Gladstone, NJ - January 26, 1998

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) presented Mason Phelps of West Palm Beach, FL with a special appreciation award. Phelps was honored for his fundraising efforts with the Denim and Diamonds Ball in Wellington, FL which has brought the Team hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of its programs over the last three years.

Creator and organizer of the nation's only true Derby, the International Jumping Derby in Newport, Rhode Island, 1976-1988, Phelps has demonstrated a lifetime of philanthropic support of the USET. His energy and enthusiasm which has driven the success of the annual Denim and Diamonds extravaganza in Wellington, FL stems from the love he acquired for the Team as an active Eventing rider. Phelps represented the USET at Badminton on three separate occasions and competed twice at Burghley. Named the U.S. Combined Training Association's (USCTA) Rider of the Year in 1968, he rode West Country to the USCTA's Horse of the Year award that same year and was named to the 1968 U.S. Olympic Team on Argonaut.

From time to time the USET bestows an Appreciation Award on individuals who have given generously of their time and efforts in order to assure the success of the Team. Phelps, who has given countless hours in support of the Team, is a most worthy recipient of this honor.