United States Eventing Association

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series kicked off today at the Red Hills International Horse Trials in Tallahassee, Florida.

This marks the first of eleven Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series events in 2015, which culminate at the Final in September at the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships. The Gold Cup Champion receives one of the highest payouts in the sport of Eventing in the United States, second only to the prestigious Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. This year, both the Advanced Division and the CIC3* Division (if both are offered) at all Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series events will act as qualifying divisions for the Final in September.

Today, Liz Halliday-Sharp took the lead in the CIC3* dressage on Deborah Halliday’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Fernhill By Night. The pair put in a lovely test to score 41.4.

“He looks open but he’s actually a bit lazy so there were parts that could have been tidied up a bit, but overall he’s really been a lovely horse,” said Liz. “I’m very happy with him and excited for tomorrow’s cross country course.”

Lauren Kieffer put in an accurate test to grab the second place standing on Court and Kylie Ramsay’s Czech Warmblood gelding, Czechmate. The gelding was acting a bit ornery before heading into the ring, and when asked how she copes with it, Lauren explained, “That type of behavior is pretty typical for him, but I’ve learned to laugh it off and just keep moving forward and get in the ring to deliver a thorough test.” The pair managed to put in a very good test, scoring a 42.7.

“Czechy is a truly flashy horse in the ring, and his strong point in today’s test was definitely his extended trot,” added Lauren. “I’m excited to ride the cross-country course with him tomorrow since I’ve been playing around with angles at home, and have been focusing on giving him educational rounds at the events.”

Liz Halliday-Sharp also claimed another spot in the top three aboard Deborah Halliday’s Irish Sport Horse gelding, HHS Cooley. Scoring a 43.4, Liz said it was probably the best CIC3* test she’s had with the gelding, and she could not be happier.

“I’ve had this horse since the beginning, and we have a really great partnership,” Liz noted. “The cross-country course presents a lot of technical turns, which reminds me a lot of the French courses. It should be a lot of fun, and the footing should be great tomorrow after all the rain from Thursday.”

In the Advanced Division, Lauren Kieffer stole the show aboard Team Rebecca’s fabulous mare and 2014 USEF National CCI4* Champion, Veronica. Scoring a 29.8, the pair maintains their competitive reputation.

The cross-country course at Red Hills was designed by Hugh Lochore, and will run all day tomorrow from 8am to 5pm.

To see the full list of results, go here.

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, SSG Riding Gloves, and Midadlantic Ltd.