Login
Jul 30, 2015
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.
Dec 23, 2024
Education
Saddle Fit Simplified
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
