United States Eventing Association

The USEA is made up of over 12,000 members, each with their own special horses and experiences. Now on Course is a new article series highlighting the many unique stories of our membership. Do you and your horse have a tale to tell? Do you know someone who deserves recognition? Submit your ideas to Shelby at [email protected].

Dylan Phillips is an up-and-coming junior rider from Area II. Now 11-years-old, you may remember Dylan from her adorable viral introduction to the Eventing world with the "Most Adorable Dressage Video Ever."

This video is from one of Dylan’s first shows. In the video, Dylan was only 6-years-old as she took the center line with Rusty, a Shetland Pony standing at only 10.2 hands. Rusty is owned by Dylan’s mother, Meredith Philipps. “I owned Rusty for ten years before Dylan was born,” Meredith explained. “When I bought him I was single and never imagined I would have a child riding him some day.” After a competitive driving career with Meredith, Rusty went on to show Dylan, and many other kids, the ropes.

Photo Courtesy of Meredith Philipps.

Like many children of horse-loving parents, Dylan was in the saddle before she could walk. When she was five, she started officially taking lessons with her mother’s dressage instructor, Eliza Sydnor. Dylan soon joined Eno Triangle Pony Club where she learned how to jump and the rest is history. “I did my first Event in preparation for a Pony Club rating and I loved it,” recalled Dylan.

Like most Eventers, Dylan was instantly hooked on the adrenaline rush of cross-country, but her mother didn’t initially share her excitement. “The first Beginner Novice course she went out on I was a nervous wreck. When she first started riding I tried to direct her toward dressage,” Meredith admits. “Dylan gets her love of horses from me, but her nerves of steel and addiction to adrenaline from her dad!”

Dyland and Bumble Bee Brave. Photo by High Time Photography.

Dylan, currently competes with hunter-reject, Bumble Bee Brave, a Welsh Cob gelding. Meredith said he took to his new sport eagerly, “The first time Dylan took him XC schooling he was very keen on jumping everything but ditches. The two of them have a great partnership and have worked out the ditch issue.” The pair works diligently to sharpen their skills regularly with their coach, Mike Plumb, as well as taking part in many clinics with other successful upper level riders.

Dylan and Coach Mike Plumb mapping out her next course. Photo by High Time Photography.

“It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to watch Dylan progress in her riding,” Meredith said. Dylan’s Eventing career really kicked off when Meredith met the mother of another one of Plumb’s students. “I was so star-struck with Mike I had my new friend arrange Dylan's first handful of lessons. Now I can actually talk to him. I feel it is a great privilege for Dylan to ride with Mike and get a solid foundation from one of the best.”

At a young age, Dylan has already set her riding to a very high standard chasing after her dreams to be a professional one day. “Sometimes I watch videos of four-star Events and apply their riding to my own,” Dylan explained. “I really admire Karen O'Connor on Teddy O'Connor and Sinead Halpin on Forrest Nymph because they have ridden ponies like me.”

Photo by High Time Photography.

The first step on Dylan’s way to the top is a move up to Training level this year. “My goal for riding year is to have a successful year at Training level. I want to finish on my dressage score at every Event and have a good time!” Dylan smiled. “In the long term I would like to go to Young Riders, Rolex and hopefully the Olympics. Although these Events are far off, I think they are possible because I have supportive parents and great instruction!”