United States Eventing Association

There’s only a week left until WEG officially begins on September 25 – can you believe it? Better get the scoop on all the riders…this is probably one of the best compilations of the WEG bios that I’ve seen—as far as I can tell, it includes all of the athletes, in all of the disciplines, from each country (correct me if I’m wrong). Here’s a few choice tidbits about our American eventers….

Boyd Martin – Rides 14 horses a day, and got into this sport because he “didn’t have anything better to do” (somehow I think he’s showing off a bit of that Aussie humor he’s so well-known for). Apparently, his hobbies are gambling and weightlifting (I think this might be another joke…Boyd is about as streamlined as a cheetah and as lithe as William Fox-Pitt or Mark Todd…not like Hulk Hogan). Oh Boyd, always good for a chuckle.

Sporting philosophy/motto: "Without struggle there is no progress" - Martin Luther King

Olympic heritage: Both his parents competed at the 1968 Winter Olympic Games. His mother, Toy, represented the USA in speed skating and his father, Ross, represented Australia in cross country skiing.

Named to the team with Neville Bardos (left), owned by his business Windurra USA, LLC.

Buck Davidson – Superstitions: He uses a blue and yellow pommel pad that his first horse Oliver won for him in a 4'6” jumper class. He started his career as a fox hunter and timber racer. He got started with eventing through his father Bruce (no surprise there), and named his father as most influential person in his career.

Named to the team with Ballynoecastle RM (right), owned by Carl & Cassandra Segal.

Phillip Dutton – Early Years: Horses were a part of life on his family's sheep and wheat farm and most of his time off the farm was spent at pony club rallies and horse trials.

Current hobbies include: World affairs, reading, and sports, particularly golf and tennis.

Sporting philosophy/motto: "You are never as good as your supporters tell you, or as bad as your critics claim."

He was inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Named to the team with Woodburn(left), owned by Ann Jones, Mardie Faucette and Acorn Hill Farm.

Kim Severson - She discovered eventing in 1985 at the age of 11. She was inspired by her mother's love of horses. Credits her mother Jackie, and close friend Linda Wachtmeister as the most influential people in her career.

Named to the team with Tipperary Liadhnan (right), owned by the Friends of Kim Severson Syndicate.

Karen O’Connor - She began riding horses at the age of 11, same as Kim. She was inspired to take up the sport by the Princess Royal's performance at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. Hobbies include cooking and golf. Her hero/idol is her husband David.

Sporting philosophy/motto: "Be nice to the people on the way up, because you will always see them again on the way down."

In 1996, she and David became only the second husband and wife team to share a medal in Olympic history when they took silver in the team three day event.

Named as an individual rider with Mandiba (left), owned by Joan Goswell.

Becky Holder – Began riding at age 10. Enjoys theatre, poetry, and gardening. Names Karen O'Connor as her hero/idol.

Sporting philosophy/motto: "You can do anything you set your mind to."

Recently won the $25,000 Merial Advanced class at the AEC last week.

Named as an individual rider with Courageous Comet (right), owned by her and her husband Tom.