2016 USEF Olympics Media Kit

RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES

UNTIED STATES EQUESTRIAN MEDIA KIT

As we approach the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, I am delighted to provide the official selection process for the U.S. Equestrian Teams. The following document outlines specific criteria that will establish which athletes represent the U.S. in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines: dressage, eventing, and show jumping. In addition, it highlights major competitions to follow as the athletes chase selection as well as interview opportunities and guidelines.

U.S. equestrian athletes continually excel in elite international competition and fascinate fans with their impressive performances. This past summer at the Pan American Games, the U.S. Dressage Team and U.S. Eventing Team won Team Gold medals, solidifying a 2016 Olympic berth for the United States, while the U.S. Show Jumping Team earned Bronze. U.S. athletes also took home five Individual medals including three Golds. During the 2015 FEI World Cup Finals, rising dressage athlete Laura Graves finished in fourth place with her horse Verdades showcasing potential to represent the U.S. on the most prestigious world stage.

In the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, three-time Olympian and iconic U.S. show jumper Elizabeth ‘Beezie’ Madden earned the Bronze medal. Cortes ‘C’, her trusted partner, also took home the Best Horse title. On the eventing side, Olympian Boyd Martin finished eighth out of 60 combinations. Overall, U.S. equestrian athletes consistently produce top finishes in high-level international competitions. Collectively, these performances demonstrate the talent and growth of U.S. equestrian athletes.

We have an impressive pool of athletes, all hungry for the chance to represent their country at the 2016 Olympic Games. I look forward to sharing an official announcement of the 2016 United States Equestrian Teams next summer. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions, and we will work to provide compelling story angles of athletes pre- and post-selection.

Sincerely, Leah Oliveto Director of Communications United States Equestrian Federation

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Interview Opportunities

2016 Olympic Games Helpful Links

Contact Information

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Show Jumping

6 Dressage 9 Eventing

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES U.S. equestrian athletes, coaches, and high performance staff members are available to media through the USEF Media & Communications department. The best opportunities to meet and do short-form interviews with athletes, coaches, and staff will be around the competitions that are listed in this kit. All interviews requests should be sent to the USEF at least one week prior to the competition. Additional interviews may also be scheduled pending athlete availability.

USEFUL LINKS: www.rio2016.com Equestrian Events Timetable Equestrian Event Rules Historical Roster of U.S. Equestrian Olympic Teams and Medals Won

USEF CONTACT INFORMATION Leah Oliveto

Dana Rossmeier

Director of Communications

Manager of Media Relations

loliveto@usef.org

& Sport Communications

859-225-2053

drossmeier@usef.org 859-225-6930

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PHOTO: BOB LANGRISH

SHOW JUMPING What pole vaulting, high jump, and hurdles are to track and field, show jumping is to equestrian sport. Show jumping tests a horse’s athleticism, agility, and tractability while simultaneously testing a rider’s precision, accuracy, and responsiveness. Spectator friendly and easy to understand, an athlete/horse combination jumps over a series of obstacles varied by height and width. They are penalized for knocking down rails associated with obstacles, refusing to jump obstacles and exceeding the course’s time limit. The combination with the least amount of penalties, known as faults, and the quickest time wins.

Show Jumping at the Olympic Games Show Jumping competition at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games will take place August 14-19 at the Deodoro venue. Up to 15 countries will be represented in team competition with an additional 15 athletes competing as individuals. The U.S. Team qualified for the Olympic Games after placing third at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France.

At the Olympic Games, teams are comprised of a maximum of four, minimum of three, athlete/horse combinations. Team and Individual medals are determined across four days of competition.

• Day one is the First Individual Qualifier, which counts as qualification for the Final Individual Competition. In addition, it determines the starting order for the Team Competition.

• Days two and three are the Team Competition and Second and Third Individual Qualifying Competitions. All teams compete on day two with the top eight teams

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following the first round moving forward to the team final on day three. The winning team is awarded after two rounds of jumping on day three based on the team that incurred the least amount of penalties over the two rounds (only the top three scores from each team per round are counted).

• Day four is the Final Individual Competition which takes place over two rounds. The winning Individual is based on the Individual that incurred the least amount of penalties over the two rounds.

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC SHOW JUMPING TEAM SELECTION PROCESS Complete Selection Procedures Brief Selection Outline: • It is anticipated that the complete Short List of approximately ten (10) athletes will be named on or about April 13, 2016. The Short List will be named as follows: o December 16, 2015: Four (4) highest-ranked athletes on the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Average Ranking List from lists dating June 5-December 4, 2015 will be named to the Short List. o April 2016: Three (3) athletes who are ranked highest on the April 8, 2016 Rolex/ USEF Show Jumping Ranking Horse List, and who have not already been named to the Short List, will be named to the Short List. o 2016 FEI World Cup Final: The highest placed U.S. athlete in the Final Overall Standings for the 2016 FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, SWE (March 2016) who has not already been selected to the Short List will be named to the Short List provided that he/she finished in the top 10 of the Final Overall Standings from the 2016 FEI World Cup Final. o Discretionary Selection: The U.S. Show Jumping Chef d’Equipe (Coach), in consultation with the selectors, will have the discretion to recommend up to two (2) additional athletes to the Short List.

• To remain eligible for selection, the Short Listed athletes will be required to participate at designated observation event(s). The designated observation events will be published no later than April 1, 2016.

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• The Chef d’Equipe and selectors will evaluate the Short List athletes and their horses based on criteria set forth in the selection procedures and make a recommendation for selection of the team of four (4) athlete/horse combinations as well as one (1) traveling reserve combination.

• It is anticipated that the team of four (4) and one (1) traveling reserve will be named no later than July 5, 2016.

Key Show Jumping Competitions*: • February 2-7, 2016, CSI5* class, Thermal, CA • February 4-7, 2016, CSI3*-W class, Wellington, FL • February 9-14, 2016, CSI3*-W class, Thermal, CA • February 10-14, 2016, CSI5* class, Wellington, FL • February 16-21, 2016, CSIO4* class, Ocala, FL • February 24-28, 2016, CSI5* class, Wellington, FL • February 24-28, 2016, CSI3*-W class, Ocala, FL • March 2-6, 2016, CSIO4* class, Wellington, FL • March 9-13, 2016, CSI5* class, Wellington, FL • March 15-20, 2016, CSI5* class, Ocala, FL • March 23-28, 2016, FEI World Cup Final, Gothenburg, SWE • March 30-April 3, 2016, CSI5* class, Wellington, FL • April 6-9, 2016, CSI5* class, Miami, FL • June 7-12, 2016, CSI5* class, Tryon, NC * Further competitions both inside and outside the United States may be added to this schedule. * Concours de Saut Internatinal (CSI) is the international ranking system for show jumping, the number associated determines the difficulty of competition, amount of prize money awarded, and the minimum age of horses allowed to compete. A CSI-W is a World Cup qualifying competition. A CSIO includes a Nations Cup (team) competition.

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DRESSAGE Originally developed as a method for training military horses, the centuries-old discipline of dressage, which is a French term meaning “training,” was used to increase the maneuverability and obedience of cavalry mounts. The specific purpose for dressage is to develop a horse’s natural athletic ability and maximize its suppleness (flexibility) and attentiveness, all the while fostering ultimate harmony between horse and rider.

Dressage requires the horse and rider to combine the strength and agility of gymnastics with the elegance and beauty of ballet.

Dressage at the Olympic Games Dressage competition at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games will take place August 10-15 at the Deodoro venue. Up to 10 countries will be represented in team competition with an additional 20 athletes competing as individuals. The U.S. Team qualified directly for the Olympic Games after placing first at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

At the Olympic Games athlete/horse combinations will perform two compulsory tests as part of the team competition and may perform one Freestyle test, which includes music. The Freestyle test showcases creativity and individual expression as part of the individual competition. Teams are comprised of a maximum of four, minimum of three athlete/horse combinations. Team and Individual medals are determined across three days of competition.

• Day one is the FEI Grand Prix Test which serves as the First Team and Individual Qualifying Competition.

• Day two is the FEI Grand Prix Special Test which serves as the final Team Competition and Second Individual Qualifying Competition. It is limited to and compulsory for the best six placed teams and the eight highest-placed individual athletes after day one’s FEI Grand Prix Test. All four team members may participate. The winning team is the one with the highest total percentage after adding together the team’s three best total scores after completing the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special (the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special are valued at an equal level).

• Day three is the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle Test which serves as the Final Individual

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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN

Competition. It is limited to and compulsory for the top 18 athletes after completing the FEI Grand Prix Special competition. A maximum of three athletes per country may participate in the Grand Prix Freestyle. The winning individual is the one with the highest total percentage in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC DRESSAGE TEAM SELECTION PROCESS Complete Selection Procedures Brief Selection Outline: • The Team Qualification period began August 1, 2015. Athlete/horse combinations are required to complete at least two qualifying competitions to be eligible to be named to compete at European Observation Events. Below is a list 2016 U.S. qualifying competitions.

• Following the conclusion of the qualifying competition period on May 1, 2016, a list of approximately eight athlete/horse combinations will be named to compete in European Observation Events based on scores earned in qualifying competitions and the criteria set forth in the selection procedures.

• The named athlete/horse combinations will travel to Europe and compete in designated Observation Events between May 2 and July 1, 2016. A complete list of European Observation Events will be published no later than January 29, 2016.

• The U.S. Dressage Chef d’Equipe (Coach) and selectors will evaluate the athlete/ horse combinations based on scores from qualifying and observation events in addition to the criteria set forth in the selection procedures. They will recommend four (4) athlete/horse combinations as well as one (1) traveling reserve combination for the team.

• It is anticipated that the team of four (4) and one (1) traveling reserve will be named in July 2016.

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Key Dressage Competitions (U.S. Qualifying Competitions): • Jan. 13-17, 2016, CDI-W class, Global Dressage Festival 1, Wellington, FL • Jan. 27-31, 2016, CDI-W class, Global Dressage Festival 3, Wellington, FL • Jan. 27-31, 2016, CDI-W class, Los Angeles Winter Dressage, Burbank, CA • Feb. 10-14, 2016, CDI5*/3* classes, Global Dressage Festival 5, Wellington, FL • Feb. 24-29, 2016, CDI-W class, Global Dressage Festival 7, Wellington, FL • Feb. 25-28, 2016, CDI-W class, Burbank Dressage, Burbank, CA • March 3-6, 2016, CDI-W/3* classes, Palm Beach Dressage Derby, Wellington, FL • March 10-13, 2016, CDI3* class, Dressage Affaire, Del Mar, CA • March 16-20, 2016, CDI4* class, Global Dressage Festival 10, Wellington, FL • March 29-April 2, 2016, CDIO3*/3* classes, Global Dressage Festival 12, Wellington, FL • March 30-April 2, 2016, CDI3* class, Festival of the Horse, San Juan Capistrano, CA • April 7-10, 2016, CDI3* class, Greater Atlanta Dressage Southern, Conyers, GA • April 7-10, 2016, CDI3* class, Golden State Dressage Festival, Rancho Murieta, CA • April 28-May 1, 2016, CDI3* class, Houston Dressage Society, Katy, TX • April 28-May 1, 2016, CDI-W class, Del Mar National, Del Mar, CA Additional events will take place outside the U.S.: Complete Qualifying Competition Calendar * Concours de Dressage International (CDI) is the international ranking system for dressage, the number associated determines the technical requirements for the competition such as prize money, level of judges, and invitations. A CDI-W is a World Cup qualifying competition. A CDIO includes a Nations Cup (team) competition.

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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN

EVENTING Comparable to a human triathlon, the discipline of eventing was historically developed to test the skills required of the working military mount — athleticism, agility, bravery, speed, and endurance. In modern time, eventing has evolved into an exciting spectator sport and competitive endeavor, attracting enthusiasts of all levels. Eventing is divided into three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Dressage is held the first day to demonstrate the level of communication between horse and rider and showcase the horse’s power, balance, and rhythm, which are tested further in the following two phases.

The second phase of the event is cross-country which tests the endurance, jumping ability, and speed of the horse and rider as they negotiate a course of fixed obstacles set on varied terrain, usually measuring between 2.75 and 4 miles. Show jumping, the third and final phase, tests the horse’s obedience and stamina after two prior days of exertion. It also tests the rider’s precision and accuracy as the athlete/horse team negotiate a set course of strategically placed obstacles within the confines of an arena. The athlete/ horse combination with the least amount of penalties across all three phases wins.

Eventing at the Olympic Games Eventing competition at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games will take place August 6-9 at the Deodoro venue. Up to 11 countries will be represented in team competition with an additional 21 athletes competing as individuals. The U.S. team qualified directly for the Olympic Games after placing first at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

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At the Olympic Games, teams are comprised of a maximum of four, minimum of three athlete/horse combinations. Team and Individual medals are determined across three days of competition.

• Day one is the dressage phase • Day two is the cross-country phase • Day three is the show jumping phase o Following show jumping, the final cumulative scores of the three highest placed athletes on the team are added together to determine the team rankings. The team with the lowest number of penalties wins. The top 25 athletes will jump a second show jumping round to determine the Individual medals.

UNITED STATES OLYMPIC EVENTING TEAM SELECTION PROCESS Complete Selection Procedures Brief Selection Outline: • Athlete/horse combinations wishing to be considered for the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team must complete one of the designated competitions between April 22, 2015 and June 12, 2016. Prior designated competitions can be found in the selection procedures, a list of future designated competitions is below.

• By no later than June 20, 2016 the selectors, team coach, and veterinarian will recommend four (4) athlete/horse combinations as well as one (1) traveling reserve combination for the team. The selectors will evaluate the combinations based on a number of factors including overall performance and soundness of the athlete/ horse combination in the designated 2015/2016 competitions, previous international experience of the combination, athlete fitness, and a combination’s will to win.

Please find a complete list of selection factors on page four of the selection procedures.

• All athlete/horse combinations named to the team will be required to demonstrate continued preparation, soundness, and ability by competing at a Preparation Event(s).

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• It is anticipated that the Preparation Event(s) will be held after June 1, 2016.

The date(s) and location(s) of the Preparation Event(s) will be released by no later than May 15, 2016.

Key Eventing Competitions: • April 28 - May 1, 2016, Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, Lexington, KY • May 4-8, 2016, Badminton CCI4*, Great Britain • May 11-15, 2016, Jersey Fresh CCI3*, Allentown, NJ • May 19-22, 2016, Saumur CCI3*, France • May 26-29, 2016, Tattersalls CCI3*, Ireland • June 2-5, 2016, Bromont CCI3*, Canada • June 9-12, 2016, Bramham CCI3*, Great Britain • July 8-10, 2016, Great Meadow International, The Plains, VA Other Events*: • February 25-28, 2016, Pine Top CIC3*, Thomson, GA • March 4-6, 2016, Twin Rivers CIC3*, Paso Robles, CA • March 11-13, 2016, Red Hills CIC3*, Tallahassee, FL • March 24-27, 2016, Carolina CIC3*, Raeford, NC • March 25-27, 2016, Poplar Place CIC3*, Hamilton, GA • April 1-3, 2016, Galway Downs CIC3*, Temecula, CA • April 6-10, 2016, The Fork CIC3*, Norwood, NC • April 13-17, 2016, Twin Rivers CIC3*, Paso Robles, CA • April 22-24, 2016, Fair Hill CIC3*, Elkton, MD • April 22-24, 2016, Chattahoochee Hills CIC3*, Fairburn GA * These events are not associated with selection, but may allow you to see top level athletes in competition. * Concours Complet International (CCI) is the international ranking system for eventing. The number associated determines the difficulty of competition: a four-star is the highest level of competition.

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