The U.S. Equestrian Federation announced today, Jan. 8, that Capt. Mark Phillips will retire as chef d’equipe and technical advisor of the U.S. Eventing Program following the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. 

An accomplished rider, trainer and course designer, Phillips has influenced eventing on an international scope.  As a rider, he won team gold medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. He also won the Badminton CCI*** (England) four times and the Burghley CCI**** (England) once. He designed the course for the European Championships 13 times and for the Pan American Games once. 

The U.S. Equestrian Team appointed Phillips as chef d’equipe and coach in 1993. To date, Phillips has led the eventing team to 23 team and individual medals. Highlights include team silver and individual bronze at the 1996 Olympic Games, team bronze and individual gold at the 2000 Olympic Games, team bronze and individual silver at the 2004 Olympic Games, individual silver at the 2008 Olympic Games and team gold at the 2002 World Equestrian Games.

USEF officials have already begun the process of identifying a successor. The first step is to create a search committee of USEF committee members, athletes and other experts. The search committee will then create a job description and timeline in order to create a timely and seamless transition. 

The USEF anticipates posting the position in 2010.