00—Team Medals* Driving—11:00–16:45—Team/Individual Competition (Dressage) Jumping—13:30–16:45—Team Medals*
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Para-Dressage—09:30–17:45—Individual Freestyle Medals* Driving—11:00–15:15—Team/Individual Competition (Marathon) Vaulting—12:00–20:00—Individual/Squad Medals*
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Driving—09:30–11:30—Team/Individual Medals* (Cones) Jumping—10:00–13:30—Individual Medals* Closing Ceremony
Dressage—08:30–11:40—Individual Competition Medals*
*Medal ceremonies follow published session end times
(Grand Prix Freestyle)
This schedule utilizes military time. Timetable subject to change
Eventing—15:15–17:45—Team/Individual Medals* (Jumping)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Off
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Para-Dressage—08:30–17:30—Individual Medals* Vaulting—09:30–19:00—Individual/Squad Compulsories US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
U.S. ENDURANCE TEAM
"
The sport of endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock. It tests the speed and stamina of both horse and rider, and challenges each combination to ensure an effective use of pace and navigational skills over undulating terrains. Endurance is the ultimate test of the partnership between horse and rider. Mandatory vet checks and rest periods are a key aspect of the competition and ensure horse and rider welfare through the 100-mile test.” - Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
The U.S. Endurance Team has not won a team medal at the Games. However, Becky Hart won the individual gold medal in 1990 (Stockholm, Sweden) and Valerie Kanavy won the individual gold medal in 1994 (The Hague, The Netherlands). In 2018, the U.S. Endurance Team’s goal is to complete the event as a team.
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U.S ENDURANCE TEAM STAFF U.S. ENDURANCE TEAM LEADER – KRISTEN BRETT Kristen Brett grew up in Memphis, Tenn., and competed in the hunter/jumper and equitation disciplines. Brett attended William Woods University and the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where she majored in Business Administration, Equine Science, and Early Childhood Education. In 2008, Brett joined USEF as a Regulation Representative and moved into the Sport Department as an Assistant in 2013. Following the 2014 Alltech® FEI World Equestrian Games™, Kristen was promoted to Director of Dressage & Endurance Programs. Brett’s key role includes serving as the liaison to the Endurance Sport Committee and Dressage Development Program, overseeing the administration for the endurance discipline, and supporting the development of the athletes at the young rider and senior levels.
U.S. ENDURANCE TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE - MARK DIAL Mark Dial was appointed to the position of U.S. Endurance Team Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe in April of 2015. Dial was first active in the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), including his role as Vice-Chair of the AERC International Committee. Dial’s role as the U.S. Endurance Team Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe includes not only coaching the U.S. team, but also selecting athletes for particular courses and races, managing the crewing, and assisting with the training, and team staff development. He works with four team vets and the USEF staff to monitor the progress of the combinations throughout the year as they develop. Dial is also tasked with developing and implementing a pipeline to identify talented endurance athletes, with the potential for future team and international success, while building the depth of upcoming talented athletes. Dial is also an FEI Chief Steward, 4* Judge, and 3* Technical Delegate.
U.S. ENDURANCE TEAM STAFF Dr. Ken Marcella, Team Veterinarian Dr. Mark Hart, Team Doctor Andy Thomas, Team Human Physiotherapist Kenny Bark, Team Farrier Shearer Wludyka, Team Farrier
ENDURANCE VETERINARY ADVISORY GROUP Dr. Ken Marcella – serving as Team Veterinarian
Dr. Olivia Rudolphi Dr. Ann Stuart
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PHOTO: BECKY PEARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Todd Holbrook
DANIELLE CROUSE
BORN: April 1, 1971 RESIDENCE: White Post, Va. HORSE: AM Mysterious Mopsa, 11-year-old Arabian mare OWNER: Wendy MacCoubrey GROOM: Andres Ramirez Olivares CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Earned a top-five placing at the 2005 Pan American Games in Pinamar, Argentina
•
Earned a team top-ten placing at the 1997 European Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy
•
Placed second at the 2017 FITS CEI3* with AM Mysterious Mopsa
•
In the last three years, successfully completed seven of the 10 races she entered with a top-four placing and above
Danielle Crouse is from a family who is actively involved in the sport of endurance. Her mother, Valerie Kanavy, is also a successful endurance athlete and was a member of the 1994 FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Endurance Team. This will be Crouse’s first WEG, though she has represented the U.S. in other team competitions. Crouse received her Doctorate of Nursing in May of this year and is a practicing family nurse practitioner. She is married with four children.
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GWEN HALL
BORN: Octoer 7, 1966 RESIDENCE: Woodland Park, Colo. HORSE: SizeDoesntMatter, 12-year-old Arabian gelding OWNER: Gwen Hall GROOM: Alex Shampoe CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Since 2013, she and SizeDoesntMatter have completed 11 of the 13 races they have entered, always finish-
•
Placed first in the 2018 Fire Up Ridgecrest CEI2* on SizeDoesn’tMatter
•
Placed first in the 2017 Ft. Howes CEI2* on SizeDoesntMatter
•
Placed first in the 2017 Lone Star Express CEI1* on SizeDoesntMatter
Gwen Hall graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a practicing small animal veterinarian and is married with two stepsons. A former ultramarathon runner, Hall held several women’s course records at the 50 kilometer and 50 mile distances in the states of Missouri and Kansas. In 2001, she held the eleventh fastest U.S. women’s 100-mile time. This will be Hall’s first WEG.
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PHOTOS: PASCHAL KARL/KARL CREATIONS (TOP LEFT), TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRAIN
ing in the top five
KELSEY RUSSELL
BORN: July 22, 1987 RESIDENCE: Williston, Fla. HORSE: Fireman Gold, eight-year-old Arabian gelding OWNER: Wendy MacCoubrey and Valerie Kanavy GROOM: Andres Ramirez Olivares SOCIAL:
@Gold-Medal-Farm-Endurance-Team
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Selected for the U.S. Endurance Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France
•
Two top-10 finishes at the FEI Junior and Young Rider Endurance World Championships (2011, 2013)
•
Won a team and individual gold medal at the 2011 Adequan®/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, riding My Wild Irish Gold
•
Finished in the top 20 at the CEI2* Test Event for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 on Fireman Gold
•
Won three of the five top-five finishes in CEI3* events in 2017 and 2018 on Fireman Gold
Kelsey Russell is currently a third year, pre-veterinarian student at the University of Central Florida. After college, she plans to attend the veterinary school at the University of Florida. This is Russell’s second time competing for the U.S. at the WEG.
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RAE SHUMATE-TYSOR
BORN: November 22, 1996 RESIDENCE: Cumming, Ga. HORSE: DM Michaelangelo, nine-year-old Arabian gelding OWNER: Rae Shumate-Tysor GROOM: K. Leigh Knox SOCIAL:
@rae.schumatetysor
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Since 2013, she and DM Michaelangelo have 18 top-five finishes in races
•
Three wins in CEI1* and CEI2* races in 2018 with DM Michaelangelo
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Second in the 2018 Broxton Bridge CEI3* race with DM Michaelangelo
Rae Shumate-Tysor is currently a student at Reinhardt University, earning her degree in Business. Horses have been a part of Shumate-Tysor’s family for many generations and she currently competes in a variety of breeds and disciplines, including Arabians. Her first memory is that of sitting on a horse, however, she credits her father for her ‘racing gene,’ who was a professional motorcyclist. This will be her first time competing at
PHOTO: BECKY PEARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
the WEG.
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PHOTO: WALTENBERRY
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U.S. REINING TEAM
"
Reining is a judged event designed to show the athletic ability of a ranch type horse in the confines of a show arena. In Reining competitions, contestants are required to run one of several approved patterns which are divided into seven or eight manoeuvre groups. Each pattern includes small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, rollbacks over the hocks, a series of 360 degree spins done in place, and the exciting sliding stops that are the hallmark of the reining horse.” - Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
Reining became an FEI discipline in 2000. Since the discipline’s inception at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (Jerez de la Frontera, Spain), the U.S. Reining Team has won the gold medal at all four Games (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014). The U.S. has won a total of nine individual medals, three gold, four silver, and two bronze, and has made an appearance on the podium at all four of the past WEGs.
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U.S REINING TEAM STAFF U.S. REINING TEAM LEADER - BRYN WELLS Bryn Wells grew up a competitive reiner in New Mexico and rode on the equestrian team at her alma mater, New Mexico State University, in both reining and hunt seat equitation. Wells joined US Equestrian in 2009 as the Director of Reining and Eventing Programs. When an opportunity to work with the U.S. Reining Team presented itself in 2015, she jumped at the chance, excited to get back to her roots and help grow the sport she loves. Wells says working with the high-performance reining athletes has been a highlight of her career, and she looks forward to being a part of the U.S. Reining Team for Tryon 2018. Wells’s role as Team Leader includes managing all logistics around the selection process and preparation for the WEG, as well as coordinating the day-to-day plans for the U.S. Reining Team while at the WEG.
U.S. REINING TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE - JEFF PETSKA Jeff Petska has served as Chef d’Equipe for the U.S. Reining Team since the inaugural year for reining at the FEI World Equestrian Games. He has been involved with US Equestrian since 2002, serving as chef d’equipe for the gold medal-winning teams at the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 WEGs. Petska owns Whitesboro Equine Therapy in Whitesboro, Texas, and Petska Performance Horses in Collinsville, Texas, with his wife Lisa, where he manages and trains at least 50 horses. Petska grew up in Nebraska and got involved in the horse business as a college student. He currently serves as an NRHA judge and an American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) judge; he also is an National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) board member and chairs the organization’s NRHA Professionals.
U.S. REINING TEAM STAFF Dr. John Newcomb, Team Veterinarian
PHOTO: WALTENBERRY
Clint Perkins, Team Farrier
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CASEY DEARY
BORN: November 24, 1980 RESIDENCE: Weatherford, Texas HORSE: Heavy Duty Chex, seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion OWNER: Hilldale Farm GROOM: David Hutton SOCIAL:
@Deary-Performance-Horses
@dearyperformancehorses
WEBSITE: dearyperformancehorses.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 FEI CRI3* reserve champion at the National Reining Breeders Classic
•
2017 FEI CRI3* top-5 on two horses at the Tulsa Reining Classic
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2017 NRHA Level 4 Open Derby champion
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2017 FEI CRI3* tie for champion at the NRHA North American Derby
Casey Deary grew up in Texas and began riding at a young age. At 16-years-old, Deary was already investing in low-cost. unbroke horses, then training and reselling to support the young entrepreneur’s emerging business as a trainer. Amongst his many accolades, Deary won the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity in 2012 on Americasnextgunmodel and again in 2015 on Shesouttayourleague, and has made the finals at many major limited-age events. He has earned more than $1.5 million in reining competition. In March, Deary finished fourth at the USEF Selection Trial and WEG Reining Test Event on a total score of 444 points aboard Heavy Duty Chex. He and his wife, Nicole, own Deary Performance Horses in Weatherford, Texas, where he coaches youth and amateur clients to successfully work with their horses, not only in competition, but every time they ride. Deary and Nicole have four children: Wyatt, Joy, Owen, and Olivia.
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DAN HUSS
BORN: November 13, 1960 RESIDENCE: Scottsdale, Ariz. HORSE: Ms Dreamy, eight-year-old Quarter Horse mare OWNER: Frederick R. Christen GROOM: Wendy Huss SOCIAL:
@Huss-Performance-Horses
@hussreiners
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 National Reining Breeders Classic Open Prime Time reserve champion
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2018 USA Reining Open reserve champion at the NRHA Derby
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2017 FEI CRI3* top-10 at the NRHA Derby
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2017 FEI CRI3* Las Vegas third-place finish at the Wild Card Reining Challenge
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2017 Level 4 Derby Open Championship at the Tulsa Reining Classic
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2017 Open Prime Time Reserve Champion at NRBC
Dan Huss is the owner and head trainer of Huss Performance Horses which he operates with his wife Wendy in Scottsdale, Ariz. Huss was one of the top-50 leading National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open lifetime money earners in 2016. He has also proven to be a successful coach for Non Pro reiners. Huss has earned a multitiude of national honors and he is an NRHA Open Futurity and Derby finalist, as well an NRBC finalist. Huss has had strong showings in competition this year. In March, Huss tied with fellow teammate Jordan Larson to win the FEI CRI3* at the USEF Selection Trial and WEG Reining Test Event on a composite score of 450 points aboard Ms Dreamy. In June, he placed second in the USA Reining Open at the NRHA Derby in Oklahoma City, Okla.
PHOTOS: WALTENBERRY
Keeping it in the family, Wendy joins Huss at the WEG this year not only as a supporter, but as Ms Dreamy’s groom.
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JORDAN LARSON
BORN: March 21, 1981 RESIDENCE: Valley View, Texas HORSE: ARC Gunnabeabigstar, seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion OWNER: HDC Quarter Horses USA LLC GROOM: Max Morin SOCIAL:
@Larson-Performance-Horses
@larsonreining
WEBSITE: larsonperformancehorses.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 National Reining Breeders Cup FEI CRI3* second-place tie
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2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM team gold medalist
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2008 FEI World Reining Championships team silver medalist
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2008 NRBC USEF gold medalist
Jordan Larson has always had a passion and love for horses and reining. He won his first reining competition at age 10 and trained his first reining horse when he was 14. Larson has a history of top placings at both National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) and FEI competitions, with lifetime earnings exceeding $2 million. In 2001, Larson won his first major title, the NRHA Limited Open World Championship. Larson has won the NRHA futurity championship twice, the first time being in 2010 just before he turned 30. Larson tied with fellow 2018 squad member Dan Huss for first place at the USEF Selection Trial and WEG Reining Test Event on a composite score of 450. Larson and his wife, Taylor, who is also an NRHA professional, work together as a team in their business, Larson Performance Horses. Larson has three children: Hannah, Cash, and Chloe. This dad of three is keen to give back to the sport and provide more opportunities for junior riders to excel. In 2016, Larson hosted a free training event at their ranch, and they welcomed 18 young riders from across the country.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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CADE MCCUTCHEON
BORN: May 22, 2000 RESIDENCE: Aubrey, Texas HORSE: Custom Made Gun, seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion OWNER: Tim and Colleen McQuay GROOM: Hannah Neumann SOCIAL:
@cadecutch00
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 CRIJ3* individual champion at Winter Slide with Custom Made Gun
•
Member of the 2017 Platinum Performance Young Rider Team at the SVAG FEI World Reining Championship for Juniors and Young Riders in Givrins, Switzerland, placing as the top U.S. rider in fourth
•
Won 2017 USEF Reining Championship at the Tulsa Reining Classic with REF Sturgis
•
Youngest competitor to win the Level 4 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Non-Pro Derby with Custom Made Gun in 2015 at 15 years old
At just 18 years old, Cade McCutcheon was named to the 2018 U.S. Reining Squad for the WEG, making him the youngest ever U.S. athlete to represent reining at the competition. In March, McCutcheon finished third at the USEF Selection Trial and WEG Reining Test Event on a composite score of 446 points aboard Custom Made Gun. A member of a family with a long line of prominent reiners, reining is in his blood. At age seven, McCutcheon made his reining debut in the first-ever Short Stirrup class. By 10 years old, he was showing in his first National Reining Horses Association (NRHA) Non Pro Futurity. He is the son of NRHA million dollar riders Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and the grandson of NRHA multi-million dollar rider/NRHA Hall of Fame member Tim McQuay and NRHA Hall of Fame member Colleen McQuay. McCutcheon joins his father, veteran WEG team member and gold medalist Tom McCutcheon, on the WEG
PHOTOS: WALTENBERRY
squad this year.
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GABE HUTCHINS
BORN: August 2, 1980 RESIDENCE: Joseph, Ore. HORSE: FM Shine N Tag Chex, seven-year-old Quarter Horse stallion OWNER: Tamarack Ranch GROOM: Randall Eschler SOCIAL:
@Gabe-Hutchins
WEBSITE: tamarackranchreiners.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 FEI CRI3* champion at the Cactus Reining Classic
•
2018 FEI CRI3* top 5 at the National Reining Breeders Classic
Gabe Hutchins grew up in Indiana and began riding at an early age. Both his mother and father were active in the Western disciplines throughout his childhood. Hutchins opened Hutchins Performance Horses in 2004 but his began his career as a professional horse trainer in 2001 working for Shawn Flarida, an FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) U.S. Reining Team veteran. Hutchins is also working out of Tamarack Ranch with his wife, Susie. To date, Hutchins has over $560,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings and has been a multiple finalist in all major events. In May, Hutchins finished in the top 10 at the USEF Selection Trial and WEG Reining Test Event on a total score of 442 points aboard FM Shine N Tag Chex. Hutchins became the youngest person ever to win the USEF Open Reining Championship in 2007 when he was just 27 years old.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
THE DUTTA CORP.
"
U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM
An Olympic discipline, dressage is therefore one of the bestknown and most celebrated of equestrian sports. Dressage is often compared to ballet, with a scoring system similar to ice-skating. The harmonious connection between the human and equine athletes allows each pair to perform an intricate pattern of movements for which they receive scores from a seven-member judging panel. Dressage features three classes: the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and the highlight, the Grand Prix Freestyle. The Freestyle is performed to music of the rider’s choice and spectators can expect to see incredibly complicated choreography performed in unison with the music.” - Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team last saw the podium at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) in 2006, when the U.S. team of Leslie Morse on Tip Top 962, Guenter Seidel on Aragon, Steffen Peters on Floriano, and Debbie McDonald on Brentina, won the team bronze medal in Aachen, Germany. Before that, the 2002 U.S. team of Debbie McDonald on Brentina, Lisa Wilcox on Relevant, Susan Blinks on Flim Flam, and Guenter Seidel on Nikolaus 7 won the team silver medal in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. In 1994, Kathleen Raine on Avontuur, Robert Dover on Devereaux, Gary Rockwell on Suna, and Carol Lavell on Gifted won the team bronze medal in The Hague, The Netherlands. Additionally, Steffen Peters and Ravel won two individual bronze medals in 2010 (Kentucky, USA).
TEAM SPONSOR: THE DUTTA CORP. The Dutta Corp., created and owned by Tim Dutta, is an international and domestic horse shipping company that was founded in 1988. With the slogan ‘We Give Horses Wings,’ The Dutta Corp. has dedicated time and resources to equestrian sport, as well as served as a long-time partner in the disciplines of dressage and eventing. In 2016, just prior to the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, The Dutta Corp. became the official sponsor of the U.S. Dressage Team. Learn more about The Dutta Corp. at timdutta.com.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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THE DUTTA CORP.
U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM STAFF
THE DUTTA CORP. U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM LEADER – HALLYE GRIFFIN Hallye Griffin grew up in Lexington, Ky., competing in the discipline of eventing and as a member of the United States Pony Club. She attended Transylvania University in Lexington, Ky., and majored in Political Science. Beginning her employment in the 2010 Alltech® FEI World Equestrian Games Organizing Committee in the Competition Department, Griffin joined US Equestrian as the Director of Dressage National Programs in 2011. Following the 2015 Pan American Games, Griffin was promoted to Managing Director, Dressage. Griffin’s role as Team Leader includes managing all logistics around the selection process and preparation for the WEG, as well as coordinating the day-today plans for the The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team while at the WEG.
THE DUTTA CORP. U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE – ROBERT DOVER Robert Dover has served in the role as Technical Advisor and Chef d’Equipe for The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team since 2013. Under his leadership, the U.S. Dressage Team returned to the podium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the team won a bronze medal. Additionally, in 2015, Dover coached the U.S. Dressage Team to a gold medal at the Pan American Games. A six-time Olympian and four-time Olympic bronze medalist, Dover has earned more honors than any other U.S. dressage rider, competing in six consecutive Olympic Games and four FEI World Equestrian Games. He also became the first American since 1960 to win the Aachen Grand Prix in 1987; something Dover considers as a distinguished moment in his career. In conjunction with his role in coaching the U.S. Dressage Team, Dover has been responsible for assisting in the growth of the development and pipeline programs, focused on raising the standard of excellence across all levels of dressage in the U.S. In addition, Dover was tasked with fundraising for the high-performance competitive and training programs. He will step down from his technical advisor and chef d’equipe role following the conclusion of the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018.
THE DUTTA CORP. U.S. DRESSAGE TEAM STAFF Dr. Cricket Russillo, Team Veterinarian Dr. Mark Hart, Team Doctor Andy Thomas, Team Human Physiotherapist
PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
Kenny Bark, Team Farrier
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
KASEY PERRY-GLASS
BORN: October 12, 1987 RESIDENCE: Orangevale, Calif. HORSE: Goerklintgaards Dublet, 15-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding OWNER: Diane Perry GROOM: Holly Gorman SOCIAL:
@KaseyPerryDressage
@KaseyPDressage
@kasey_perryglass
WEBSITE: kaseyperrydressage.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Team bronze medalist in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
•
2017 FEI World Cup Dressage Final competitor
Kasey Perry-Glass joined the ranks of international elite equestrian athletes in 2016 when she and Goerklintgaards Dublet made their Grand Prix debut on the international circuit. Their breakout second-place finishes in the CDI3* Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special at the 2016 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival would earn them the spotlight on the international circuit, and they later earned a spot on the 2016 Olympic team. Horses came into Perry-Glass’s life at the age of five, when she joined her sisters and mother in riding at a local, community barn. At the age of 14, Perry-Glass began to focus on her career in dressage and would go on to train full-time with Debbie McDonald. A valuable team member, Perry-Glass has competed on several FEI Dressage Nations CupTM teams over the last three years for The Dutta. Corp. U.S. Dressage Team. After taking a break from competition in 2017, Perry-Glass and Goerklintgaards Dublet made their first appearance of 2018 at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, where they won the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle to Music. They would go on to win the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 Dressage Test Event and place second in the CDIO5* Grand Prix Freestyle to Music at CHIO Aachen. In 2018, she was selected to her first WEG team after aiding The Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team to their bronze medal in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup The Netherlands and silver medal in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup Germany.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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LAURA GRAVES
BORN: July 22, 1987 RESIDENCE: Geneva, Fla. HORSE: Verdades, 16-year-old KWPN gelding OWNER: Laura Graves and Curt Maes GROOM: Emmalie Clapp SOCIAL:
@LGravesDressage
@lauragravesdressage
WEBSITE: crosstiesllc.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Team bronze medalist and fourth individually at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
•
Two-time FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals competitor; finishing second in 2017 and 2018
•
Member of the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM in Normandy, France
•
Team gold medalist and silver individual medalist at the 2015 Toronto Pan American Games
A hairdresser, who left her profession to pursue her dreams, Laura Graves is an accomplished international competitor. Graves brought her mount Verdades, up the levels herself with the guidance of trainers after her mother picked him out in a video as a foal. Their standout performances on U.S. soil in 2012 and 2013 earned them a spot on the Short List for the U.S. Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, enabling them to compete in Europe for the first time. Since then, she has been ranked as high as the number two dressage athlete in the world. Graves has been a valuable member of The Dutta. Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, competing on numerous FEI Dressage Nations CupTM teams. In 2018, she was named to her second WEG team, after having earned a team silver in the FEI Dressage Nations Cup Germany with Verdades. Throughout 2018, Graves and Verdades Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week three of the 2018 Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF); the Grand Prix CDI5* and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI5* during week five of the 2018 AGDF; the Grand Prix CDI-W and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W during week eight of the 2018 AGDF; the Grand Prix at the 2018 FEI World Cup™ Dressage Finals; and the Grand Prix CDIO5* at the 2018 CHIO Aachen.
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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
have earned eight first-place finishes both in the U.S. and abroad. This accomplishment included wins in the
ADRIENNE LYLE
BORN: January 2, 1985 RESIDENCE: Ketchum, Idaho HORSE: Salvino, 11-year-old Hanoverian stallion OWNER: Betsy Juliano LLC GROOM: Dorte Sorensen SOCIAL:
@adriennelyleUSA
@adriennelyle1
@adrienne.lyle
WEBSITE: adriennelyle.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2012 London Olympian
•
Member of the 2014 U.S. Dressage Team for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy, France
•
Member of the bronze medal-winning Region 6 team at the 2004 FEI North American Young Rider Championships
Born and raised in a small town in Washington, horses have always been a part of Adrienne Lyle’s life. Beginning in the United States Pony Club, and growing up with only occasional group riding lessons, Lyle first had the opportunity to ride with her future coach and Olympian Debbie McDonald as a working student in 2005. In 2006, Lyle earned the ride on Wizard, the 1999 Oldenburg gelding owned by Peggy and Parry Thomas. The combination would move to the Grand Prix level together and win numerous prestigious titles, including the 2008 USEF Young Adult "Brentina Cup" National Championship. Lyle is a valuable member of The Dutta. Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, competing on several FEI Dressage Nations CupTM teams in the last several years. In 2018, she was selected to her second WEG team after competing on all three U.S. Dressage Nations Cup teams, helping the U.S. earn gold at FEI Dressage Nations Cup USA, bronze at FEI Dressage Nations Cup The Netherlands, and silver at FEI Dressage Nations Cup Germany. 2018 highlights for Lyle and Salvino included a win in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, as well as the CDI5* Grand Prix Special. Then, again at AGDF, they would go on to win the CDIO3* Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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STEFFEN PETERS
BORN: September 18, 1964 RESIDENCE: San Diego, Calif. HORSE: Suppenkasper, 10-year-old KWPN gelding OWNER: Four Winds Farm GROOM: 'Eddie' Jose Eduardo Garcia Luna WEBSITE: spetersdressage.com/speters CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Four-time Olympian (2016 Rio de Janeiro team bronze medalist, 2012 London, 2008 Hong Kong individual bronze medalist, 1996 Atlanta team bronze medalist)
•
Three-time FEI World Equestrian Games™ athlete (2014 Normandy, 2010 Lexington, 2006 Aachen team bronze medalist)
•
Competed in the FEI Dressage World CupTM Final five times (2017 Omaha, 2015 Las Vegas, 2009 Las Vegas gold medalist, 2007 Las Vegas bronze medalist, 2002 Hertogenbosch)
•
Two-time individual and team gold medalist at the 2015 Toronto and 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games
Born in Wesel, Germany, Steffen Peters is a four-time Olympic dressage competitor and three-time USEF Horseman of the Year. He and his wife Shannon Peters, a U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver, and gold medalist and three-time National Championships competitor, operate SPeters Dressage out of Arroyo Del Mar. Peters has been a valuable member of The Dutta. Corp. U.S. Dressage Team, competing on numerous FEI Dressage Nations CupTM teams. In 2018, he was selected to his fourth WEG team having helped the U.S. team to a bronze medal at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup The Netherlands and a silver medal in the FEI Dressage munde and in the CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle to Music with Suppenkasper at the 2018 the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. He also won the CDI3* Grand Prix Special on Rosamunde. From there, Peters went on to win the Leudelange CDI4* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle to Music on Rosamunde and the Grand Prix Special on Suppenkasper.
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
Nations Cup Germany. In 2018, Peters started off the year with a win in the CDI-W Grand Prix with Rosa-
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
31
PHOTO: ADAM BRENNAN PHOTOS:
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
LAND ROVER
"
U.S. EVENTING TEAM
The Olympic sport of eventing is the most complete combined competition discipline recognized by the FEI. Sometimes described as an equestrian triathlon, eventing demands considerable experience in all branches of equitation. Eventing originated as a military competition which tested officers and horses in challenges that could occur on or off duty. It also provided a basis to compare training standards between the cavalries of different countries. The modern competition comprises dressage, cross-country and jumping on consecutive days. The competitor rides the same horse throughout the three phases.” - Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)
Since FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) began in 1990, the U.S. Eventing Team has won two team medals and three individual medals. Bruce Davidson, Sr. won individual bronze with Pirate Lion in 1990 (Stockholm, Sweden), followed by Dorothy Trapp Crowell winning individual silver with Molokai in 1994 (The Hague, The Netherlands). The U.S. team of Bruce Davidson, Sr. and Heyday, Kerry Millikin and Out and About, David O’Connor and Giltedge, and Karen O’Connor and Prince Panache won team bronze in 1998 (Rome, Italy). Four years later, the U.S. team of David O’Connor and Giltedge, Kim Severson and Winsome Adante, Amy Tryon and Poggio II, and John Williams and Carrick captured team gold in 2002 (Jerez de la Frontera, Spain). Amy Tryon and Poggio II then claimed individual bronze in 2006 (Aachen, Germany). In 2018, the goal of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team is a top-six finish for the team to secure Olympic qualification.
TEAM SPONSOR: LAND ROVER The Land Rover North American brand is long known for its support of equestrian sport. Equestrian pursuits test skill, bravery, power, and partnerships and Land Rover has supported world-class competitions and riders for decades, including their sponsorship and partnership with US Equestrian. The company's support of U.S. eventing is extraordinary, as they not only serve as the official team sponsor for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team, but they also support the athlete-and-horse combinations through Land Rover Competition Grants. 2018 marked their eighth year as the official vehicle of US Equestrian and, Land Rover became the title sponsor of the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, North America’s only CCI4*.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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LAND ROVER
U.S. EVENTING TEAM STAFF
LAND ROVER U.S. EVENTING TEAM LEADER - JOANIE MORRIS Joanie Morris, a native of Concord, Mass., has numerous years of experience at the international equestrian competition. She grew up competing in eventing and worked for top riders in the sport. Morris began working at US Equestrian in 2007 as the High Performance Communications Director. She also was the event director of the Adequan® FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North from 2009 through 2012. Morris started her current position as Managing Director of Eventing in 2013. Her husband Richard Picken runs a small training facility at their Four Schools Farm.
LAND ROVER U.S. EVENTING TEAM HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR AND CHEF D'EQUIPE - ERIK DUVANDER Erik Duvander joined US Equestrian in October 2017 with over 30 years of strategic planning and program development experience at the high-performance level. He transitioned from a competitive rider into a coaching role after representing Sweden at the World Championship and Olympic level. Since his transition, Duvander has coached teams and individual athletes to World Championship and Olympic medals. He has worked with the Japanese, Swedish, and New Zealand Equestrian Teams, including leading the New Zealand team to a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and a team bronze medal at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM. He is married to his wife Stephanie, and they have three children.
LAND ROVER U.S. EVENTING TEAM STAFF Dr. Susan Johns, Team Veterinarian Steve Teichman, Team Farrier JoAnn Wilson, Equine Physiotherapist Andy Thomas, Human Physiotherapist
PHOTO: JENNI AUTRY/EVENTING NATION
Dr. Mark Hart, Team Doctor
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
WILL COLEMAN
BORN: May 8, 1983 RESIDENCE: Charlottesville, Va. HORSE: Tight Lines, 11-year-old French Thoroughbred gelding OWNER: The Conair Syndicate GROOM: Sarah Holtz SOCIAL:
@willcolemanequestrian
@colemaneventing
@willcolemanequestrian
WEBSITE: willcolemanequestrian.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2012 London Olympian
•
2017 The Dutta Corp./USEF CCI3* Eventing National Champion with Tight Lines
•
Named to the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team Short List for the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara
Will Coleman began his riding career when he was just six years old, but his love for horses was cultivated as he learned to ride in the hunt fields and in the show jumping ring under the tutelage of his father, who was also an avid horseman. Coleman’s interest in eventing was further cultivated through an apprenticeship with famed eventing greats Karen and David O’Connor. In 2001, Coleman was the gold medalist at the North American Young Riders Championship. The following year, Coleman moved up to the three-star level and finished eighth on Second Hope at the Fair Hill International CCI3*, earning his first spot on the USEF’s training list that winter. In 2003, Coleman earned the ride on Fox-In-Flight. Their partnership quickly flourished, and in their first competition abroad they became the first, and to date only, U.S. combination to win the Bramham CCI3* Under-25 Championships in the United Kingdom. Since that time, Coleman has gone on to add numerous accolades and achievements to his record, including a fourth-place finish with Twizzel in 2012 and a sixth-place finish in 2015 at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, Rolex/USEF CCI4*Reserve National Champion, Best Turned Out, Best Conditioned, and Land Rover Best Ride of the Day with OBOS O’Reilly. He was first with OBOS O’Reilly at the 2013 Bromont CCI3* and 2013 Fair Hill International CIC3*. Coleman and his wife Katie operate Will Coleman Equestrian.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
35
PHILLIP DUTTON
BORN: September 13, 1963 RESIDENCE: West Grove, Pa. HORSE: Z, 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding OWNER: Thomas Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, and Ann Jones GROOM: Emma Ford SOCIAL:
@phillipduttoneventing
@DuttonEventing
@duttoneventing
WEBSITE: phillipdutton.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Six-time Olympian (2016, 2012, 2008, 2004, 2000, and 1996), including 2016 Rio de Janeiro individual bronze medalist, 2000 Sydney team gold medalist (for Australia), and 1996 Atlanta team gold medalist
•
Six-time WEG competitor (2014, 2010, 2006, 2002, 1998, and 1994)
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Two-time Pan American Games competitor (2015 and 2007), including 2015 Toronto team gold medalist and 2007 Rio de Janeiro team gold and individual silver medalist
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Five-time Land Rover/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champion (2017, 2015, 2010, 2008, and 2007)
•
2007 USEF CCI3* Eventing National Champion
Phillip Dutton began riding horses on his family farm while growing up in Australia. He moved to the U.S. in 1991 to prepare for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and he continued representing his native country for several years. In 2006, Dutton became a U.S. citizen and has been a mainstay on U.S. teams ever since. In 2018, Dutton won The Fork/WEG Test Event CIC3* with Z and placed fifth with I’m Sew Ready. He and Z then placed fourth in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4* in the horse’s debut at the level. Dutton and Sportsfield Candy placed second in the Jersey Fresh International CIC3* followed by a fifth-place finish in the Great Meadow International CICO3*. The pair also helped the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team earn bronze in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ USA at that event. Dutton is married to his wife, Evie. He has twin daughters, Mary and Olivia, and a step-daughter, Lee Lee.
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTOS: JENNI AUTRY/EVENTING NATION (TOP LEFT), ALEX BANKS/US EQUESTRIAN (TOP RIGHT)
(for Australia)
LAUREN KIEFFER
BORN: June 6, 1987 RESIDENCE: The Plains, Va. HORSE: Vermiculus, 11-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding OWNER: Jacqueline Mars GROOM: Shannon Kinsley SOCIAL:
@laurenkieffereventing
@laurenkieffer
@laurenkieffereventing
WEBSITE: laurenkieffer.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympian
•
2015 Toronto Pan American Games team gold medalist
•
Two-time Land Rover/USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champion (2016 and 2014)
Lauren Kieffer began riding at the age of six and competed in her first horse trials at the age of 12. As a high school graduation present, Kieffer participated in a week-long eventing summer camp with Olympians David and Karen O’Connor, which led to a six-year working student position. Her talent and work ethic helped reach the top levels of the sport and represent her country in international championships. In 2018, Kieffer and Vermiculus placed fifth in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*. With Vermiculus’s stablemate Veronica, Kieffer finished in ninth place in the Mitsubishi Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* and 10th place in the Carolina International CIC3*. Kieffer has proven she is a consistent top performer in recent years and will compete in her first WEG in Tryon. Kieffer is engaged to fiancé Sam Nicholson.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
37
BOYD MARTIN
BORN: August 20, 1970 RESIDENCE: Cochranville, Pa. HORSE: Tsetserleg, 11-year-old Trakehner gelding OWNER: Christine Turner GROOM: Stephanie Simpson SOCIAL:
@BoydMartinEventing
@WindurraUSA
@windurrausa1
WEBSITE: boydandsilvamartin.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Two-time Olympian (2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2012 London)
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Two-time Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM competitor (2014 and 2010)
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2015 Toronto Pan American Games team gold medalist
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Two-time USEF CCI3* Eventing National Champion (2011 and 2009)
Boyd Martin, the son of Winter Olympic athletes Toy (Dorgan) Martin and the late Ross Martin, began riding at a young age in his native Australia. He found much success before moving to the U.S. in 2007 to further his career as an eventing professional, serving as the assistant trainer to Olympian Phillip Dutton for two years before starting his own business. Martin has dual citizenship for Australia and the U.S., and he began riding for the U.S. in 2009. Martin has claimed numerous top placings with several mounts during his time representing the U.S. In 2018, he and Tsetserleg placed ninth in the Red Hills International CIC3*, eighth in The Fork/WEG Test Event CIC3*, and 11th in the horse’s CCI4* debut in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Martin also won the Jersey Fresh International CCI3* with Long Island T and the CIC3* with Kyra. Windurra, USA. They have two sons, Nox and Leo Rossco.
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PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN
Martin is married to his wife, Silva, who is a Grand Prix dressage rider and co-owner of the couple’s farm,
LYNN SYMANSKY
BORN: March 19, 1983 RESIDENCE: Middleburg, Va. HORSE: Donner, 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding OWNER: The Donner Syndicate GROOM: Kendyl Tracy SOCIAL:
@LynnSymanskyEquestrian
@LynnSymanskyEq
@lynn.symansky.equestrian
WEBSITE: symanskyequestrian.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2014 Normandy Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM competitor
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2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games team gold medalist
Lynn Symansky began riding at the age of three and competing at the age of five. She grew up as a member of the United States Pony Club and earned her A certification. Symansky was competing at the Advanced level by the age of 18, and has continued at the top levels of eventing. In 2018, Symansky and her seasoned off-the-track Thoroughbred Donner finished sixth in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*. Symansky and Donner have completed eight 4* events together. Symansky also placed second in the MARS Inc. Bromont Three- Day Event CCI3* with Under Suspection and third in the Jersey Fresh International CCI3* with RF Cool Play. Symansky is married to her husband Eric Reed.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTO: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN
U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM
P
ara-equestrian dressage is conducted under the same basic rules as conventional dressage, but with riders divided into different competition grades based on functional abilities. Athletes competing in Para-equestrian dressage are required to perform specific tests dependent on their classification, which encompass different levels of movements, similar to classical dressage. Tests will include movements at the walk, trot, and canter, the walk and trot, or others are judged at only the walk.
U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM PRESENTED BY DELOITTE The U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte, consisting of Rebecca Hart, Annie Peavy, Kate Shoemaker, and Roxanne Trunnell, arrives at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 with veteran experience. Hart, Peavy, and Trunnell have represented the U.S. at previous Paralympic Games and WEGs. Shoemaker will make her WEG debut in Tryon. As the youngest discipline in the WEG, the U.S. has been working to grow para-equestrian sport. In May 2017, US Equestrian appointed Michel Assouline as Head of Para-Equestrian Coach Development and High Performance Consultant. As the previous coach to the multi-medal winning British para-equestrian dressage program, he brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to U.S. para-equestrian dressage. Assouline has assisted U.S. Para-Equestrian dressage Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt with preparing the U.S. Para-Equestrian dressage team for the 2018 WEG. He will also work alongside Handt during the WEG. Over the past two years, US Equestrian, in partnership with the United States Para-Equestrian Association, introduced Para-Equestrian Dressage Centers of Excellence (COE). The COEs are the primary hubs for delivering the USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Development and High Performance Programs. Currently, six accredited training facilities focus on Para-Equestrian Dressage trainer/coach identification and development programs to expand the availability of quality Para-Equestrian sport programs and services offered such as FEI/ USEF Classification, Human Sports Science & Medicine (Human SSM) and Equine SSM.
TEAM SPONSOR: DELOITTE In January 2016, US Equestrian named Deloitte the presenting sponsor of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, which aligned with their purpose of making an impact that matters by sponsoring America's leading athletes, teams, and organizations. The organization has been a proud sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) since 2009, providing professional services that help enable Team USA to successfully compete on the global stage. Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including 80 percent of the Fortune 500. Their people work across more than 20 industry sectors to deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets, inspire clients to make their most challenging business decisions with confidence, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society.
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U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM STAFF U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM LEADER – LAUREEN JOHNSON Laureen K. Johnson serves as the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) High Performance Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting Programs. Employed with USEF since 1999, she assisted every high performance equestrian discipline except able-bodied dressage. Laureen has served as team leader at several world championship competitions and the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. She is looking forward to serving as team leader for the Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018. Born in Chicago, Ill., Johnson began riding at seven years old and moved to Chatham Township, N.J., at 13 years old. On her 16th birthday, she received her first horse, “Sweet William,” as a gift from her parents. Since that moment, Johnson has continued to enjoy all aspects of the equestrian world, including riding, volunteering at therapeutic riding centers, and working at USEF. Johnson graduated from The Washington School for Secretaries and Business Administration in Washington D.C. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her adult children, Jessica and Jessica’s fiancé, Greg, her son Anthony, as well as her entire family and friends.
U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE/TECHNICAL ADVISOR – KAI HANDT Kai Handt brings a depth of experience to his role as U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor. A native of Kassel, Germany, Handt has been competing and training horses for nearly 40 years. His early training was based on the traditional German system, a systematic and disciplined approach to horse training. He received a rigorous and diverse education in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing while working with such well-known masters as Hermann Schridde, Eugen Wahler, and Richard Krause. An avid competitor throughout his adolescent and teen years, Kai was awarded his German bronze, silver, and gold medals before reaching the age of 18. After earning his Bereiter, FN license in 1981, he apprenticed at Nord Hessisches Lands Leistungszentrum fuer den Reitsport under Richard Krause. Kai then spent five years employed at Prestiges Verein fuer Reitspor, which at the time, was one of Germany’s most respected training facilities. Since August 1985, Handt has owned and managed the North Texas Equestrian Center, which hosts lessons and boarding programs in addition to training equestrians of all levels in the dressage, jumping, and para-equestrian dressage disciplines. Handt’s students have been contenders for training level through FEI regional championship titles. He has had USDF/Dover National Merit Award winners in the adult amateur division and junior and young rider students who have competed at the Adequan® FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham North, the USEF Dressage National Championships and the USEF Dressage Seat Medal Finals, USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships, FEI World Equestrian Games, and the Paralympic Games.
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U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM STAFF HEAD OF PARA-EQUESTRIAN COACH DEVELOPMENT AND HIGH PERFORMANCE CONSULTANT – MICHEL ASSOULINE US Equestrian appointed Michel Assouline, Head of Para-Equestrian Coach Development and High Performance Consultant, in May of 2017. Assouline is a graduate of the French National Equestrian School, home of the Cadre Noir in Saumur and gained a vast international experience in the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom as an international dressage rider and trainer. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge about para-equestrian dressage and dressage trainer/coach development. Prior to joining US Equestrian, he spent nearly 12 years as head coach to the multi-medal winning British para-equestrian dressage program where he led the Great Britain athletes to four silver and seven gold medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, a record-breaking result for Great Britain para-dressage athletes. As such, Assouline was awarded the Mussabini Medal, a sports award recognizing British coaches, and was inducted into the UK Coaching Hall of Fame. In lead up to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018, Assouline worked hand-in-hand with Chef d’Equipe Kai Handt and US Equestrian Director of Para-Dressage Laureen Johnson to prepare the U.S. para-equestrian dressage athletes. In addition, as part of his role, he also leads the development and implementation of a trainer/coach development program, while working closely with the USEF/USPEA Para Centers of Excellence on seminars and coaching sessions. Assouline’s work with the Centers of Excellence (COE) directly ties in with the aim to grow and develop para-equestrian dressage in the U.S.
U.S. PARA-EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE TEAM STAFF Dr. Duncan Peters, Team Veterinarian Janet Smaldone, Physiotherapist Jean-Pierre Hourdebaigt, Equine Physiotherapist
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REBECCA HART
GRADE: III BORN: October 26, 1984 RESIDENCE: Wellington, Fla. HORSE: El Corona Texel, nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding OWNER: Rowan O’Riley GROOM: Melissa MacLaren Velix SOCIAL:
@RebeccaHart136
@rebeccahart136
WEBSITE: rebeccahartequestrian.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Three-time Paralympian (2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio de Janerio)
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Member of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte; 2014 WEG Normandy and 2010 WEG Lexington competitor
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Seven-time USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion (2015, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2006)
Rebecca Hart was born with a rare genetic disease called hereditary spastic paraplegia [HSP], a progressive impairment that causes muscle wasting and paralysis from the middle of the back down. Hart got involved with the Paralympic movement in 1998 at a regional competition in Atlanta, Ga. It was at that competition that Hart decided she wanted to aim for international competition. Hart purchased her first horse and began to train for national and international competition. Over the years, Hart has represented the U.S. at several international events, including three consecutive Paralympic Games. Following a series of standout accomplishments with Schroeter's Romani, Hart retired the 15-year-old Danish Warmblood mare and teamed up with El Corona Texel in September 2017. In their short time together, they garnered 11 Grade III first-place finishes out of 13 opportunities, which helped them earn a Rebecca is the daughter of Sue Dobson and Terry Hart. She has one sister, Katie, and one brother, Jordan. In her free time, Hart enjoys kayaking, sailing, camping and rock climbing, and giving back to the Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Foundation by bringing awareness about HSP and working with the children dealing with HSP.
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PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN
spot on the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte for the WEG Tryon 2018.
ANNIE PEAVY GRADE: IV BORN: August 12, 1986 RESIDENCE: Wellington, Fla. HORSE: Royal Dark Chocolate, 10-year-old Oldenburg mare OWNER: Rebecca Reno GROOM: Alexandra Philpin SOCIAL:
: @AnniePeavy
: @anniepeavy
: @apeavy
WEBSITE: anniepeavydressage.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2016 Rio Paralympian
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Member of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018; 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM Normandy competitor
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2017 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage National Champion
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2015 USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve National Champion in the high-performance division
Prior to birth, Angela “Annie” Peavy suffered a stroke leaving her paralyzed on the left side of her body. When she was four years bold, she began riding horses as a method of physical therapy. When she was 10 years old, she got her first horse and developed a love for dressage. Peavy and her mother went on “dressage vacations” to Portugal where she took three lessons a day. After she returned home, her friend introduced her to para-equestrian dressage. From there, she started working toward her goal of representing the U.S. across the world. As a high school sophomore, Grade IV athlete Peavy won the 2012 Youth Dressage Festival Championship made up of hundreds of young riders from the U.S. and abroad. Her hard work and dedication landed her a spot on the U.S. Team at the 2014 Alltech WEG with mount Ozzy Cooper. Success continued to follow with 2015 cumulating in a USEF Para-Equestrian Dressage Reserve National Champion title in the high-performance division. In 2016, Peavy earned a spot on the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte for the Paralympic Games. In 2018, she was named to her second WEG where she will ride Royal Dark Chocolate. She and the 10-year-old Oldenburg mare won seven out of the nine Grade IV tests they contested, and never placed lower than third. Peavy is the daughter of Rebecca "Becky" Reno and Ed Peavy. She has one sister, Bridgette, and a brother, John. Peavy trains with Heather Blitz of Cutler Farm in Medfield, Mass.
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KATE SHOEMAKER
GRADE: IV BORN: August 25, 1987 RESIDENCE: Peoria, Ariz. HORSE: Solitaer 40, 10-year-old Hanoverian stallion OWNER: Kate, Deena, and Craig Shoemaker GROOM: Alexus Sisley SOCIAL:
@KateShoemakerDressage
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Member of the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018; WEG Normandy 2014 alternate
•
Adequan®/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North team,
Kate Shoemaker manages a private 10-stall dressage barn in Peoria, Ariz., and rides two to three horses per day. Shoemaker rides in Grade IV competitions due to white matter lesions from periventricular ischemia causing motor control dysfunction, muscle weakness, and spasms on the right side of her body. She compensates for the loss of three planes of motion control in her ankle with an ankle foot orthosis (brace) and uses special rein stops for added rein control. With multiple top finishes in CPEDI3* competition in 2018, Shoemaker was named to her first WEG U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte. Looking to the future, Shoemaker is focused on improving the quality, harmony, and precision of her riding to increase scores in international competition.
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PHOTO: ERICH LINDER PHOTOGRAPHY (TOP LEFT) , TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN (TOP RIGHT)
individual, and freestyle gold medalist
ROXANNE TRUNNELL
GRADE: IA BORN: April 26, 1985 RESIDENCE: Rowlett, Texas HORSE: Dolton, six-year-old Hanoverian gelding OWNER: Kate Shoemaker GROOM: Kjersten Lance SOCIAL:
@ParaEquestrianRoxie
@ParaRiderRoxie
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympian
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Member of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team presented by Deloitte and 2014 Alltech WEG Normandy team member
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2016 Grade 1a Reserve National Champion in the high-performance division
Horses have always been a part of Roxanne “Roxie” Trunnell’s life. As a competitor in able-bodied dressage, Trunnell aspired to be an Olympian. When she was a teenager, she created her own business to help purchase her first dressage horse, Nice Touch or "Touché." She earned a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) bronze medal and was close to obtaining her silver medal until contracting a virus in 2009 that caused swelling in her brain that changed her life forever. The virus put her in a coma and resulted in her requiring a wheelchair. However, she refused to let this stifle her dreams. Determined to ride Touché again, Trunnell elicited the help of her family and friends to get her back in the saddle. After a long recovery, Trunnell slowly began to ride again and completed her Masters of Psychology with a focus in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Striving to compete, Trunnell thought para-equestrian dressage was the perfect avenue. In November of 2012, she was classified Grade 1a, and by May 2013, she rode in her first CPEDI at the Golden State Dressage Show in Rancho Murrieta, Calif. Since 2013, she has delivered top-three placings consistently with horses "Touché", Royal Dancer, NTEC Daytona Beach, and her WEG Tryon 2018 horse Dolton, owned by fellow teammate, Kate Shoemaker.
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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
U.S. VAULTING TEAM
"
For gymnastics enthusiasts, Vaulting is a sister sport, but on the back of a horse. All Vaulting routines—team, individual, and freestyle—are performed on the back of a cantering horse, traveling in a circle and attached to a lunge line. Competitors are judged on their ability to smoothly execute compulsory movements demonstrating strength, flexibility, and balance during their routines. The horses are an important part of the team and, like the human gymnasts, are also judged on their performance. Vaulting at WEG features Men's, Women's, Pas de Deux and Team competitions.” - Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)
The U.S. Vaulting Team has won a total of nine medals at the Games, including a Squad gold medal in 2010 (Lexington, Kentucky, USA) and two Individual gold medals, one in 1998 (Rome, Italy) and one in 2006 (Aachen, Germany).
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U.S. VAULTING TEAM STAFF U.S. VAULTING TEAM ACTING TEAM LEADER - HANNAH NIEBIELSKI Hannah Niebiekski grew up in Atlanta, Ga., and became an avid competitor in dressage. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Equine Science and Management program, with an emphasis in Agricultural Economics, and a member of the Kentucky Horse Council’s Board of Directors. Niebielski joined US Equestrian in 2013 as Director of Dressage, National Programs. During this time, she has provided leadership and support to the multitude of U.S. dressage youth and young horse programs, including the Adequan® FEI North American Youth Championships presented by Gotham Norht from 2013-2018 and the 2018 U.S. Dressage European Young Rider Team.
DIRECTOR OF U.S. VAULTING - LAUREEN K. JOHNSON Laureen K. Johnson is originally from Chicago and now lives in New Jersey. She is a graduate of the Washington School for Secretaries and Business Administration in Washington D.C. and joined US Equestrian in 1999 and currently serves as the Director of Para-Equestrian and Vaulting. Since 2015, Johnson has served as team leader for the U.S. Vaulting Team at the 2015 and 2017 FEI World Championships for Juniors and the 2016 FEI World Championships for Seniors. She also served as team leader for the U.S. Para-Dressage Team at the 2016 Paralympic Games.
U.S. VAULTING TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE - EMMA SEELY Emma Seely, head coach at Mt Eden Vaulting Club in Saratoga, Calif., is a veteran competitor and staple in the vaulting community. Seely has attended the WEG every year since its inception as coach, longeur, owner, and/or Chef d’Equipe. Seely started coaching in 1977 and has since coached numerous athletes for European and World Championships. She has accompanied squads and individual competitors to Canada, South America, and Europe and has held clinics on five continents. She is a USEF/AVA ‘r’ judge, member of the USEF Vaulting High Performance and USEF Vaulting Technical Committees, and was chairman of the FEI Vaulting Technical Committee for two terms.
U.S. VAULTING TEAM STAFF Jennifer Arntsen, Asst. Chef d'Equipe Dr. Wayne Browning, Team Veterinarian Lawrence Calderon, Team Chiropractor
PHOTO: LYNNE OWEN, KRISTIAN ROBERTS (INSET)
Lori Bidwell, Team Equine Physiotherapist
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TESSA DIVITA
RESIDENCE: Portola Valley, Calif.
INDIVIDUAL FEMALE
BORN: September 23, 1997
HORSE: Pino del Rio, 14-year-old Westphalian gelding OWNERS: Julie and Edward Divita SOCIAL:
@teamdivita
@tess.divita
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2015 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Female top-10 and Squad third-place finishes
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2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) Squad top-10 finish
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2014 CVIO4* Squad top-five finish at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen
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2012 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Female top-five finish
Tessa Divita comes from a family with extensive vaulting chops. Her sister, Ali, and mother, Julie, both competed in FEI level vaulting, as well, yet Divita has proven to be a force in her own right. Since her first CVI3* as an individual female in 2016, Divita has placed in the top-three five out of six times she has contested. Earlier this year, Divita competed at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen in the CVIO4* for the first time time as both an individual and part of the U.S. Vaulting Team for the Nations Cup, ultimately finishing in the top-20 for both. Divita competed at three of the 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG, placing first, second, fifth at the Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic and Selection Trials, Garrod’s Spring Classic, and Heart of the Rockies, respectively. She is a member of the Pacific Coast Vaulting Club Squad.
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INDIVIDUAL FEMALE
MARY MCCORMICK
BORN: January 7, 1983 RESIDENCE: Cañon City, C0lo. HORSE: Paris, 14-year-old Percheron mare OWNER: Mary McCormick SOCIAL:
@marymccormick07
WEBSITE: marymccormickusa.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2016 CVI3* Individual Female champion and member of champion Squad at Pacific Cup CVI
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Four-time USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship champion (2015, 2014, 2012, 2011)
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Two-time Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) Individual Female competitor top-five finisher
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2012 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Female top-15 finisher
Mary McCormick is one of the most decorated vaulters in the United States. This is her third appearance at the WEG, having represented the U.S. in 2010 and 2014. Earlier this year, McCormick won the CVI3* Individual Female at the WEG Vaulting Test Event in Tryon. She also won two out of the three 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG in which she contested, the Garrod’s Spring Classic and the USEF AVA Region IX Championships. Additionally, McCormick placed second and third in the Pacific Cup CVI3* and Rocky Mountain Cup CVI3*, respectively. McCormick was named USEF Vaulter of the Year in 2009 and 2011. She is the founder of the Silver Star Vaulters and a member of the Woodside Vaulters.
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PHOTOS: TAYLOR PENCE/US EQUESTRIAN (TOP LEFT), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO ( TOP RIGHT), KRISTIAN ROBERTS (OPPOSITE INSET)
(2014, 2010)
ELIZABETH OSBORN INDIVIDUAL FEMALE
BORN: May 6, 1990 RESIDENCE: Menlo Park, Calif. HORSE: Atterupgaards Sting, 16-year-old Oldenburg gelding OWNER: James and Linda Bibbler
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Back-to-back CVI3* Individual Female champion at the Pacific Cup CVI (2018, 2017)
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2017 CVIO4* Individual Female top-10 at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen
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2016 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Female top-10
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Three-time USEF/AVA National Vaulting Championship top-three finishes (2008, 2007, 2006)
Elizabeth Osborn has had a rich career, topping it off with a near perfect 2018 through July. Osborn won both CVI3* competitions she has contested this year at the Pacific Cup CVI and Rocky Mountain Cup CVI and she most recently won the 2018 USEF/AVA National Championship in the Female Gold Individual division after being named reserve champion four out of the past five years she has contested for the title. She also competed at two of the 2018 WEG Selection Trials, first at Garrod’s Spring Classic and then at Heart of the Rockies, where she placed second and first, respectively. In 2008, Osborn was crowned USEF Vaulter of the Year. She competes with the Woodside Vaulters in Woodside, Calif.
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INDIVIDUAL MALE
DANIEL JANES
BORN: May 29, 1996 RESIDENCE: Moss Beach, Calif. HORSE: Duke Wilhem, 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding OWNER: Sydney Frankel SOCIAL:
@DanielJanesAthlete
@barplebapkins
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 CVI3* Individual Male top-3 and Squad champion at Pacific Cup CVI
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2018 CVI3* Individual Male champion at CVI Chilliwack
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2017 CVI3* Individual Male second place at Salzburg Arena Exhibition Center Standard Show
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Two-time USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship Individual Male top-5 (2018, 2014)
Daniel Janes has had a successful 2018, proving himself to be a contender in every division of vaulting. Most this year, Janes placed in the top-15 in the CVIO4* Individual Male at CHIO Aachen. Janes competed at three of the 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG, winning at both Vault Into Spring and the Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic and Selection Trials and finally placing in the top-10 at Heart of the Rockies. He is a member of the Pacific Coast Vaulting Club Squad and will also compete for the U.S. Vaulting Team in the Pas de Deux division with Haley Smith.
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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP LEFT), TIM SUTHERLAND (TOP RIGHT), KRISTIAN ROBERTS (INSETS)
recently, he placed second in the 2018 USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship Male Gold division. Earlier
COLTON PALMER INDIVIDUAL MALE
BORN: June 11, 1998 RESIDENCE: Half Moon Bay, Calif. HORSE: Zygo, 14-year-old KWPN gelding OWNER: Jill and Kimberly Palmer SOCIAL:
@coltonpalmer123
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 CVI3* Individual Male champion at Rocky Mountain Cup CVI
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2018 CVI3* Individual Male second place at Chilliwack CVI
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2016 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Male top-15 finish
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2015 FEI World Vaulting Championship Individual Male top-five finish
Colton Palmer makes his FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) debut in 2018 with plenty of familial support. In 2014, his sisters Cassidy and Kimberly competed as a Pas de Deux partnership on the U.S. Vaulting Team at the WEG, but Palmer has proven himself to be a force in the vaulting world all on his own. His FEI career started at just 16-years-old and, this year, he has placed first or second in almost every competition. Palmer competed at three of the 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG, winning Heart of the Rockies and placing second and fourth at Vault Into Spring and Garrod’s Spring Classic, respectively. Palmer is a member of the Half Moon Bay Vaulting Club and he is student athlete at Arizona State University. He is on the gymnastics team and will graduate in 2020.
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INDIVIDUAL MALE
KRISTIAN ROBERTS
BORN: March 17, 1993 RESIDENCE: Moss Beach, Calif. HORSE: Sir Charles, 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding OWNER: Sydney Frankel SOCIAL:
@KRVaulting
@KristianPCV
@kristian_roberts
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 CVI3* Individual Male and Squad champion at Pacific Cup CVI
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Six-time USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship Individual Male champion (2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)
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2016 FEI World Vaulting Championship Squad top-10 finish
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2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) Squad top 10 and Individual Male top-15
One of the most decorated athletes on the U.S. Vaulting Team, Kristian Roberts has made his comeback from a broken leg in 2016 count as he returns for his second WEG. Roberts most recently won the 2018 USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship Male Gold division, claiming the title for the sixth time in seven years. He has in the CVIO4* Individual Male competition and as an individual competitor on the U.S. Vaulting Team in the CVIO4* Nations Cup CHIO Aachen. Roberts competed at three of the 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG, earning second-place finishes at Vault Into Spring, the Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic and Selection Trials, and Heart of the Rockies, respectively. He is a member of the Pacific Coast Vaulting Club Squad.
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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, KRISTIAN ROBERTS (INSETS)
had a strong showing at home competition and abroad in 2018. Earlier this year, Roberts placed in the top 15
DANIEL JANES & HALEY SMITH BORN: May 29, 1996 RESIDENCE: Moss Beach, Calif. SOCIAL:
@DanielJanesAthlete
@barplebapkins
PAS DE DEUX
DANIEL JANES
HALEY SMITH BORN: May 8, 2000 RESIDENCE: Parker, Colo. SOCIAL:
@haleysmithvaults
HORSE: Palatine, 20-year old Westphalian gelding OWNER: Sydney Frankel
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championship Open Pas de Deux champions
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2018 CVI3* Pas de Deux champions at Chilliwack CVI
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2018 CVI3* Pas de Deux second place at Pacific Cup CVI
Daniel Janes and Haley Smith have proven themselves the pair to beat throughout the 2018 competition year to date. At the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, the partnership finished seventh in the CVIO4* Pas de Deux. Janes and Smith also won the Gold Pas de Deux division at Garrod’s Spring Classic and Heart of the Rockies, two of the 2018 Selection Trials for the WEG. The duo is also set to compete on the U.S. Vaulting Team’s Squad with the Pacific Coast Vaulters.
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PAS DE DEUX
KATHRYN KEVILLE & FLORENCE RUBINGER KATHRYN KEVILLE BORN: September 16, 1990 RESIDENCE: Cotati, Calif. FLORENCE RUBINGER BORN: May 11, 1987 RESIDENCE: Santa Rosa, Calif. SOCIAL:
: @vintagevaulters
: @vintagevaulters
HORSE: Revlon, 20-year-old Warmblood gelding OWNER: Kathryn and Sean Keville
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
2018 CVI3* Pas de Deux champions at Rocky Mountain Cup CVI
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2018 CVI3* Pas de Deux champions at Pacific Cup CVI
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2017 CVI1* and CVI2* Pas de Deux champions at Pacific Cup CVI
Kathryn Keville and Florence Rubinger are a formidable pas de deux partnership, as well as a formidable business partnership. The pair founded and owns Vintage Vaulters in Cotati, Calif. Championship. The pair also competed and won at the Woodside Vaulters Spring Fest, a Selection Trial for the 2018 WEG. They also competed at Heart of the Rockies, where they earned a fourth-place finish.
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PHOTOS: TIM SUTHERLAND (TOP LEFT), SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP RIGHT), KRISTIAN ROBERTS (INSETS)
Most recently, Keville and Rubinger earned a second-place finish at the 2018 USEF/AVA Vaulting National
PACIFIC COAST VAULTING CLUB SQUAD
HORSE: Diva 506, 15-year-old Oldenburg mare OWNER: Pacific Coast Vaulting Club SOCIAL:
@pcvaulting
@pacificcoastvaulters
WEBSITE: pacificcoastvaulting.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
PACIFIC COAST VAULTING CLUB SQUAD Gabe Aniello (Lake Oswego, Ore.) Cameron Brown (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
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2018 CVIO4* Squad top-five finish at World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen
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2018 CVI3* Squad champions at the Rocky Mountain Cup CVI
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2018 CVI3* Squad champions at the Pacific Cup CVI
The Pacific Coast Vaulting Club brings together a team of strong individual and pas de deux athletes to create an even stronger squad for the U.S. Vaulting Team. In 2018, the Pacific Coast Vaulters won at almost every turn. Most recently, the Squad won the A Team championship at the 2018 USEF/AVA Vaulting National Championships.
Daniel Janes
They also demonstrated strong performances in the 2018 WEG Selection Trials at the
Audrey Kiernan (San Mateo, Calif.)
Woodside Vaulters Spring Fest.
Maggie Long (Seattle, Wash.)
Heart of the Rockies, Mozart Memorial Vaulting Classic and Selection Trial, and the The Club was founded in 1998 and is based out of Woodside, Calif.
Kristian Roberts Emily Rose (Santa Cruz, Calif.) Haley Smith
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
59
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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO PHOTOS:
NETJETS
F
U.S. JUMPING TEAM
ollowing a team bronze-medal finish at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Normandy, France 2014, the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team maintained consistent podium placings throughout FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ and world championship competitions. Having pre-qualified for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games via their bronze medal-win at the 2014 WEG, they earned a team bronze medal at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. In Rio, U.S. Jumping chef d’equipe Robert Ridland guided the team of Lucy Davis and Barron, Kent Farrington and Voyeur, Beezie Madden and Cortes ‘C’, and McLain Ward and HH Azur to a silver-medal finish in Rio. U.S. Jumping capped off an outstanding FEI Jumping Nations Cup season with a 64 percent podium record and an FEI Jumping Nations Cup team bronze medal. In 2017, their momentum drove them to an 80 percent FEI Nations Cup podium record and a FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final team silver medal. Utilizing Ridland’s successful team formula featuring three senior and two under 25-team members, 16 under 25 athletes contributed to U.S. Jumping’s 2017 success. In 2018, the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team earned a spot in the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final, but their first mission is to earn 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualification at the WEG Tryon 2018.
U.S. JUMPING FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™ MEDAL COUNT 1990: Individual Gold: Greg Best with Gem Twist 2002: Individual Bronze: Peter Wylde with Fein Cera 2006: Team Silver: Margie Goldstein-Engle with Quervo Gold; Beezie Madden with Authentic; Laura Kraut with Miss Independent; McLain Ward and Sapphire. Individual Silver: Madden and Authentic 2014: Team Bronze: Lucy Davis with Barron, Kent Farrington with Voyeur, Beezie Madden with Cortes ‘C’; McLain Ward with Rothchild. Individual Bronze: Madden and Cortes ‘C’
TEAM SPONOR: NETJETS US Equestrian welcomed NetJets as the Official Sponsor of the U.S. Jumping Team in February 2018. In addition to its team sponsorship, NetJets also sponsors the new cross-discipline owners’ initiative to recognize and increase participation of U.S. team horse owners with high-profile educational events throughout the year. NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the worldwide leader in private aviation. More than 50 years ago, NetJets launched the world’s first private jet charter and management company. They went on to pioneer shared aircraft ownership—offering the advantages of owning a private jet, without the responsibilities. Today, NetJets continues to innovate from cockpit and cabin to safety and accessibility. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest and most diverse private jet fleet, NetJets hires only the most experienced and accomplished pilots and safety is their first and highest priority. Our full range of aviation options helps individuals and businesses do more and miss less via the NetJets®, Executive Jet Management®, and Marquis Jet Card® service brands in North America and Europe. For more information about the world’s most reliable and trusted aviation company, visit netjets.com.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
61
NETJETS
U.S. JUMPING TEAM STAFF NETJETS® U.S. JUMPING TEAM LEADER – LIZZY CHESSON Lizzy Chesson has been deeply rooted in international equestrian sports for many years. As a groom for her mother, she was part of two World Championship Driving teams and even drove herself. At the age of 21, she won the Jaguar Triple Crown of Driving and was selected to compete for the 1999 FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs in Hungary. Chesson began working for US Equestrian in 2006. Her first position was in the US Equestrian Jumping department as an assistant to then Managing Director Sally Ike. Chesson was promoted to Director of Show Jumping High Performance Programs in 2007 and to her current role as Managing Director and Team Leader for Show Jumping in 2013. Chesson travels extensively with the senior Team, managing all aspects of the team off the field of play. Since taking up the role, the team has achieved numerous podium results at FEI Jumping Nation Cups™, a team silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, a team and individual bronze medal at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) Normandy 2014, and a team silver medal at the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final. Chesson has spearheaded the introduction of a more understandable pathway in jumping as well as developed a new calendar process that has helped the sport of jumping grow exponentially in the U.S. She is a graduate of Columbia University where she studied German and Spanish and earned a degree in Art History. She also enjoyed playing ice hockey and fox hunting with the Essex Fox Hounds in New Jersey where she grew up.
NETJETS U.S. JUMPING TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE/TECHNICAL ADVISOR – ROBERT RIDLAND The show jumping community always knew Robert Ridland as a great rider, but now they also see him as the brilliant, strategic mind guiding the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team to unprecedented success. Ridland brings several decades of international experience to the U.S. Jumping. As an athlete he competed in the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games and won several grand prix competitions throughout his riding career. Ridland has been extensively involved in the governance of the sport, including several terms as a board member of US Equestrian and the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. His vast experience as an international course designer helped shape his analytical approach to the sport. Ridland won the Course Designer of the Year Award twice while building the courses for the U.S. Olympic Trials and numerous international competitions. As an international official, he was the only American to have served as the FEI Technical Delegate for four FEI World Cup Finals. As a television commentator, he worked for many years as the color analyst for ESPN and CBS, as well as two stints for NBC at the Barcelona and Athens Olympic Games. to team bronze medals at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and Toronto 2015 Pan American Games as well as silver medals in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and the 2017 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final.
NETJETS U.S. JUMPING TEAM STAFF Kenny Bark, Team Farrier Janus Marquis, Team Equine Physiotherapist Dr. Tim Ober, Team Veterinarian Andy Thomas, Team Human Physiotherapist
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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, ELENA LUSENTI (INSET)
Since being named the U.S. Jumping Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor in 2013, Ridland has led the U.S. team
LAURA KRAUT
BORN: November 14, 1965 RESIDENCE: Royal Palm Beach, Fla. HORSE: Zeremonie, 11-year-old Holsteiner mare OWNER: Old Willow Farms LLC GROOM: Dale Hailstones SOCIAL:
@laurakrautUSA
@laurakraut
@laurakraut
WEBSITE: laurakraut.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Two-time Olympian, including a team gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games
•
Member of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG)Tryon 2018, WEG Lexington 2010 team member, and WEG Aachen 2006 team silver medalist
•
Member of numerous medal-winning FEI Nations CupTM teams, including a member of the first all-women’s FEI Nations Cup CSIO5* Dublin gold-medal winning team and recipient of the Aga Khan Trophy in 2017
•
Recipient of the “Prize of the Federal Minister of the Interior” award at 2017 CHIO Aachen
Laura Kraut’s illustrious career began when she received her first riding lesson at the age of three. Encouraged by their mother, Carol, Kraut and sister Mary Elizabeth took riding lessons together throughout their childhood and still work together today. For almost three decades, Kraut has represented the U.S. at Olympic Games, World Championships, and in numerous Nations Cup competitions. Kraut’s first big break came in 1992, when she was named an alternate to the U.S. team for the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Eight years later, she made her Olympic Games debut in Sydney. Kraut earned her first team medal as part of the U.S. team at the 2006 FEI WEG in Aachen. Kraut was named to her third WEG in 2018. As part of the WEG Tryon 2018 observation event period, she and Zeremonie placed third in the Prize of VBR at CHIO Aachen and were members of the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team that tied for bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup The Netherlands at CHIO Rotterdam in June. In addition, they recently jumped double clear as members of the U.S. team for the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Ireland. Based in both Florida and Great Britain, Kraut and her longtime partner, legendary British show jumper Nick Skelton, run a successful training business. Mary Elizabeth also heavily contributes to the business. She is an ambassador for Just World International, the charitable foundation established by former equestrian rider Jessica Newman, which is dedicated to humanitarian causes.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
63
DEVIN RYAN
BORN: January 16, 1982 RESIDENCE: Long Valley, N.J. HORSE: Eddie Blue, nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding OWNER: LL Show Jumpers, LLC’s GROOM: Selvin Osmin SOCIAL:
@devinryanatriverrunstables
WEBSITE: devinryan.com
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Member of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018
•
2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Paris Runner-Up
•
Placed third in the 2018 $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon
•
Won the $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping New York CSI4*-W at the 2017 American Gold Cup
ther's farm in Sussex County. He began his riding career at the age of 13 under the supervision of Delores Hunt. When he was 14 years old, he competed in the United States Pony Club (USPC) Junior Tetrathlon (ride, run, shoot, and swim) and won the National USPC championship. While training in eventing, he caught the bug for Jumping and has been on the rise ever since. From 2002 to 2003, Ryan trained and rode for Alan Waldman in Holland at one of the top sport horse barns in the Netherlands. Upon returning to the United States, Ryan took on the task of owning and managing his current facility at River Run Stables. Ryan has a knack for assessing young horses and identifying their potential, and it shows in how he has brought along Eddie Blue. Ryan acquired the Dutch-born gelding when he was four years old, and it did not take long for Eddie Blue and Ryan to collect top placings in the grand prix circuit. As the runner-up at the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, Ryan automatically landed a spot on the short list for the WEG Tryon 2018. During the WEG team observation period, Ryan and Eddie Blue were members of the bronze medal-winning team in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup Poland at CSIO Sopot in June. As part of the U.S. team at CHIO Aachen, they jumped double-clear in the Mercedes-Benz Nations Cup.
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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP LEFT & INSET), ANWAR ESQUIVEL (TOP RIGHT)
Devin Ryan was born in New Jersey and discovered his love of horses as a child while riding at his grandfa-
ADRIENNE STERNLICHT
BORN: May 9, 1993 RESIDENCE: Greenwich, Conn. HORSE: Cristalline, nine-year-old Bavarian Warmblood mare OWNER: Starlight Farms, LLC GROOM: Emma Chapman SOCIAL:
@adriennesternlicht
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Member of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018
•
Placed second in the 2018 $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix Of Devon
•
Member of several medal-winning FEI Jumping Nations CupTM teams
•
Placed third in the 2018 $205,000 Grand Prix CSIO4* during week eight of the Winter Equestrian Festival
•
Placed fourth in the 2017 $216,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ qualifier at the Palm Beach Masters CSI3*-W
•
Runner-up in the 2017 Mercer Cup CSI5* at the Spruce Meadows ‘Pan American’ Tournament
Adrienne Sternlicht moved through the pony and junior hunter divisions to turn into a serious competitor on the international grand prix circuit. Although her first passion was riding, she took a break during high school and returned while attending Brown University. In 2016, Sternlicht began her partnership with Cristalline and started to train with U.S. Olympic double-gold medalist McLain Ward. In May 2017, Sternlicht made her Nations Cup debut with Cristalline at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO4* Coapexpan in Mexico, where they helped the U.S. team win the silver medal. Since then, she has been a member of several Nations Cup teams and collected numerous individual top placings, resulting in her selection to the 2018 WEG NetJets U.S. Jumping Team Short List. Following her selection to the short list, she placed second in the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix Of Devon, won a CSI5* class during Knokke Hippique, and was part of the U.S. team for Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Ireland, where she placed fourth in the Longines International Grand Prix of Ireland.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
65
MCLAIN WARD
BORN: October 17, 1975 RESIDENCE: Brewster, N.Y. HORSE: Clinta, 11-year-old Oldenburg mare, or HH Azur, 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare OWNERS: Ward and Sagamore Farms, Ward and Double H Farm GROOM: Virginie Casterman SOCIAL:
@mclain.ward
WEBSITE: mclainward.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Four-time Olympian, including team silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and team gold at the 2008 Beijing and 2004 Athens Olympic Games
•
Member of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018; WEG
•
2015 Toronto Pan American Games individual gold and team bronze medalist as well as 2011 Guadalajara Pan American Games 2011 team gold medalist
•
2017 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Champion
•
Member of several medal-winning FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ teams, including 2017 Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final team silver medalist
McLain Ward was introduced to riding before he could walk and has a competitive prowess that continues to increase with age. In 1990, Ward became the youngest rider ever to win both the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Medal Finals and the USET Talent Derby at age 14. After turning pro, he quickly became the youngest rider to reach the $1 million mark in earnings in 1999, at age 24. Ward has been a valuable member of the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team. In 2018, he earned a spot on his third WEG team after impressive results with Clinta and HH Azur. During the WEG observation period, he and HH Azur were part of the team that tied for silver in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO5* Rome and placed fourth in the Rolex Rome Grand Prix CSIO5*. He and Clinta were part of the bronze-medal effort in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup The Netherlands. At CHIO Aachen, Ward won the Prize of North Rhine-Westfalia with Clinta. Prior to the WEG observation period, he and Clinta won the $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix Of Devon CSI4* and the $382,800 Longines Grand Prix of New York CSI5* at the Longines Masters of New York, among others. With HH Azur, he placed third in the $384,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* and won the $132,000 WEF Challenge Cup Round V CSI5* during the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival. Ward is married to his wife, Lauren, who is an avid competitor in the amateur divisions. They have a daughter Lilly. 66
FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP LEFT) , ERIN GILMORE/NOELLE FLOYD (TOP RIGHT), ELENA LUSENTI (OPPOSITE INSET)
Normandy 2014 team bronze medalist, and WEG Aachen 2006 team silver medalist
BEEZIE MADDEN - TRAVELING RESERVE
BORN: November 20, 1963 RESIDENCE: Cazenovia, N.Y. HORSE: Darry Lou, 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion OWNER: Abigail Wexner GROOM: Clark Shipley SOCIAL:
@beeziemadden
@JohnMaddenSales
@johnmaddensales
WEBSITE: johnmaddensales.com CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: •
Four-time Olympian, including team silver at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, team gold and individual bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and team bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games
•
Member of the NetJets® U.S. Jumping Team for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 and 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ individual and team bronze medalist
•
2011 Pan American Games team gold and individual silver medalist as well as 2003 Pan American Games team gold medalist
•
2018 and 2013 FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final Champion
•
2017 Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping Final team silver medalist
Originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Beezie Madden has been riding since the age of three and received her first pony as a Christmas gift at age four. Madden rode throughout her childhood and competitively for Southern Seminary Junior College and made her debut at Grand Prix at the age of 22. For nearly three decades, Madden has represented the U.S. in the world’s most prestigious competitions, becoming the first American to break into the top three in jumping's world rankings. She was the first woman to pass the $1 million mark in earnings for jumping. Madden has won the USEF Equestrian of the Year title four times, including back-to-back honors in 2006 and 2007 - the first rider ever to do so - and then again earning back-to-back honors in 2013 and 2014. In 2018, Madden was named as the traveling reserve for the WEG NetJets U.S. Jumping Team with Darry Lou. As part of the observation events, she and the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion placed sixth in the Rolex Grand Prix at the 2018 CHIO Aachen in July. In addition, they placed fourth in the $70,000 Idle Dice Open Stake and fifth in the $50,000 Jet Run Devon Welcome Stake at the 2018 Devon Horse Show. They began the year as part of the NetJets U.S. Jumping Team that tied for bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the United States. In addition to competing, Madden runs a successful training and sales business with her husband John out of their Cazenovia, N.Y., and Wellington, Fla., bases.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
67
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO
U.S. DRIVING TEAM
"
Horses were driven long before they were ridden and, as such, Driving is the oldest competitive equestrian sport yet it continues to thrive in the 21st century. Drivers sit on a vehicle drawn by a single horse or pony, a pair or a team of four and they face three trials – dressage, marathon and obstacle driving.” - Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI)
Since WEG began in 1990, the U.S. Driving Team has won two team medals and two individual medals. The U.S. team of James Fairclough, Tucker Johnson, and Chester Weber won team silver in 2002 (Jerez de la Frontera, Spain). The same U.S. team members won team silver in 2010 (Lexington, Kentucky), and Johnson claimed individual bronze. Four years later, Weber took home individual silver in 2014 (Normandy, France). In 2018, the goal of the U.S. Driving Team is to play to their strengths, such as dominating in dressage, and challenge the Europeans throughout the competition.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
69
U.S. DRIVING TEAM STAFF U.S. DRIVING TEAM LEADER –DANIELLE AAMODT Danielle Aamodt has worked in several aspects of the horse industry over the years. She worked as a groom, assistant trainer, assistant farm manager, show secretary, social media manager, and equine & farm insurance agent. During her six years as a show secretary, Aamodt worked for FEI combined driving events and served as a volunteer coordinator. She has worked with high-performance driving athletes as a groom and navigator. Aamodt has helped manage top facilities, such as the Grand Oaks Resort and Hermitage International Training Center, prior to taking on the role of Director of Driving in May 2017. She earned her undergraduate degree from Centenary University and her MBA from Murray State University.
U.S. DRIVING TEAM CHEF D’EQUIPE – BARRY HUNTER Before becoming a world-renowned course designer and clinician, Barry Hunter was a manager at a further education college and a lecturer in mathematics in the United Kingdom. He designed his first world championship courses at the FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs in Conty, France in 2011. Now, he travels around the world designing courses, spending his summers in Europe and his winters in Florida. He is married to his wife Joan.
U.S DRIVING TEAM STAFF Dr. Brendan Furlong, Team Veterinarian Kenny Bark, Team Farrier Andy Thomas, Team Human Physiotherapist
PHOTO: PICS OFYOU.COM
Dr. Mark Hart, Team Doctor
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JAMES FAIRCLOUGH
BORN: July 25, 1958
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
RESIDENCE: Newton, N.J.
•
Six-time FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand (2016, 2012, 2000, 1996, 1982, and
HORSES: Bento V, his 12-year old Dutch Warmblood gelding
1980), including the Riesenbeck 2012 team bronze •
Caletta 5, his 16-year-old Austrian Warmblood mare
Citens, his 11-year-old KWPN gelding
Dapper, his 10-year old Dutch Warmblood gelding
•
Zenden, his 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding
•
Five-time FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) competitor (2010, 2006, 2002, 1998, and 1994), including Jerez de la Frontera 2002 team silver and Lexington 2o10 team silver FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs competitor (1993 and 1991) Four-time USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2011, 2001, 1994, and 1982)
GROOMS: Nancy Breedlove, Dwayne Pash, Camille Guerette, Emily Hagstedt, and Lucas Martin
•
SOCIAL:
@top.brass.farm
James Fairclough has been a mainstay on the U.S.
@TopBrassFarm
driving scene for several years. He has found much
@topbrassfarmnj
the U.S. and abroad. Fairclough has been on nu-
WEBSITE: topbrassfarm.com
Three-time USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2012, 1993, and 1992)
success driving four-in-hand, as well as pairs, both in merous U.S. teams at world championships and has brought home medals for his country. In 2018, Fairclough and his horses won at Bromont International and placed third at Live Oak International and WEG Driving Test Event. US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
71
CHESTER WEBER
BORN: June 3, 1975
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
RESIDENCE: Ocala, Fla.
•
and 2002), including Normandy 2014 individual
HORSES: Asjemenou, his 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding
First Edition, his nine-year-old KWPN gelding Reno, his nine-year-old Hungarian gelding Boris W, his 12-year-old KWPN gelding GROOMS: Adine Söderström, Kristóf Osztertág, and Luc Astegiano
silver and Jerez de la Frontera 2002 team silver •
Four-time FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand competitor (2016, 2012, 2008, and 2004), including Riesenbeck 2012 individual silver and team bronze and Beesd 2008 individual silver
•
Fifteen-time USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2018-2012, 2010-2003)
•
Two-time USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Champion (1998 and 1996)
Chester Weber was raised on his family’s Live Oak Plantation and began driving competitively at a young age. At the age of 18, he was the youngest driver to be
SOCIAL:
@LiveOakCombinedDriving
named to a U.S. team, competing in the FEI World Driv-
@chesterweber
a pair of horses to a four-in-hand of horses in 1999 and
WEBSITE: chesterweber.com
ing Championships for Pairs. Weber went from driving has had much national and international success. In 2018, Weber and his horses scored four wins at Palm Tree CDE, Live Oak International, WEG Driving Test Event, and Riesenbeck International. Weber is married to his wife My, an amateur show jumper, and they have two children.
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FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES
PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO (TOP LEFT) PICS OFYOU.COM (TOP RIGHT)
Splash, Jane Clark’s 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding
Four-time WEG competitor (2014, 2010, 2006,
MISDEE WRIGLEY MILLER
BORN: January 2, 1957
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
RESIDENCE: Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
•
Four-in-Hand competitor
HORSES: Beau, her 12-year-old KWPN gelding
Bravour 54, her 12-year-old KWPN gelding
Bolino D, her 12-year-old KWPN gelding
Calipso 86, her 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding
Daan 8, her 10-year-old KNHS gelding
GROOMS: Olaf Larrson, Taron Lester, Amber Lester, Paige Lautzenheiser, Sara Simmons, and James Miller SOCIAL:
@HillcroftFarmCombinedDriving
2016 FEI World Driving Championships for
•
2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM (WEG) competitor
•
Two-time FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs competitor (2013 and 2011)
•
Two-time USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2014 and 2013)
Misdee Wrigley Miller is a fourth-generation horsewoman who moved up to the advanced level in 2010. Initially, she collected top placings in the pair horse division before switching to the four-in-hand horse division in 2014. In 2018, Miller placed second at Palm Tree CDE and WEG Driving Test Event, third at Sandringham CAI,
@TopBrassFarm
and fourth at Live Oak International.
@hillcroftfarm
Miller is married to her husband James, a polo player
WEBSITE: hillcroftfarm.net
and fellow driver. She also competes in coaching and American Saddlebred shows.
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
73
NOTES
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NOTES
US EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT
75