Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has nominated Capt. Mark Phillips and Missy Ransehousen for top coaching honors with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). With this nomination, they have been named USEF Coach and Para-Equestrian Coach of the Year.

Capt. Phillips has had a long tenure of medal winning service to the USEF. Beginning in 1993 - he has brought medals home from every championship he has coached, except for one. In 2011 his team made history. They won Pan American Team Gold with all five athletes finishing on their dressage scores. This is the first time in history this ever happened. The U.S. Team also won Individual Silver and Bronze. Even more impressively, this was a relatively inexperienced team, only one rider had represented their country previously. He has worked tirelessly on the developing rider program the results of which are now being utilized. He serves on four USEF Committees and is a top international course designer and technical delegate. His impact on the sport, both in 2011 and throughout his career has been profound and garnered him the Nomination of USEF Coach of the Year.

Missy Ransehousen has had a banner year with the U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team, coaching two winning teams at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Para-Equestrian CPEDI 3* in Saugerties, NY and at the Saddlewood Festival of Dressage CPEDI 3* in Werribee, AUS. Ransehousen also coached Rebecca Hart to third place honors at the USEF Para-Equestrian CPEDI3* and then on to a double win at the Saddlewood CPEDI3*. The Australian success was even more impressive because it was achieved entirely on borrowed horses. Ransehousen has coached four-time National Para-Equestrian Champion and Paralympian Rebecca Hart to all of her championship titles. Ransehousen's commitment to the sport is tireless, her efforts since 2000 have grown the sport considerably and she works as an advocate and fundraiser for the program as much as she works helping her riders succeed.

"Captain Phillips and Missy Ransehousen are extraordinary coaches," said James Wolf, USEF Executive Director, Sport Programs. "Both of these individual have dedicated their lives to the training of horses and riders. Their dedication, determination, integrity and work ethic make them both strong candidates for USOC Coach of the Year Honors."

Both Phillips and Ransehousen will be considered by the USOC for the National and Paralympic Coach of the Year Award that will be announced in late spring/early summer 2012.

ENDS

For more information about the Coach of the Year Program, please contact Christy Baxter, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Sport Programs at [email protected].