Articles: 2009 Horse News
George Morris Named USEF Coach of the Year; McDonald Honored as USEF
Developmental Coach 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 15, 2009
By Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY - 2008 was a year of remarkable achievement for the US
Show Jumping Program. Highlighted by the Team Gold and Individual Bronze
medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, the US show jumpers won
major contests on four continents. At the reins of the program was the
legendary, George H. Morris.
For his attention to detail, unwavering commitment to perfection and
unyielding commitment to the horses and riders in his program, Morris
has been honored as the United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF)
Coach of the Year.
Morris, 70, has served as the Chef d'Equipe and coach of the US show
jumpers since 2005, but his commitment to the sport has spanned decades.
He has been a Licensed Official since 1959, ridden for the US at the
Olympic and Pan American Games and represented the US worldwide. In 1984
he was the coach of all four members of the US Gold medal winning show
jumping team in Los Angeles.
"The name George Morris is synonymous with excellence," said USEF
Executive Director, Sport Programs. "His horsemanship and leadership
have been instrumental in many of the USA's top show jumping
performances for nearly half a century including our recent successes at
the 2008 Olympic Games. It is a fitting tribute to George that he has
been selected as the USEF Coach of the Year for 2008. The USEF is also
very pleased to announce that George will be serving in the capacity as
Chef d'Equipe and Coach of the US Show Jumping Team for another four
years."
Debbie McDonald, who represented the US herself at the 2004 (where she
won Team Bronze) and 2008 Olympic Games in Dressage, had a significant
impact both on the field of play and on the sidelines. She is being
recognized as the USEF Developmental Coach of the Year for her
contribution to the Developing Dressage programs in the US.
She teaches and trains from her Hailey, ID base and coached USEF
National Young Adult 'Brentina Cup' Champion, Adrienne Lyle in 2008.
Her commitment to her students is steadfast and her impact on the sport
of dressage in the US is profound.
As a result of this honor, Morris and McDonald are the USEF's nominees
for the 2008 USOC Coach of the Year Award. This is an important part of
the United States Olympic Committee'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, based on a
foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare
of its human and equine athletes.
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