Gladstone, New Jersey—November 12, 2001—The United States Equestrian Team (USET) hosted Show Jumping Developing Rider Training Sessions with Olympic veteran and internationally renowned trainer, George Morris at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, NJ, November 9 - 11.

Morris conducted three two-hour training sessions each day with an emphasis on both flat work and jumping exercises. The major theme of the sessions was understanding the reasons behind the classic techniques of riding and why these techniques work. Each session consisted of an introduction, middle and conclusion, with Morris taking the time to lecture to both the riders and auditors.

Saturday evening, November 10, brought the riders and their families together with Morris and USET staff for a dinner party hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Scott Magill in the rotunda of the USET stables. Riders had an opportunity to talk to Morris in a more social setting.

Those invited to participate in this year’s training sessions were selected by the USET Show Jumping Talent Scouts: Donald Cheska, Missy Clark, Diane Carney, Karen Healey, Leslie Howard, and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin. Participants were chosen based on their competitive record this year in competitions such as the BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search Finals, the North American Young Riders Championships, the AHSA Medal Finals, the Prix des States and ranking on the USET Computer List. Additionally the Champion and Reserve Champion in the ASPCA Maclay Finals were invited to participate.

Derek Braun of Ocala, FL
Alison Flury of Minooka, IL
Krista Fruendlich of Locust, NJ
Keri Kampsen of Tampa, FL
Tasha Lodwig of Elkhorn, NE
Gina Mancuso of New Hope, PA
Kristy McCormack of Cape May, NJ
Anna McKnight of Whitehall, MD
Kristin Schmolze of Montville, NJ
Caitlyn Shiels of Sheffield, MA
Gabby Slome of Riverdale, NY
Dorna Taintor of New York, NY
Dan Urban of Elkhorn, NE
Brian Walker of Wellington, FL
Alexa Weeks of Southport, CT
Emily Williams of Loveland, OH
Emily Wood of Bronxville, NY

The United States Equestrian Team is a non-profit organization that selects, trains, equips and finances equestrians of the highest possible standard to represent our country in major international competition, including the Olympic Games and the World Championships. To accomplish this the USET seeks out and nurtures the development of talented athletes - riders, drivers and horses - and provides the support and guidance they need to help them attain their fullest potential. For more information on the USET, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.