Dutton and Denim Take Early Lead After First Day of Dressage in the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final CCI4*-L
Leesburg, Va.— Oct. 10— The first 14 horse-and-athlete combinations took to the Grand Prix Arena at Morven Park International Equestrian Center on Thursday morning for the first day of dressage as part of the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final CCI4*-L. Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Denim, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Dinken x Celia II) owned by Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, and Neill Sites, took the early lead on a score of 27.5 penalties.
Thirteenth to go in the order of starters for the first day of dressage competition Thursday out of 14 combinations, Dutton and Denim produced a steady, polished test, earning high marks from the judges for both their extended and collected canter work. With a strong sub-30 score, the test set the tone for the competition going into day two. This is the pair's second overnight lead after dressage in the US Equestrian Open Eventing, the first being at the 2025 Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S in April, one of the 20 qualifiers, where they finished fourth overall and collected 35 points on the US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Leaderboard.
Elisa Wallace (Reddick, Fla.) and Lissavorra Quality, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (O.B.O.S. Quality 004 x Soolmoy Lucky) owned by Donna Biggs and Rosemarie Sillpane, delivered a solid performance highlighted by their collected trot work and harmonious rhythm, to sit in second place overnight on 33.3 penalties. Australia’s Ryan Wood and the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooley Flight (Plot Blue x Making Moments) slotted in closely behind Wallace in third on 33.4 penalties.
The US Equestrian Open Eventing Final brings together the top riders from 20 qualifying competitions held across the country, culminating in this weekend’s final at Morven Park International Equestrian Center in Leesburg, Va. Dressage continues bright and early on Friday, October 10 starting at 11:00 am EST with the remaining combinations before cross-country begins on Saturday, October 11 at 10:30 am EST. The competition will conclude on Sunday, October 12 after the second horse inspection with the show jumping phase set to kick off at 1:00 pm EST.
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