Gladstone, NJ - During the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the United States Equestrian Team Foundation hosted two Gold Medal Club receptions. The events were held to thank Gold Medal Club donors and to honor the United States Equestrian Teams that were competing in eight different disciplines at WEG. The first reception was held on September 29 and the second reception was held on October 7, hosted by R. Bruce Duchossois and Jack Wetzel.

The Gold Medal Club receptions were held at the beautiful Spindletop Hall in Lexington, KY, located across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park. Spindletop Hall sits on 62-acres of Kentucky Bluegrass and the mansion features matching, winding staircases in the foyer, spacious windows and hand carved ceilings and walls. Over 200 guests attended each of the receptions, mingling with the many athletes who were also in attendance.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Duchossois has always been active with the Foundation and equestrian sport and was thrilled to lend his support.

"We wanted to help promote and support the teams competing at the World Equestrian Games for the United States," noted Duchossois. "It was a casual and relaxed evening and everybody had a good time. I've been involved in show jumping, three-day eventing and combined driving for many years, and this was my way of giving back to the team efforts."

The entire U.S. Reining Team attended the first week's reception, proudly displaying their Team Gold medals. In addition, members of the para-dressage, eventing, endurance and dressage teams were at the September 29th party. The U.S. Vaulting Team attended the second week's reception, as well as the U.S. Show Jumping and Driving Teams and guests enjoyed the opportunity to meet the talented athletes. "The Foundation's donors appreciate it when the athletes acknowledge their support and make an effort to attend these events," said Duchossois.

"Having the opportunity to bring together so many of our Gold Medal Club donors, along with the athletes representing the United States at the World Equestrian Games was great. Our Gold Medal Club donors are the life blood of the USET Foundation and their support is critical to the success of our High Performance programs," noted Bonnie Jenkins, USET Foundation Executive Director. "It was nice to have the athletes there to thank the donors and to celebrate the medals won, and to wish the very best to the athletes who were soon to compete."

ENDS