Junior Writers
The History of the U.S. Equestrian Team
by Kristin Kenney
panning seven International and shaping the Team into a formidable
S
disciplines, the United States International force. The Team improved
Equestrian Team has always greatly under de Nemethy’s guidance,
been a proud representation of and eventually former Team rider,
our nation’s greatest riders. From the Chrystine Jones Tauber, took over the
Olympics to the venerable stadiums show jumping Team.
and arenas of Europe, Team USA As the USET galloped into the twenty-
trains and competes year-round to first century, several changes were made
uphold the Team’s legacy of excellent to move the Team forward and ensure a
equestrian sport. successful future. In late 2003, the USET
The show jumping squad sprouted became the USET Foundation, which
from a military background and is still located at Hamilton Farm. At
eventually formed into the successful that time, USA Equestrian joined with
Team it is today. Although the USET the USET Foundation to form today’s
was officially formed in 1950, before USEF, which governs equestrian sport
then Olympic equestrian sports in the United States. The two major
were overseen by the US army, it organizations wanted to form “a single
successfully competed for years unified family woven together from the
before the Army mechanized in many parts of equestrian governance
1949. and leadership.” This partnership allows
In 1950 the USET formed, with its uniform governance over all aspects of
first President Capt. John Wofford, equestrian sport, thus making competing
a former Olympian who also became easier and more effective.
the Coach for both the eventing and show jumping Teams. The USEF’s High Performance Division is the equivalent
During the early years of the Team, riders trained at Wofford’s of the USET before it became a Foundation. It provides
own Rimrock Farm before eventually moving to the palatial training for major equestrian events, including the Olympics
Hamilton Farm. and the PanAm Games. The High Performance Division
After having no permanent training base, the USET features seven International disciplines, including the three
moved to Hamilton Farm in 1961, and remains there to this military sports of Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping,
day, where it still hosts numerous events, from Pony Club as well as Vaulting, Reining, Endurance, and Driving. The
rallies to Dressage clinics. The sprawling Hamilton Farm, Division is also headquartered at Hamilton Farm.
located in Gladstone, New Jersey, was originally purchased The Foundation’s mission is to help fund High Performance
by James Cox Brady. The landmark stable is a masterpiece competition and to educate and train future International
in workmanship, from its ornate tile walls to its grandly riders. It is a not-for-profit organization that collaborates with
appointed trophy room, situated right above the main entry. the USEF to carry out its mission and promote International
After Wofford’s tenure as Coach, former Hungarian cavalry equestrian sport.
officer Bertalan de Nemethy stepped up to lead the show With the generous contributions of riders from all
jumping Team in 1955. He began a major overhaul in the disciplines, the USET Foundation can continue to send our
training of the riders, stressing the fundamentals of riding athletes to International competitions around the world.
“And God took a handful of southerly wind, blew His breath
over it, and created the horse.”
-Bedouin Legend
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