Gladstone, New Jersey—April 2, 2002—Valerie Kanavy of Fort Valley, VA was named the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Athlete of the Month for March following her success at the Endurance World Cup, held on March 21 in the desert of Dubai/Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE Racing and Equestrian Federation invited horses and riders from around the world to compete in this first-ever Endurance World Cup. Kanavy, the 1994 and 1998 World Champion, finished seventh and was the only foreign rider to finish in the top ten, with all the others coming from the UAE. The host country had 50 entries in the race and the next highest placing foreign rider after Kanavy finished 13th.

“I’m was pleased with Bearcat O’Reilly,” said Kanavy of her chestnut gelding, winner of the 2000 and 2001 USET Endurance Championships. “We led that home field in the early stages, but, with the hot, windy conditions in the desert, I decided not to push him too hard. To finish seventh out of 130 entries, and know that he’s in great shape for the rest of the season, is a wonderful accomplishment,” she added.

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.