The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) will induct Linda Zang and Brentina into the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame (HOF) at the Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet, on December 4, 2009, during the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention in Austin, TX. Induction into the HOF is an honor bestowed on horses and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the sport of dressage in the US.

Linda Zang has played a critical role in the growth of dressage in the United States and has helped U.S. dressage gain prominence in the international arena. Her career has spanned over 30 years and has made a significant impact on many facets of the sport. As an international rider, Zang competed with her horse, Fellow Traveller, at the 1978 World Championships and the 1979 Pan American Games, the latter in which the U.S. dressage team won the Gold medal. As one of the top judges in the world, USEF “S” and FEI “O,” she has officiated at over 32 World Cup Qualifiers, numerous World Cup League Finals, and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. Zang has been one of the top leaders and promoters of U.S. dressage in the international arena. She is also a highly-respected clinician, instructor, show organizer, and FEI Technical Delegate. She has played a leadership role on many committees of USDF, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Brentina, an 18-year-old chestnut Hanoverian mare, has been one of the most outstanding horses in international competition in U.S. history with rider, Debbie McDonald. Purchased by Parry and Peggy Thomas at the 1994 October Elite Auction in Verden, Germany, Brentina quickly progressed through the levels, stacking up awards and amassing a huge fan club. In the 1999 Pan American Games, Brentina and McDonald were the Individual Gold-medal winners, as well as members of the Gold-medal U.S. team. At the 2003 FEI World Cup Dressage Final, they were the first American pair to win the World Cup Championship. In 2003, Brentina became a Breyer Limited Edition model, and in 2005 she was named the Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year. Brentina, with McDonald, also represented the U.S. during the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where the U.S. team brought home a bronze medal, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

For more information about the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org or contact the USDF office at [email protected].