Horsesdaily On The Scene at the
BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search-East -page 1 of 4
By Nancy Degutis for HorsesDaily.com

Floridian Michael Morrissey's consistency gave him the edge over 59 contenders to take the BET/USET Show Jumping Talent Search-East title.

For Morrissey, the victory was a step toward the 18-year-old's ultimate goal, being an international grandprix rider. The lanky teen who finished high school early to concentrate on riding could relax after a pressure-filled weekend of the four-phase competition, held on the verdant Hamilton Farm, the U.S. Equestrian Team's training center for more than half a century.

"Winning this class starts off the future. This class is the first step toward making the Olympic team," said Morrissey. The Bradenton young rider, along with the other three finalists, wants to be go to the Games after college. They have time because the horsemanship medal finals help USET officials spot and develop future talent among the under-21s who could go on to represent this country abroad.