The U.S. Equestrian Federation has named Capt. Mark Phillips and Missy Ransehousen the USEF Coach and Para-Equestrian Coach of the Year. Both Phillips and Ransehousen will be considered by the U.S. Olympic Committee for the National and Paralympic Coach of the Year Award that will be announced in late spring/early summer 2012.

Phillips serves on four USEF Committees and is a top international course designer and technical delegate as well as an Olympic veteran himself. Under his guidance, the U.S. eventing team made history by winning team gold at the 2011 Pan American Games (Mexico) with all five riders finishing on their dressage scores. The U.S. team also won individual silver and bronze.

Ransehousen has coached four-time National Para-Equestrian Champion and Paralympian Rebecca Hart to all of her championship titles, and the two winning teams at the USEF Para-Equestrian CPEDI*** (N.Y.) as well as at the Saddlewood Festival of Dressage CPEDI*** in Werribee, Australia.

“Captain Phillips and Missy Ransehousen are extraordinary coaches,” said James Wolf, USEF Executive Director of Sport Programs. “Both of these individuals 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.”