Gladstone, NJ—April 12, 2002— The United States Equestrian Team (USET) is proud to announce that Molly Warmington of Newport Beach, CA, is this year's winner of the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award. The Maxine Beard Award provides Warmington with a trip and accreditation for the Show Jumping World Cup Final, which will be held this year in Leipzig, Germany, May 1 - 5.

The USET Show Jumping Committee awarded Warmington with this honor because of her competitive record to date, and promise for the future. Molly lives in California and competed in World Cup Qualifiers for the first time this year.

The Maxine Beard Award was established by friends of the popular trainer Ronnie Beard in honor of Ronnie’s mother. Beard is the Chairman of the USET Show Jumping Developing Rider Committee.

The Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award is one of many programs that the USET has developed to assist riders in their quest for equestrian excellence. Observing European and international competition is a crucial component in the education of an equestrian athlete.

The recipients of the award are chosen based on their potential to represent the United States in international competition, as well as financial need. A Show Jumping Developing Rider is defined as a US citizen who has not represented the United States in Olympic, Pan American or World Championship competition, or in more than five Nations Cups either in Europe or at Spruce Meadows. Alternates for the Olympic, Pan American and World Equestrian Games, as well are riders who have competed in the Show Jumping World Cup Final, are still considered Show Jumping Developing Riders and are eligible for the award.

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.