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Articles: Press Release
USEF Names Capt. Mark Phillips and Melanie Smith-Taylor 2007 Coaches of the Year
Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2008
By Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY -- Two important individuals made huge contributions to the
success of the United States Equestrian Federation's international
riders in 2007. Capt. Mark Phillips and Melanie Smith-Taylor were
instrumental in the achievements of the eventing and show jumping teams
respectively.
Phillips, who has been awarded the 2007 USEF National Coach of the Year
honor, drove an incredibly successful eventing campaign which was
highlighted by a medal sweep at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil. Led by veteran athlete, Karen O'Connor (riding the mighty
super pony Theodore O'Connor) the U.S. Team swept the individual medals as
well as bringing home team gold.
The 2007 Developmental Coach of the Year, Smith-Taylor, spent most of the
summer in Europe coaching the USEF Developing Young Rider Tour. The tour
gives four American show jumping riders the chance to compete at some of the
biggest shows on the continent.
Smith-Taylor's riders picked up Nations Cup wins in Falsterboro, Sweden on
July 20 and in Hamina, Finland on June 17. Under her guidance, these young
riders gained valuable experience and performed beyond expectation among
some very seasoned competitors. They supplemented their team success with
individual wins and placings at a variety of shows across Europe.
As a result of this honor, Phillips and Smith-Taylor are the USEF's nominees
for the 2007 USOC Coach of the Year Award. This is an important part of the
USOC's Coaching Recognition Program which acknowledges coaches for their
contributions to team's successes throughout the year. The USOC will review
nominees from all National Governing Bodies and select a winner in each
category (National and Developmental).
ENDS
For more information, please contact Christy Baxter at cbaxter@usef.org.
The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide leadership for
equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the pursuit of
excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games. This is based on a
foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare of horses. Embracing
this vision, the USEF strives to be the best national equestrian
federation in the world.
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