Gladstone, NJ—April 12, 2002—The 12th annual Bayer/United States Equestrian Team (USET) Festival of Champions, presented by State Line Tack, is the only equestrian event in the country to spotlight five equestrian disciplines at the international level. The Festival returns to the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone, NJ from June 20 – 23, showcasing many of the nation’s top competitors in show jumping, dressage, combined driving, endurance, and reining.

The 2002 Festival will again feature the $75,000 USET Reining Championship, presented by Bayer, that will serve this year as the final U.S. selection trial for the first-ever Reining World Championship to take place at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain in September. In addition, Reiners will take part in the Cosequin Nations’ Cup competition, the USET Futures Championship, and the Reining Young Rider Medal Final.

The Festival will also serve as the final trial for drivers for the Four-In-Hand World Championship at the World Equestrian Games and for the 2002 Singles Driving World Championship to be held in Conty, France, in August.

Along with these important selection trials, the Festival will also host the USET Intermediaire I Dressage Championship and the Fleet Show Jumping Division which features the $75,000 Rolex/USET Show Jumping Championship. The top junior and amateur-owner show jumpers in the country will vie for top honors in the USET Junior and Amateur-Owner Show Jumping Talent Derbies, both presented by BET on Jazz. The USET Show Jumping Talent Derbies are part of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Jumper Classic Series which determines which junior and amateur-owner riders will qualify to ride at the 2002 National Horse Show.

Top endurance riders are expected to compete in the 65-Mile USET Endurance Championship, sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and the East Coast Trail Riders Association, which will take place in and around the USET grounds.

In addition to the exciting competition, there will be on-site equestrian-related demonstrations and exhibitions, a Children’s Corral, a wide range of gourmet dining options and an outstanding Country Fair with top-quality products for the home and stable from more than 70 vendors. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 6 – 12 years of age, and free for children under 6. Parking is $5.00.

Nowhere else can equine enthusiasts see the nation’s best compete in five disciplines of horse sports at one single event. Impressive equestrian competition, exciting activities and entertainment, and a beautiful country atmosphere all add up to a weekend of family fun at the Bayer/USET Festival of Champions, presented by State Line Tack. To learn more about this spectacular event please call the Festival Hotline at (908) 234-0555 or visit the USET on line 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.