Gladstone, NJ – July 3, 2002 – The United States Equestrian Team (USET) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marilyn Adams of Far Hills, NJ, as Director of Dressage Activities.

Adams succeeds Maureen Pethick who has served as USET Director of Dressage Activities since 1997. Pethick has chosen to step down from her current role with the Team as she is expecting a baby in August. “It would not be fair to my family or to the riders for me to continue in my current position,” she said. “To do this job well requires constant attention and travel – the job needs someone who can make it a priority and for me, my priority is my family.”

Pethick will remain on staff at the USET, filling the position of Executive Assistant and Sponsor Relations Coordinator. Pethick will work closely with Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director on special projects, trustee and sponsor relations.

Adams began working for the USET in 1999 as Assistant Director of Show Jumping Activities. During her tenure with the Team, Adams has assisted equestrian athletes with various aspects of international competition. She recently served as Team Leader for the 2001 Show Jumping European Tour in Scandinavia.

Prior to her involvement with the USET, Adams was Director of Dressage & Endurance at USA Equestrian (formerly the AHSA). She has an extensive background in equestrian sports. Adams is a graduate of Sweetbriar College, Sweetbriar, VA.

As Director of Dressage Activities, Adams will serve as Team Leader for dressage at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, September 10 - 23, 2002.

“I am looking forward to my new role as Director of Dressage Activities and I am especially looking forward to a medal-winning trip to Spain.”

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.