Lexington, KY – 2008 was a year of remarkable achievement for the US Show Jumping Program. Highlighted by the Team Gold and Individual Bronze medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, the US show jumpers won on major contests on four continents. At the reins of the program was the legendary, George H. Morris.

For his attention to detail, unwavering commitment to perfection and unyielding commitment to the horses and riders in his program, Morris has been honored as the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Coach of the Year.

Morris, 70, has served as the Chef d’Equipe and coach of the US show jumpers since 2005, but his commitment to the sport has spanned decades. He has been a Licensed Official since 1959, ridden for the US at the Olympic and Pan American Games and represented the US worldwide. In 1984 he was the coach of all four members of the US Gold medal winning show jumping team in Los Angeles.

"The name "George Morris" is synonymous with excellence,” said USEF Executive Director, Sport Programs. “His horsemanship and leadership have been instrumental in many of the USA's top show jumping performances for nearly half a century including our recent successes at the 2008 Olympic Games. It is a fitting tribute to George that he has been selected as the USEF Coach of the Year for 2008. The USEF is also very pleased to announce that George will be serving in the capacity as Chef d'Equipe and Coach of the US Show Jumping Team for another four years."

Debbie McDonald, who represented the US herself at the 2004 (where she won Team Bronze) and 2008 Olympic Games in Dressage, had a significant impact both on the field of play and on the sidelines. She is being recognized as the USEF Developmental Coach of the Year for her contribution to the Developing Dressage programs in the US.

She teaches and trains from her Hailey, ID base and coached USEF National Young Adult ‘Brentina Cup’ Champion, Adrienne Lyle in 2008. Her commitment to her students is steadfast and her impact on the sport of dressage in the US is profound.

As a result of this honor, Morris and McDonald are the USEF’s nominees for the 2008 USOC Coach of the Year Award. This is an important part of the United States Olympic Committee’s Coaching Recognition Program which acknowledges coaches for their contributions to team’s successes throughout the year. The USOC will review nominees from all National Governing Bodies and select a winner in each category (National and Developmental).

ENDS

For more information please contact Christy Baxter at [email protected].