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When you’re as good as Phillip Dutton, being asked to ride very nice horses for other people isn’t particularly unusual. But Phillip doesn’t take it for granted, especially after a day as successful as today at the Cloud Eleven - Gavilan North Carolina International in Southern Pines, N.C., where he leads a field of 52 horses in the CIC3*/Adequan USEA Gold Cup qualifier.
Phillip rode Kristen Bond’s mount I’m Sew Ready, owned by John and Kristine Norton, to the overnight lead after dressage with a score of 43.1. Phillip first acquired the ride when Bond found out that she was expecting, and has continued to ride the 11-year-old gelding in the first few months after Bond’s son was born. Phillip also rode Bond’s Seams Ready in the 3* division, who is tied for 37th.
“He’s a big mover and he’s pretty educated in all the movements,” said Phillip. “Kristen’s done a good job there. It’s just trying to get him to use himself because he’s a little bit stiff. Since I have so many [horses] here I didn’t ride him twice and I only got on him for an hour today. I think it helps to have plenty of time to not rush the warmup and let him loosen up.”
I’m Sew Ready is new to the three-star level, but looked like a polished professional under Phillip’s guidance today. Phillip says that he will keep the ride at least through the end of the spring season, but if they have a shot at the Pan American Games, maybe longer.
“I think we’re aiming to do Jersey [Fresh International Three Day in Allentown, N.J.] and then we’re going to enter him for the Pan American Games. If we’re fortunate enough to do that, then he’ll go back to Kristen after that. If not, he’ll go back to Kristen after New Jersey.”
Hot on Phillip’s heels is Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch with a 44.3. Laine was pleased that her focus on dressage with “Al” has seemingly paid off.
“I was in Wellington (Florida) last weekend for a dressage show and got help from Jacqui Brooks, who has been awesome,” said Laine. “[Al] always puts in a pretty steady test but what I lack is the brilliance in the test which is what I need to take into [the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*]; we still had a few bobbles but overall I was really pleased.”
Laine said that this is Al’s final run to prepare for Kentucky at the end of April.
“It’s nice to have the added atmosphere here for the horses. I think it really prepares us well for our spring three days.”
Boyd Martin is in third place after a very professional test on Master Frisky, which earned them a 45.6. “Mikey” is also aimed at Rolex in April.
“He’s a very very nice mover and a great cross-country horse, and his show jumping is getting better,” said Boyd. “I’ll do this one and then The Fork, and then hopefully take him to Kentucky.”
Boyd is hoping for better luck this year in Southern Pines than he’s had the last two years, and so far, it seems like he is on the right track.
“I’m always nervous coming here because I’ve broken my leg two times two years in a row,” Boyd laughed. “The first year was on a scooter on the way home from the [competitors’] party, and the second was at a corner [on cross-country]. My wife’s a bit nervous about me being here this weekend, so I’ll take it easy at the party and at the corners.”
Tomorrow, the CIC3* field will show jump beginning at 1 p.m. Be sure to check out the live broadcast here. The Advanced division, which is also an Adequan USEA Gold Cup qualifier this year, will kick off with dressage. Many thanks to Attwood Equestrian Surfaces for sponsoring the CIC3* division at the Cloud 11 - Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CIC and Horse Trials.
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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, SSG Riding Gloves, and Midadlantic Ltd.
