Clinches Berth in 2004 Samsung Super League

Gladstone, N J—November 16, 2003—The United States Equestrian Team (USET) show jumping squad competing in CSIO Buenos Aires won the Nations’ Cup and secured a position for the United States in the 2004 Samsung Super League.

The Samsung Super League, begun in 2003, limits participation in eight select CSIO competitions (La Baule, Rome, St. Gallen, Aachen, Dublin, Hickstead, Rotterdam, and Barcelona) to only eight countries. Participation at the level of competition found in the Samsung Super League events is considered a critical component of the USET’s strategic plan for Olympic and international success. Since invitations to Samsung Super League events is often difficult to obtain for non-Super League teams, it is important to be one of the eight Super League countries.

The Show Jumping High Performance Committee was committed to trying to qualify for next year’s Samsung Super League and it all came down to the year’s final event at Buenos Aires. The U.S. needed to win over the six-team field in order to qualify and the squad of Norman Dello Joio on Peace Train, Chris Kappler on Primeur 59, Laura Linback on Remember Me 9 and Beezie Madden on Innocence achieved that goal.

The U.S. squad, coached by USET chef d’equipe Frank Chapot, finished the two-round Nations’ Cup with a score of 12 faults to easily defeat the host country of Argentina which placed second with 38. Brazil was third with 40 faults. Kappler led the way with a double clear round.

Each year, the country finishing last in the Super League drops off and is replaced by the country finishing first in the year-long series of the seventeen CSIOs outside the Super League. The US entered the Nations Cup at Buenos Aires tied for first place with Switzerland and with its win moved into the Super League for 2004.

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, vaulters, 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.