Gladstone, NJ--May 18, 2000--The United States Equestrian Team (USET) has announced that the horse/rider combination of Robert Dover and Everest has been disqualified from the USET Dressage Selection Trials for the 2000 Olympic Games.

On Tuesday, May 16, Everest was ridden by Guenter Seidel, which is not permitted in accordance with the Selection Procedures which state: "FEI Rules concerning who may school a horse at a CDIO or Championship will apply to the State Line Tack/USET Grand Prix Championship." (The State Line Tack/USET Grand Prix Championship is one and the same as the Selection Trials.)

In the FEI rules, Article 422.7 states, "On no account, and under penalty of disqualification, may any horse take part in a CDIO or Championship, World Cup Qualifier or World Cup Final which has been schooled by anyone other than the competitor concerned."

As a result of this violation of the selection criteria, Everest has been disqualified from the selection trials which conclude on May 20-21 in Loxahatchee, FL. Dover is still eligible to compete with his other qualified horse, Ranier, as the disqualification applies only to the horse/rider combination involved.

Dover has issued the following statement: "During this winter season I have been under the care of specialists for a disc problem causing a pinched sciatic nerve. In trying to save my back, I inadvertently had one of my colleagues ride Everest within four days of the competition. It was brought to my attention on Wednesday that Everest would be disqualified from further participation in the Trials. While I am disappointed, I take full responsibility and especially apologize to Everest's owner, Jane F. Clark, who has been a tremendous support to me in my career. It is my sincere hope that I may still represent the United States on Jane's other horse, Ranier."