United States Eventing Association

Phillip Dutton and Robert Costello released a statement today announcing that they are withdrawing their names from consideration for the USEF Chef d'Equipe/Technical Advisor Position. David O'Connor and Leslie Law were the two candidates selected to the Short List by the Search Committee, however, there is still a chance for names to be added as the selection goes through the USEF Active Athletes and High Performance Committees.

Statement from Dutton and Costello:

After much discussion and thought, we have decided to withdraw our names from consideration for the USEF Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor position.

With a record of coaching multiple four star level riders and horses, years of international competitive experience, extensive organizational and committee experience and a comprehensive vision and plan for the future of our sport, we were disappointed that the Search Committee elected to not put our name forward to the Active Athletes Committee.

We appreciate whole heartedly the effort by the Active Athletes Committee to keep us in the process and for their encouragement. However, we feel that by staying in the process this will create further division and controversy. Therefore, for the good of our sport, we feel it is best to move on and for the new coach to be selected and to unite behind him.

Again, we would like to thank everyone who has supported us during the last few months and wish the remaining candidates the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Phillip Dutton
Robert Costello