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United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2007

Allentown, NJ-The advanced division at the Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event, which is serving as a selection division for the Pan American Games, got underway after the trot-up for the CCI**/CCI***s on Wednesday, May 30, in Allentown, NJ. Nineteen combinations from the U.S. and Canada got to work at 4:30 p.m., with Phillip Dutton (one of two riders with two horses) starting things off with Connaught for the U.S.

Darren Chiacchia and Adrienne Iorio's Better I Do It went into the lead, going last before the break with a fluid test for a score of 32.5. The only inconsistency was in the flying changes.

"Unfortunately, the first flying change has been so good I didn't try hard enough for it," said Chiacchia after his test. "The second one is more difficult for him. It's so hard to judge when you're riding, but I think the first one was a six, and the second one was a five, which is better than a four and a three. Overall, he was much more consistent. I liked this test a lot better [than in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event]. I had him a lot more through his back in the trot, he was covering ground. I think he was really relaxed and forward. I'm working on that next gear with him. He's learning that gear. Whenever you're changing something, you first get it at home then you get it in the ring. This was the first time I got it in the ring the whole time."

New Jersey resident Emilee Libby put in a smart test with Cahir to sneak in behind Chiacchia on a score of 33.1. It was a very obedient test from the 16.3-hand Irish-bred gelding, and the pair picked up good marks from all three judges.

Jonathan Holling, who has had a very consistent spring with Lion King, continued his professional approach to the sport, putting in a workmanlike test to tie for third place on a 33.9. The 13-year-old English Thoroughbred was the winner at the CIC*** at Red Hills in March.

"I was pretty pleased. He got stuck in one change," said Holling. "But, I was very pleased with him. He was softer than he's been. If he's soft, he loses some of the movement. And, if he's moving great, he gets a little mouthy. So it's a fine line. He's come into his own over the last year-and-a-half, but he's still a work in progress."

The best of the Canadians were Penny Rowland and Windswept finishing in a tie for third place with Holling.

The CCI*** gets underway Thursday at 8:30 a.m.

Day One Results: Jersey Fresh Three-Day Event

1. Better I Do It - Darren Chiacchia (U.S.) - 32.5

2. Cahir - Emilee Libby (U.S.) - 33.1

3. Windswept - Penny Rowland (Canada) - 33.9

4. Lion King II - Jonathan Holling (U.S.) - 33.9

5. Tru Luck - Phillip Dutton (U.S.) - 34.2

6. Antigua - Will Faudree (U.S.) - 34.6

7. Courageous Comet - Becky Holder (U.S.) - 34.9

8. Jenga - Bonnie Mosser (U.S.) - 35.0

9. Close the Deal - Bonnie Mosser (U.S.) - 35.4

10. Theodore O'Connor - Karen O'Connor (U.S.) - 36.1

By Joanie Morris

ENDS

As the National Governing Body (NGB) of Equestrian Sport, the United States Equestrian Federation(r), Inc. (USEF) is the regulatory body for 28 breeds and disciplines, including our country's international teams competing in the disciplines of dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, para-equestrian, reining, show jumping and vaulting. With over 87,000 members, it is the country's largest multi-breed organization and annually license more than 2,800 competitions nationwide. The USEF governs all aspects of competition, including education and licensing of all judges, stewards, and technical delegates who officiate shows.

Vision Statement: The vision of United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide leadership for equestrian sport in the United States of America, promoting the pursuit of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of its horses, and embracing this vision, to be the best national equestrian federation in the world.