Phillip Dutton had to sit out last weekend’s Plantation Field Horse Trials due to an injury he picked up playing polo in a charity match on September 11. The time out of the saddle didn’t seem to affect his riding, however, as Dutton trotted into the lead today with Fernhill Singapore in the Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S.
There is a field of 22 in the CCI4*-S and Dutton and the 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Singapore x Riedellia) were the only pair to break into the 20s. Owned by Ann Jones, Tom Tierney, and David Vos, Fernhill Singapore scored a 29.4 to lead the class.
“His tests are getting better every week, and I am really pleased with him,” said Dutton. “I definitely thought it was his best test to date.”
Boyd Martin rode both Fernhill Singapore and Z last weekend at Plantation but withdrew before the cross-country. Dutton said that he actually quite enjoyed watching Martin ride them. “Plantation has a good atmosphere and Boyd gave me good feedback,” explained Dutton. Dutton said that Martin had both his horses more forward in the canter than he might normally does which was interesting to see.
Dutton said that this will probably be Fernhill Singapore’s last run before the Fair Hill CCI4*-L, so is looking for a nice confidence-building exercise in all three phases.
Tied for second on a 30.4 is Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, the 9-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Diarado x Lantana) owned by Carol Stephens, and Lynn Symansky and Under Suspection, the 15-year-old Holsteiner mare (Contender x Naomagic I) owned by Mary Ann Ghadban.
Dutton’s World Equestrian Games partner, Z, sits in fourth on a 30.6. Owned by Tom Tierney, Simon Roosevelt, Suzanne Lacy, Ann Jones, and Caroline Moran – Z is an 11-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca z Bellabouche).
Stable View has been putting a tremendous effort into preparing the footing for the cross-country course with constant watering and spiking and Dutton said he “is very appreciative of all the work that’s been done on the ground.”
The top seven riders are all within a rail of each other so there is a lot to play for tomorrow. The CCI4*-S show jumping begins tomorrow at 1:17 p.m. followed by cross-country at 2:47 p.m. Full ride times are here.
At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.
We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!
As we gear up for the summer, the competition season isn’t slowing down and it’s time for one of the staple events on the international calendar in the U.S., the Tryon International Three-Day Event (Mill Spring, North Carolina). This event hosts one of five CCI4*-L events on the U.S. calendar, and this year there are 13 competitors in the field. Continue reading below for more interesting facts pertaining to the event that kicks off this Thursday, May 8.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the continued partnership with #WeRideTogether as an Official Educational Partner of the USEA. #WeRideTogether is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing safety and well-being in sports through safeguarding education and abuse prevention efforts.