United States Eventing Association

Kim Severson Maintains Lead, Lynn Symansky Moves into Second Before Cross-Country at Millbrook H.T.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless managed to hold on to their narrow lead after the second day of dressage in the Adequan USEA Gold Cup and PRO Tour Series Advanced division at the Millbrook Horse Trials in Millbrook, New York.

As expected, the top of the leaderboard was shaken up somewhat with several experienced horse and rider combinations riding dressage today. However, Kim and “Sparky” had set the precedence with a 26.2 yesterday. The top three were all very consistent on the flat with minimal mistakes.

Lynn Symansky and Donner, owned by the Donner Syndicate, have been working hard over the last several seasons to improve the 12-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred’s dressage performance, and the dedication is paying off. They produced a quality test to put the pressure on Kim and Sparky with a score of 27.9 for second place.

Buck Davidson and his experienced partner Ballynoecastle RM, the highest scoring event horse of all time, scored a 28.1 for third after dressage. “Reggie,” owned by Carl and Cassie Segal, has nothing left to prove in his storied career, but he has won the Millbrook Advanced division three times previously and may be looking to start another streak.

Ryan Wood and Woodstock Bennett were another pair to produce a solid test and position themselves in the top ten before cross country. Ryan and the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by his rider and Curran Simpson are tied for seventh with Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch on a score of 29.4. Kim and Cooley Cross Border are within striking distance in 11th place on a 30.0.

The scores are very close at the top and cross country time penalties are traditionally a major factor at Millbrook. The Intermediate, Advanced and Preliminary levels, in that order, will tackle Tremaine Cooper’s cross country course beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Tune in to PRO Radio in the morning for exciting cross country commentary by clicking this link.

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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 Glove