Olympic superstar Debbie McDonald has taken on the role of U.S. Equestrian Federation Developing Dressage Coach.
McDonald’s name is synonymous with the U.S. Dressage program for the last decade—she represented the United States across the globe, winning the 2005 FEI World Cup Final and leading the United States to team bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 2006 World Equestrian Games with her legendary mare Brentina.
She will work through the Developing Program to identify and cultivate future U.S. dressage stars. McDonald is planning a series of clinics across the country to help prepare riders and their horses for a future of international competition.
“The Developing Program is of vital importance to the future of our sport,” said USEF Technical Advisor Anne Gribbons. “It is meant to establish the basis for the up-and-coming riders and horses in this country. We are lucky to be in the situation today when we are able to use our own human resources to educate our team hopefuls.
“Under the capable direction of Debbie McDonald, we will create a nationwide program devoted to guiding our riders and their mounts from young horse classes and the small tour to Grand Prix,” continued Gribbons.
McDonald was named the USEF Developmental Coach of the Year in 2008 for her efforts training and teaching horses and riders. She has an exemplary reputation as a coach and a trainer.
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“I am very excited to help the development of our sport,” said McDonald. “Having the support of the USEF to start this program up again is exciting. I am honored to be a part of it!”
The dates and locations for the Developing Rider clinics are scheduled as follows (please note that they may be subject to change):
February 6-7, 2010 California
March 27-28, 2010 Florida
June 5-6, 2010 California
June 12-13, 2010 New Jersey
July 10-11, 2010 New Jersey
Participation in these clinics is by invitation only, and riders will be invited at the direction of the USEF High Performance Dressage Committee.
