United States Eventing Association

With the conclusion of the Twin Rivers Horse Trials, the 2011 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series has officially come to a close, and Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM have joined the elite list of Gold Cup Champions. 2011 was a big year for the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series, not only was it the eighth year of the Series, but it was the first year that Adequan has doubled the prize money to a whopping $20,000 for the year-end winner.

Buck Davidson partnering with Carl and Cassandra Segal’s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Ballynoe Castle RM competed in the Gold Cup Divisions at four of the seven Adequan USEA Gold Cup designated events, earning an impressive 820 points - 315 points over the reserve champions, Barbara Crabo and Everready II. The results that contributed to their win included a second place in the CIC3* at Rebecca Farm, a first place in the CIC3* at Richland Park, and a second place in the Advanced division at the Nutrena/USEA American Eventing Championships.

“At the beginning of the year the Gold Cup wasn’t really a goal,” explained Buck. “I like to let the horse tell me what they need throughout the year. However, once Reggie went so well at Rebecca Farm we decided to head to Richland Park and hope for a win. After the win at Richland earning the Gold Cup year-end prize definitely crossed my mind, so we decided to head down to the AEC and win the whole thing. The rain in Atlanta and improved footing definitely contributed to my decision to head down to Chattahoochee Hills as it made sense to give Reggie a good run.”

The $20,000 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Check will be presented to Ballynoe Castle RM’s owners, Carl and Cassandra Segal as well as rider Buck Davidson at the USEA Year-End Awards Ceremony at the Annual Meeting and Convention in Nashville, TN on December 10.

“The Segals have been such huge supports of me and the sport,” said Buck. “I am excited that they will get a chance to get something back from all of their hard work and money they have put into educating Reggie and me. Reggie has had such a super year and it is really nice that he got a chance to earn such a great year-end prize.”

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series is comprised of destination events throughout the country. In 2011 the series had seven premier events, and at each competition the top division offered at the competition is the designated "Gold Cup" division, whether it be a CIC3* or Advanced.

Horses and riders must achieve points together as a pair at the Gold Cup events, and both must be members of the USEA. First place winners take home 200 points for their win, and can also earn bonus points: 50 extra points for double-clear cross-country rounds, and 40 extra points for double-clear show jumping rounds. To learn more about how horses and riders rack up points, visit the Gold Cup Points System page.

Winners of each of the seven Gold Cup events across the country take home a trailer-load of prizes for their achievements. Winners receive an Adequan USEA Gold Cup Trophy, $500 in prize money, 7-dose box of Adequan, a three-month supply of SUCCEED, and a pair of Nunn Finer American Style open front boots. Second place finishers also take home a 7-dose box of Adequan and a pair of Nunn Finer American Style open front boots.

The overall Adequan USEA Gold Cup winner will receive a hefty check for $20,000, seven doses of Adequan, a huge trophy, and an official Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion Mountain Horse Jacket at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention.

Past Gold Cup Champions have included: 2004 – Lauren Whitlock (Advanced), Karen O’Connor (Intermediate); 2005 – Phillip Dutton (Advanced), Debbie Rosen (Intermediate), 2006 - Gina Miles and McKinlaigh (Advanced), Becky Holder and Rejuvenate (Intermediate); 2007 - Becky Holder and Courageous Comet (Advanced), Will Coleman and Kiki du Manoir (Intermediate); 2008 - Tory Smith and Bantry Bay (Advanced), Jennifer Brannigan and Cooper (Intermediate); 2009 – Leslie Law and Fleeceworks Mystere Du Val; 2010 – Jennifer Wooten-Dafoe and The Good Witch.

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series is made possible through the support of its many sponsors: Title: Adequan; Legacy: Nunn Finer, Nutrena; and Patron: Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, and Succeed.

Adequan is proud to be the official joint therapy treatment of the USEA.