Debbie McDonald returns as US Dressage Technical Advisor after a one-year hiatus

Debbie McDonald has been re-appointed as USEF Dressage Technical Advisor, aka Team Trainer, after a one-year hiatus.

McDonald began working as a Dressage Development Coach for the United States and continued to support Pathway development until being appointed Technical Advisor in 2019. Her contract she did not renew for 2022.

“on hold”

Since January 1, 2019, MacDonald has been the “US Dressage Technical Advisor”, coaching and assisting US High Performance Grand Prix riders at home, competitions, training sessions, and major international dressage competitions and championships. increase.

McDonald succeeded Robert Dover as team trainer, even though he was the personal coach to some of America’s most successful dressage jockeys at the time, including Laura Graves, Casey Perrygrass and Adrian Lyle.

His two-year contract was due to expire after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but was extended until 2021 due to the postponement of the Olympics. Under her supervision, the USA won a historic silver medal at her 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

In December 2021, the USEF decided not to renew the contract due to legal turmoil when McDonald was named as a defendant in a civil suit along with her husband, Bob McDonald, and the 32nd District Farmers Association (California). bottom. Alleged that Bob McDonald sexually assaulted a minor student in the mid-1970s.The complaint accuses Debbie of negligence and negligent supervision. According to Nancy Jaffer, her civil lawsuit was dismissed in March 2022, and Safesport’s case had closed a month before her.

back to team trainer

US Equestrian is pleased to announce that Debbie McDonald has returned to the US Dressage Program as a Technical Advisor to guide and oversee the training preparations of the elite combinations leading up to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

McDonald’s responsibilities will be specifically designated for training support and working with personal coaches over the next 18 months for the team selection for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“The team’s performance in Tokyo was an incredible moment for our program. Over the past year, I have felt the passion and drive to bring our players back to the podium in Paris.” I am very passionate about the athletes and the possibilities of the combination and I will make sure that I do everything possible to achieve the best possible result in Paris. , feel incredibly supported in helping athletes work toward that goal over the next year and a half.

collaboration

McDonald’s has been instrumental in developing the U.S. dressage program over the past few years. He also continues to personally coach a wide range of athletes and combinations, producing the best results internationally and nationally.

In the role of Technical Advisor, McDonald will work closely with the Managing Director of Dressage Harry Griffin and High Performance & Pathway Development Advisor George Williams We provide preparation, planning and training support for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, as well as on-site training support.

McDonald is an Olympian himself, winning a team bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and two gold medalists at the 1999 Pan American Games. In 2003 she was the first American jockey to win an FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final, riding her incredible filly, Brentina.

Photo © Astrid Appels

Related Links
USEF suspends decision on U.S. Dressage Technical Advisory Contract
Debbie MacDonald replaces Dover as US Dressage Technical Advisor
Debbie McDonald’s Career Making Horse, Brentina, passed away