United States Eventing Association

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless Set the Bar High in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup and Pro Tour Series Advanced Division at Millbrook H.T.

The Millbrook Horse Trials in Millbrook, New York is the next stop on the 2015 Adequan USEA Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series calendar. This popular event attracts the sport’s top riders, as evidenced by healthy entries, particularly in the $10,000 Advanced division which lists nearly 60 starters and serves as the Gold Cup/PRO Tour division.

The competition got under way today, and Kim Severson and her 2014 World Equestrian Games mount Fernhill Fearless took the lead in the Advanced division prior to the lunch break. They produced an accurate, flowing test to score a 26.2.

Storms moved into the area during the afternoon sessions and many riders performed in the pouring rain. Although several pairs came close, none could catch Kim and her 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse today, but there are some heavy hitters still to come tomorrow, including Sparky’s talented stablemate Cooley Cross Border.

Colleen Rutledge and her homebred Clydesdale/Thoroughbred Covert Rights are second overnight at Millbrook on a 28.4. This is their final prep event before heading to Burghley for the gelding's second CCI4*. Recently wed Holly Payne Caravella and Santino, owned by Holly and Beth Groblewski, are close behind in third on a 28.8.

A total of seven combinations cracked into the 20s today. In addition to the above mentioned, Justine Dutton and Jollybo scored a 29.3 for fourth, Burghley-bound Laine Ashker and her longtime partner Anthony Patch scored 29.4 for fifth, and Phillip Dutton rounds out the top seven with Mr Candyman on a 29.7 and Pan Am Games alternate Fernhill Cubalawn on 29.9.

In addition to being a PRO Tour Series event, Millbrook Horse Trials is also the final designated event for the East Coast Triple Crown JYR PRO Scholarship, which focuses on the education and mentorship of juniors and young riders participating in competitions at the Training level, and a qualifier for the Prelim to PRO Team Series that mentors and educates the next generation of young riders by introducing them to a team experience.

The competition itself is not the only thing to look forward to at Millbrook; the organizers traditionally put together an exciting list of activities and demonstrations for spectators to enjoy. Many ticket purchasers are looking forward to the WaterView VIP Tent for Saturday’s cross country and the Farm Fresh Breakfast and Benefit Luncheon on Sunday, both of which offer preferred competition viewing and expert commentary.

PRO is sponsoring tonight’s Wine and Cheese Welcome Party and will be once again hosting the PRO 4-Bar Jump-Off, sponsored by Triple Crown, before the start of the Advanced show jumping division on Sunday.

Two representatives of the Millbrook Hunt and two PRO riders will compete for $1,500 in prize money to be divided equally between the winning rider, horse owner and the charity of their choice. Last year’s winner was PRO rider Ryan Wood on David Hopper’s Inc.’s Storm Warning. Will Faudree and Jennie Brannigan will be the PRO representatives this year, riding for the Dutchess Land Conservancy. Mr. Hopper will once again be supplying the PRO horses for the 4-Bar Jump-Off.

Click here for live scores and here for a full schedule of events.

About the Adequan USEA Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series
Qualifying for the 2015 Adequan USEA Gold Cup began last fall with the Plantation Field CIC3* (PA) and the Woodside CIC3* (CA) and features 11 qualifying competitions throughout the United States at the Advanced Horse Trials and CIC3* levels. The final will take place at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships September 2015 in Tyler, Texas. Riders who complete a qualifier earn the chance to vie for $40,000 in prize money in the Adequan Advanced Division and the title of Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion.

The 2015 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series is made possible through the support of its many loyal sponsors: Adequan, Standlee Forage, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency, Point Two, Dubarry, and FITS.

The PRO Tour Series consists of 13 premier destination events in the United States and Canada, featuring the best riders and most entertainment. Riders and Horses are awarded points on the PRO Tour Rider Leader Board and PRO Tour Horse Leader Board.

The Professional Riders Organization would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2015 PRO Tour Series: KER Optimum Time, Tex Sutton, Triple Crown Nutrition, and SSG Riding Gloves.