Posted February 27, 2001

On behalf of the officers of the American Horse Shows Association, Inc. (AHSA), Alan F. Balch, President, issued the following statement:

"We are very disappointed in the United States Equestrian Team's (USET) challenge to our historic status as National Governing Body (NGB), which was filed today with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

"The tone and approach the USET has taken in announcing this challenge is also disappointing. The AHSA has always welcomed, and will continue to welcome, the support of all of its affiliates, including the USET, in their many important efforts on behalf of our international equestrian athletes.

"I have called the AHSA Executive Committee into special session this afternoon, so we can consider the financing and budgeting which will be necessary given the USET's challenge today. We look forward to sharing our ideas with the USOC Membership and Credentials Committee this weekend, and I am certain that all of the rights and opportunities of our equestrian athletes will continue to be fully funded and protected without interruption."