Gladstone, NJ-April 1, 2003-Debbie McDonald of Hailey, ID was named the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Athlete of the Month for March after she finished second in the 2003 Dressage World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. McDonald produced the best finish ever turned in by a U.S. rider at the Dressage World Cup Final.

McDonald, riding Brentina, owned by Peggy Thomas, finished second with a score of 72.28% in the Grand Prix which was used to determine the starting positions for the Grand Prix Freestyle where she earned her second-place finish with a score of 78.89%.

The best previous finish by a U.S. rider was fourth by Robert Dover in 1988 and by Carol Lavell in 1992.

At the 2002 World Equestrian Games McDonald and Brentina helped the U.S. dressage squad capture the team Silver Medal, marking the best finish ever for a United States dressage team in any World Championship or Olympic Games. Individually, McDonald had this country's best performance in history by coming in fourth.

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.