Gladstone, NJ—March 1, 2002—Two U.S. events – The MBNA Foxhall Cup CCI*** and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bayer, CCI**** – will kick off the final round of the selection trials for the United States’ eventing team for the 2002 World Equestrian Games (WEG). The World Equestrian Games is scheduled to take place September 11-22 in Jerez, Spain.

Following six selection trials held in 2001, The MBNA Foxhall Cup, April 18-21 in Atlanta, GA, and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Bayer, April 25-28 in Lexington, KY, are the first of five selection trials to be held this spring. The two U.S. trials will be followed by the Badminton CCI**** in England, May 2-5; the Punchestown CCI*** in Ireland, May 16-19; and the Bramham CCI*** in England, June 6-9.

Within 21 days after the conclusion of Puncestown, the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) Eventing Selectors will name a short list of at least six horse-and-rider combinations. They will have an option of adding to that list after the competition at Bramham.

All horse-and-rider combinations on the Short List will be required to compete at one or more Mandatory Outings and/or Training Sessions before the final squad for WEG is named.

The USET Eventing Selectors are: 1984 Olympic team Gold and individual Silver Medalist Karen Stives, Chairman; 1980 U.S. Olympian Washington Bishop; event organizer and competitor Anne Getchell; 1994 WEG veteran Jim Graham; and Peter Green, a veteran of the 1982 Eventing World Championships.

Full details on the USET’s Eventing selection procedure are available on the USET website at www.uset.org.

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.