Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has approved the following horse/rider combinations to the Driving Preliminary Training Short List for the 2008 World Horse Championships (Singles) to be held in Jarantow, Poland August 28-31.

The combinations are as follows (listed alphabetically):

Name/Age/Hometown/Horse/Sex/Age/Breed/Owner

Leslie Berndl / 45 / Newcastle, CA / Koopman’s Lightning Rod / Gelding / 12 / Hackney / Ann McClure

Marjas Becker / 61 / Brooker, FL / Capodimonte / Gelding / 10 / 1/2 Arabian-NSH / Marjas Becker

Donna Crookston / 59 / Saltsburg, PA / RG Cowboys Black Cadillac / Gelding / 12 / Morgan / Donna Crookston

Robin Groves / 62 / Brownsville, VT / Thors Toy Truck / Gelding / 13 / Connemara-Thoroughbred / Lana Wright

William Peacock / 62 / Belleville, TX / Beau / Gelding / 11 / Holsteiner Cross / Proud Meadow Farms

David Schneider / 48 / Palm City, FL / Carlo / Gelding / 8 / Schweres Warmblood / David Schneider

Selectors, in evaluating horse/driver combinations to be named to the Preliminary Training Short List, will base their evaluations on the following factors: Placings at the Events and Selection Trials, and will evaluate the consistency of these performances using the following method: scores in the Dressage competitions, penalties received in the Marathon, and accuracy and speed in the Cones competition, along with the prospect that the combination will contribute to a tea m score (for example, if an applicant consistently attains superior scores in a particular phase, they may be selected for their expertise). The Selectors will consider the drivers’ competitive records. The Selectors will give primary consideration to international results with comparable courses and Ground Juries to the 2008 World Singles Championships, recent performances and scores evaluated pursuant to the second bullet, above in the 2008 Selection Trials. The placings and performances at National Events and European events for which there has been a written request to participate, as a Selection Event, approved in advance by the Selectors, shall also be considered.

The Selectors’ evaluation will also include consideration of the previous international results of the Driver/Horse combination, such as a competitive record over the past 4 year period that indicates that the Driver/Horse combination has successfully met the challenges of FEI international events, and demonstrated an ability to perform consistently under pressure. Coach’s and Veterinary Panel’s recommendations are to be considered.

ENDS

For more information please contact USEF Managing Director of Driving, Eric Stauffer at [email protected].