Lexington, KY - Applications are now being accepted for consideration to participate in the 2012 U.S. Saddle Seat Equitation Team Selection Trials.

The Trials will be held at William Woods University in Fulton, MO, on March 31, 2012. A riders' meeting/draw will be held the evening of Friday, March 30, 2012, and the Selection Trials will take place on Saturday, March 31, with team member announcements that evening.  The shortened schedule allows athletes to travel earlier on Sunday. 

Online applications and materials may be submitted through the My USEF Account for members at: www.usef.org then "Other Options", "Saddle Seat World Cup Applications".  Selection information, hard copy applications and other details may also be located at the"How to Participate" tab on the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) website through the following link: saddleseatworldcup.usef.org. Applications are due to USEF by December 15, 2011. 

The World Cup is a bi-annual competition that originated in the early 1980s with an informal exchange of Saddle Seat riders in the United States and South Africa, and was named the Saddle Seat Equitation World Cup in 1992. Originally a three-gaited Saddle Seat Equitation showcase, it has expanded to include a five-gaited component as well. Teams from as many as five nations now compete for the coveted World Cup titles. 

The 2012 World Cup Team efforts are proudly supported by USA Equestrian Trust and United Professional Horseman's Association (UPHA). To learn more about contributing to and supporting the 2012 Team efforts, download this brochure: www.usef.org/documents, or contact Lori Nelson, USEF Assistant Executive Director, National Affiliates, at lnelson@usef.org.