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The German countryside is a breeding ground for one of the most formidable teams in the history of the Olympic Games. The event is Equestrian: jumping, cross-country, and dressage (a ballet of horse and rider). And the topic is the amazing fact that this team has won more medals in Olympic history than many countries have, in all events, in all Olympic Games combined.

So we asked Dr. Astrid von Velsen-Zerweck, team spokesperson for the German Equestrian Team, what's the key to the team's success?

First of all there is the German-bred horse. Strict breeding programs in Germany have historically guaranteed that only the best types from different lines are crossed.

German horses are better?

Well, you could say that. They're found on many country's teams. In the Olympic Games in Atlanta, 17 medals went to German-bred horses. It's a small wonder that horses "made in Germany" are desirable all over the world.

17 medals to German horses in Atlanta, that says a lot. So tell us about German riders.

Just as horses are not born Olympic champions, neither are riders. In Germany, riding teachers have an all-around knowledge of the basic ground rules that are the foundation for all the different disciplines of Equestrian Sport.

Here, a rider taught in the "German school" has the groundwork for each discipline should he or she choose to specialize in one.

Is riding a big sport in Germany?

Yes. Alone in 1999 there were over 3,800 horse shows offering competitions for different ages, abilities, and disciplines.

And how does the best talent surface?

In Germany a great priority is given to the development of young riders with different competitions of increasing difficulty reserved for their age groups. This enables Herbert Meyer, the National Trainer and Team Coach, to stay in constant touch with the development of the nation's young talent.

UPS provides shipping services for the many needs of the German National Federation (FN). Tell us what the FN does.

In Germany, sport and breeding are controlled by one organization, The German National Federation (FN), which is responsible for all questions having anything to do with the Equine. This includes breeding, upkeep, equipment and training. The organization has over 700,000 members in over 6000 riding clubs.

Okay, so allow us one last question. How is the German Equestrian Team like UPS?

That's easy. I think success for both is achieved through professionalism, precision and quality performance.

UPS provides shipping and logistics services to the IOC (International Olympic Committee), the FN, the DOKR (German Olympic Equestrian Committee), as well as sport clubs and national teams.

For more information on the German Equestrian team, visit their Web site at www.fn-dokr.de.

With 68 Olympic medals and over 100 World and European titles, the German Equestrian Team will be the one to beat.