The USEA is very sad to share the news that Patrick “Packy” McGaughan passed away in his sleep at the age of 56. Packy was a successful eventer, coach, trainer, and USEA member. He began his career as a young rider in the late 1970s and went on to compete at the North American Young Rider Championships. Packy was rider in residence at the U.S. Equestrian Team from 1981 to 1982 with Jack LeGoff. In 1987 Packy helped the U.S. earn a team gold medal at the Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana and also finished in third individually. That same year he graduated from Duke University in North Carolina. In 1991 Packy graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law.
A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.
In response to quarantine and decreased travel recommendations in the State of Maryland at this time, the family of Packy McGaughan has made the difficult decision to postpone his funeral service until a later date. Details will be shared when new arrangements are made.
The USEA sends its condolences to Packy’s family, friends, students, and connections. He will be deeply missed.
Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir found themselves in a familiar position today at the top of the leaderboard after dressage at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, scoring a 26.0. A year ago, Ingham and “Banzai” led the field heading into cross-country after Friday’s dressage, but they drew an earlier start this year, and Ingham’s got a few more challengers to come tomorrow.
In comparison to many of his other upper-level event horses, Commando 3, or “Connor” as he is known in the barn, is still a newer ride for Boyd Martin, but that hasn’t held the pair back.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Let the fun and games begin! This morning kicks off the official start of competition at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE). The hefty four-star field is the first to set foot in the Rolex Stadium starting at 8:00 a.m. Last year we saw 49 four-star pairs in this division, but this year there are 63 pairs in the field.