The American eventing squad can look forward to massive home support at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in eight days’ time.
The four riders who will carry the host country’s expectations in the team event are:
- Phillip Dutton
- Kim Severson
- Boyd Martin
- Buck Davidson
The most experienced rider in the team is dual Olympic gold medallist Phillip Dutton. Phillip won both of his Olympic medals for his native country Australia, but has ridden for America since taking citizenship in 2006. He first rode for America at a championship at the 2007 Pan Am Games. Philip will ride Woodburn, who finished second at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** in the spring.
Olympic silver medallist Kim Severson is another rider who is used to the pressure of team competitions and competed successfully at the highest level with her outstanding partner Winsome Adante. This time she will be riding Tipperary Liadhnan, who finished 5th at Rolex Kentucky CCI**** in 2008 and was short-listed for the 2008 Olympic Games. This season they have been successful at advanced level including finishing fourth at Bromont CCI***.
Buck Davidson will be riding 10-year-old Irish thoroughbred BallyNoe Castle RM. This combination were reserve for the 2008 Olympics, finished 11th at Burghley in 2009 and have recently been well placed at CIC*** level in America.
Boyd Martin and ex-racehorse Neville Bardos are the final team combination. The partnership claimed their place after finishing fourth at Rolex Kentucky CCI**** and fourth place in Richland CIC***. Boyd is currently third in the USEA rankings behind Phillip Dutton and Buck Davidson.
The two individuals are Becky Holder with her own Courageous Comet and Karen O’Connor riding Mandiba. Becky and Comet were team members at the Hong Kong Olympics and finished third at the four-star at Kentucky earlier this year. Karen and Mandiba also competed at Beijing in 2008 and recently won the Kalispell CIC***, as well as being placed 7th at Lexington four-star.
The American eventing squad reserves are:
• Phillip Dutton and TruLuck
• Boyd Martin and Remington XXV
• Allison Springer and Arthur
• Amy Tryon and Leyland
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