Jerez de la Frontera, Spain–September 11, 2002–Dressage rider Sue Blinks of Wellington, FL got the United States Equestrian Team (USET) off to a great start at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, on Wednesday morning.

Blinks, riding Flim Flam owned by Fritz Kundrun and Dressage Sponsor Corporation, received an impressive score of 72.03% to take an early lead in the competition. Teammate Debbie McDonald of Hailey, ID, on Brentina owned by Perry & Peggy Thomas, will be the second rider for the U.S. in the Grand Prix, the team dressage competition, on Wednesday afternoon. The team dressage will conclude on Thursday.

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.