USOC Concludes First Public Hearing On Equestrian NGB Application

Gladstone, New Jersey and Lexington, Kentucky—May 7, 2003—As required under United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Bylaws, the first of two public hearings regarding the proposed new National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of equestrian was held on Saturday, May 3, 2003. Attending the meeting were Armand Leone, Jr., U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) President; Bonnie B. Jenkins, USET Executive Director; Kathy K. Meyer, USA Equestrian Treasurer; Lori Rawls, USA Equestrian Executive Director; and John Collins, Counsel.

The meeting was held to consider the joint application of USET and USA Equestrian for

the creation of a new NGB, to be formally named U.S. Equestrian Federation, Inc. and to be publicly known as U.S. Equestrian. The joint application was discussed with members of the USOC Membership & Credentials Committee.

The meeting concluded favorably and both USET and USA Equestrian feel that everything remains on track for final approval by the USOC. The two organizations expect to receive a letter

from the Committee in the near future regarding any suggestions or changes the Committee might like made to the application.

The Boards of both USET and USA Equestrian will meet in May and June to review plans and to discuss formation of the new NGB. The first organizational meeting of U.S. Equestrian Federation, Inc. will be on July 7-8.

The second and final public hearing on the joint NGB application is scheduled for September

13. Following this hearing, the Membership & Credentials Committee will give its recommendation to the USOC Board of Directors who will meet on October 18-19 to give final approval of the new NGB.

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