Jerez de la Frontera, Spain - September 15, 2002 - Despite a flawless performance in the Freestyle competition by Debbie McDonald of Hailey, ID and Brentina, owned by Perry & Peggy Thomas, the U.S. is without an Individual Dressage Medal at the 2002 World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

McDonald and Brentina finished fourth by the slimmest of margins with a score of 233.460 (82.700).

Lisa Wilcox of Thousand Oaks, CA, riding Relevant, owned by Gundula Vorwerk and Dr. Claus Crone-Munzebrock were right behind them in fifth place with a score of 232.530 (82.650). Susan Blinks of Wellington, FL riding Flim Flam, owned by owned by Fritz Kundrun and Dressage Sponsor Corporation came in eleventh with 219.855 (74.375).

Nadine Capellmann of Germany and Farbenfroh won the Gold Medal with a score of 237.515 (83.675). The hometown favorite Beatriz Ferrer-Salat of Spain on Beauvalais captured the Silver scoring 234.385 (82.825) and the Bronze was won by Ulla Salzgeber of Germany riding Rusty, receiving 233.535 (83.775).

After dismounting, McDonald gave her mare a big hug and then hugged her husband, Bob. Although disappointed, Debbie was philosophical about her fate.

"I still am happy," said McDonald. "I can't ask more of my horse. I can't go home feeling bad because we accomplished more than I ever imagined. I am ecstatic, we received over 80%

Wilcox was just as pleased about her ride and about the entire experience at the WEG.

"I was also happy about my test," said Wilcox. "We are just getting started so there is no reason to be depressed. This result is exactly what we planned on before we came here, we just got excited in the middle. This was an historical horse show and we have to move on from here."

Blinks enjoyed her time at the WEG, but not in the Freestyle. Flim Flam had a rough go of it under the lights.

"Flim Flam was really afraid of the cameras," said Blinks. "I thought it would help us, but he is not a horse that deals well with some things, and he got stage fright. I really enjoyed it here, though and winning the Silver team Medal was unbelievable."

The World Equestrian Games continue with the Endurance competition. The United States Equestrian Team (USET) will be represented by both individual and team competitors.

For comprehensive coverage the 2002 World Equestrian Games, please visit the United States Equestrian Team's website 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.