For the second time in her career, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has selected Rochelle “Shelly” Temple and her Morgan, LR Ami B-Line, to represent the United 
States at the 2011 FEI World Pony Driving Championships in Lipica, Slovenia, September 21-25, 2011.
Making the United States team has been a year-long process for “Cooper,” Shelly, and her navigator/husband, Fran Doto. They and other members of the long listed drivers have been competing and training under the tutelage of U.S. driving coach, Michael Freund. For the past couple of months, several long listed drivers have trained and competed in Europe. In August, Shelly was fifth at the German National Championship in Minden, Germany, where she won the dressage and cones classes for single ponies.
Shelly acknowledges the team aspect of combined driving: “I am thankful for the USEF’s support and the training and instruction from Michael Freund over the past year,” she said. “Michael’s coaching has been instrumental at improving all aspects of my driving. I also appreciate the support of the individual donors and corporate sponsors whose products keep Cooper health, fit, and in top form: Kentucky Equine Research, Kombat Boots, Purina Feeds, Omega Fields, ThinLine, Leather Therapy, and Charles Owens. This is truly a team sport and I couldn’t be competing next week in the World Championships without the generosity of sponsors and all the great people who have donated to Team Catalyst.”
Other members of the USEF World Pony Driving Team are Miranda Cadwell, Jennifer Matheson, Wendy O’Brien, Laurie Astegiano, and Allison Stroud. Suzy Stafford will compete as an individual.
Chester Weber will serve as the Chef d’Equipe and Michael Freund will serve as coach.
U.S. coverage will be available here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/coverage/archives.aspx
To follow Shelly and Team Catalyst World Championship efforts visit: http://catalystdriving.blogspot.com.
