October 18, 2004 – Boise, Idaho – The compelling and heartwarming story of one of the most heroic horses in Dressage history has been brought to life in the feature production, “Brentina: From Idaho to Athens”.

Produced, directed and written by veteran NBC and ESPN sports announcer Tim Ryan, the emotional documentary tells the story of the Hannoverian mare whose heart and courage is matched only by that of her rider, Debbie McDonald. Having aired on CBS stations in the United States earlier this year, “Brentina: From Idaho to Athens” is now available on VHS and DVD and includes the bonus footage of the pair’s competitive performances at the 2004 Olympic Games where they led the United States to its Team Bronze Medal.

“Brentina: From Idaho to Athens” is a moving journey that outshines recent major motion pictures “Seabiscuit” and “Hildago” by starring the original characters – Debbie and Brentina – in their daily life, facing both unexpected complications and personal triumphs. The story’s focus is not just the training and dedication necessary to compete at the Olympic Games, but rather the ‘human side’ of a great animal partnered with a sympathetic rider, including their unique bond with a young cancer victim, Jennifer Serot. The emotional connection between the teenage rider from St. Louis, Missouri, and her idol grows from a meeting through the ‘Make-A-Wish Foundation’ to a deep friendship that moves viewers to tears.

The documentary also chronicles Debbie’s near-fatal fall in the hunter/jumper ring to her grueling climb to the top of the Dressage world, which included winning in the U.S. National Championships and leading her country to the Team Silver Medal at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. The program’s highlight finds Debbie and Brentina performing their Olympic Musical Freestyle program under the stars in Idaho, accompanied by a live 90-piece symphony orchestra.

Only days after the gala, and just a year before the Olympic Games, both Brentina and Debbie undergo surgeries, and the program captures their emotional reunion at the equine hospital. The video also features dressage tips from Debbie, and a cameo appearance by Olympic Gold Medal ski racer Picabo Street – on horseback!

A veteran sports broadcaster currently working with NBC and ESPN, Tim Ryan began his professional career at CFTO-TV in his hometown of Toronto, ON, in 1961. He has gone on to accumulate an impressive career record over the past 43 years, covering six Olympic Games to date with the upcoming 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy, on his schedule.

To purchase your copy of “Brentina: From Idaho to Athens” for $29.95 US plus shipping and handling, please visit www.brentina.com.