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USET Foundation Presents Awards to Hillary Dobbs and Miranda Cadwell at

“Hong Kong by Night” Olympic Benefit

February 11, 2008

Gladstone, NJ --- On Friday, February 8, 2008, the USET Foundation hosted the “Hong Kong by Night” Olympic Benefit. The successful gala was the host to two awards presentations: the Whitney Stone Cup, which was given to Miranda Cadwell, and the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, which was awarded to Hillary Dobbs.

The Whitney Stone Cup is awarded annually to an active competitor who displays consistent excellence in international competition and high standards of sportsmanlike conduct while serving as an ambassador for the United States and equestrian sport.

The Whitney Stone Cup is given by the USET Foundation Executive Committee in honor of the late Whitney Stone, who served as President and Chairman of the Board of the USET. Whitney Stone led the USET from 1953 to 1973. He was instrumental in the creation of a civilian team when the Army retired from competitive horse sports after 1948.

Cadwell, who resides in North Carolina, competes in combined driving and won the gold medal at the World Pony Pairs Driving Championship in Dorthealyst, Denmark, in July with her ponies Toby, Topaz and Rambo. Combined driving is similar to three-day eventing, where competitors participate in three separate phases. She also led the U.S. pony drivers to their first team medal, a bronze medal.

“It’s a great honor to get (the Whitney Stone Cup),” she explained. “I don’t know how many other drivers have won it, so I think it’s pretty good that it’s not being given to one of the more popular disciplines. They are considering every one that has been out of the country.” She added that being considered among the great equestrians who have been given the award in previous years is “pretty unbelievable.”

The Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy went to 19-year-old Hillary Dobbs of Sussex, NJ. The award recognizes a Junior/Young Rider who exemplifies the USET Foundation’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship.

“I’m very honored that the USET Foundation has chosen me, and I’m truly grateful,” Dobbs said. “To be in the presence of the past riders that have won, like Jeffery Welles, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, is truly an honor.”

Dobbs started out the year strong with four grand prix victories in a row. She and Corlett won both $25,000 grand prix events at the St. Clement’s Saratoga Horse Show series. She took the win in the $25,000 Ariat Grand Prix on a Thursday with Quincy B and returned for a win on Sunday in the $75,000 Footings Unlimited Grand Prix on Corlett. Throughout the year, Dobbs has also had consistent success in the amateur-owner jumper division.

At the Washington International Horse Show, Dobbs was named the Leading Open Jumper Rider in her first year of top international competition, and her horse Marengo was named the Leading International Horse at the 123rd National Horse Show. Dobbs’ greatest achievement this year was competing for the United States when she rode on the gold medal winning team at the Nations Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Dobbs is a sophomore at Harvard University, and she wants to elevate her riding career once she graduates.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE at www.uset.org.

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