Jul 26, 2024

Dutton and Possante Lead the Advanced Division at Millbrook Horse Trials

By Amber Heintzberger - Edited Press Release

Millbrook, N.Y.—July 26—The Millbrook Horse Trials kicked off on July 25 with lower level dressage at Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park in Millbrook, New York. There are more than 400 total entries competing at Millbrook, from Beginner Novice to Advanced level. Today the upper level horses cantered down the centerline, while the lower levels headed out on cross-country.

In the Advanced division, veteran Olympian Phillip Dutton of West Grove, Pennsylvania and Possante, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by the Possante Group, took a solid lead with a fluid, accurate test to lead the division of 39 starters on a 25.5. Irish rider Michael Nolan, riding the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse Carrabeg Hulla Balou, owned by Susan Martin, is second (28.2), and Meghan O’Donoghue is third with her own 18-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Palm Crescent.

Dutton also rode Denim, owned by Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, Annie Jones and Neill Sites, to 11th after dressage (31.1) and his daughter Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Sea of Clouds Partnership, are currently 16th (31.8) in the Advanced division.

“We’ve had Possante for a bit over a year and a half,” said Phillip. “I had a slow start with him but he’s kind of coming into his groove now and shaking out to be a really top horse. He’s got a lot of charisma, a bit of bling, and carries himself well. He’s a good jumper, still a work in progress like all of it, but I hope he’ll have a good, educational day tomorrow on the cross-country.”

Phillip's been riding Denim since he was a 6-year-old and said that though he’s a bit younger, he has more experience than Possante. “We had a couple little errors in the dressage, but I was actually quite pleased with him,” he said. “It’s his first Advanced for a while. It’s good to be up in Millbrook with him, especially with this great weather. We’ve had a lot of friends and owners from the Millbrook area, and I used to teach a lot of the kids who grew up here, and it’s fun to come back.”

He noted that while it’s a little nerve-wracking to watch his own daughter compete at the Advanced level, he’s pleased to see her learning and thriving with his former partner, affectionately known as “Socks.”

“He really likes her, and they seem to be clicking well,” he said.

Phillip also sent his best wishes and good luck to the U.S. riders competing at the Olympic Games in Paris this weekend.

The competition continues tomorrow with cross-country for the Advanced, Intermediate, and Preliminary. Show jumping will conclude the competition for Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice.

For full results, click here.

Jan 23, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: January 25-26

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Jan 23, 2025 Officials

USEF Now Accepting 2025 Grant Applications for Licensed Official Development

The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application.

Jan 23, 2025 Officials

USEF Now Accepting 2025 Grant Applications for Licensed Official Development

The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 licensed official development grant application.

Jan 23, 2025 Convention

The Impacts of Sports Betting on Eventing

When the MARS Maryland 5 Star announced that in 2024, it would be introducing sports betting to the sport of eventing in the United States, the idea was met with mixed emotions. But Jeff Newman, President and CEO of the event, believes that the addition of sports betting at the upper levels of the sport can make a huge difference.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA