Pan American Games

Photo Credits: SusanJStickle.com, Kasey @ Rare Air Photography, Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

2015 PAN AMERICAN GAMES

Toronto, Canada

July 10-26, 2015

The following athlete-and-horse combinations (in alphabetical order) will compose the 2015 U.S. Pan American Dressage Team:

Big Tour

Photo Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Laura Graves

Born: July 22, 1987 Residence: Plymouth, Fla. Verdades – 2002 KWPN gelding owned by Laura Graves Laura Graves, an accomplished international FEI competitor and USDF Gold Medalist, has been studying the art of dressage for over 20 years. Her mount, Verdades, was chosen from a video by her mother as a foal. Graves advanced him up the levels herself with the guidance of several top trainers.

In 2012, Graves and Verdades led Team USA II to a thirdplace finish in the WEF Wellington Dressage Nations Cup CDIO3* presented by Stillpoint Farm. Individually, the pair was third in the Prix St. Georges and fourth in the Intermediaire Freestyle. At the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions, Graves and Verdades were eighth overall in the USEF Intermediaire I National Championship.

In 2013, Graves competed Verdades at the Interme-

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diaire II level. At the GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships, the pair was second in the Intermediaire II Championship. They then traveled to the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan and claimed top honors in the Intermediaire II Open Championship.

Graves has had her biggest year to date in 2014. Beginning the year at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), she moved Verdades up to the Grand Prix level and won the National Grand Prix during week three. The pair had another great performance during week seven, coming in second in the CDI3* Grand Prix Special. Graves and Verdades then scored two more second-place finishes during the final week of the AGDF in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle. They then traveled to the KDA 28th Annual Dressage Show, where they were second in the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle.

On a roll, Graves competed Verdades in the U.S. Dressage Festival of Championship presented by The Dutta Corp.

They were second in the Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestlye, tied for fourth in the Grand Prix, and finished second overall in The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship. Their performance earned them a

Big Tour spot on the Short List for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. Dressage Team, enabling them to compete in Europe for the first time.

At CDI4* Fritzens-Schindlhof, Graves and Verdades scored two second-place finishes in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. Two weeks later at CDIO5* Aachen, they were eighth in the Grand Prix Special and tied for 10th in the Grand Prix Freestyle.

Graves made her World Championship debut at the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, having a phenomenal showing with Verdades. Together they were 10th in the Grand Prix, eighth in the Grand Prix Special, and fifth in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a score of 82.036%, in addition to helping the U.S. Team to a fourth-place finish.

Graves and Verdades began 2015 with a win in the Grand Prix Freestyle and second in the Grand Prix at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W. During week 10 of the AGDF, the pair won the CDI-W Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle.

Graves and Verdades closed out their time on the Florida circuit by helping USA Team I win Gold in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup and earning the Individual Gold medal for collecting top honors in the Stillpoint Farm CDIO3* Freestyle. At the 2015 Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage Final, the pair finished fourth overall after placing fourth in the Grand Prix Freestyle and fifth in the Grand Prix.

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Big Tour

Photo Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Steffen Peters

Born: September 18, 1964 Residence: San Diego, Calif.

Legolas 92 – 2002 Westphalian gelding owned

by Four Winds Farm Originally from Germany, Peters moved to the U.S. in 1985 and began riding for his adopted country in 1992.

Since this time, Peters has represented the U.S. at numerous championships and earned many National Titles.

Peters won his first Olympic medal, a Team Bronze, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games aboard Udon. He and Floriano were the alternates on the 2004 Athens Olympic team. In 2006, Peters and Floriano swept all three phases of competition at the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Grand Prix Dressage Championship in Gladstone, N.J., landing them the anchor spot on the Bronze medal-winning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.

With Ravel, Peters amassed a remarkable record. Under Peters’ expert guidance, the Dutch Warmblood gelding

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went from strength to strength during their partnership.

Ravel won every single competition he entered leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, including the 2008 USEF Selection Trials for Dressage. At the Olympic Games, he ended up fourth by the slimmest of margins, behind horses far more experienced. It was Ravel’s first competition outside the United States.

Ravel and Peters catapulted into 2009, winning the Grand Prix at the Exquis World Dressage Masters in Wellington, Fla., with an impressive effort. At the Rolex FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Ravel and Peters re-wrote history, beating out nine-time (and defending) World Cup champion Anky van Grunsven and Isabell Werth, to win both the Grand Prix and the Freestyle. In July, Ravel and Peters traveled to Germany for CDIO Aachen, where the pair won all three tests: the Grand Prix, the Grand Prix Special, and the Grand Prix Freestyle. This impressive sweep marked the first time an American combination had ever achieved this feat.

In the fall of 2010 the pair was the anchor for the U.S. Team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. Peters collected the first Individual Championship

Big Tour medal of his career when he rode Ravel to the Bronze in the

their winning ways at the Festival of the Horse CDI3* by

Grand Prix Special. Two nights later, Peters and Ravel put

taking home top honors in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix

in another heroic effort to capture the Bronze again in the

Freestyle. Peters was on a roll at the 2014 U.S. Dressage Fes-

Freestyle.

tival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp., winning

Peters and Ravel started the 2011 season with a feat that

The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Cham-

had eluded them in the previous two years at the World

pionship with Legolas 92, his eighth National Grand Prix title

Dressage Masters Palm Beach CDI5* presented by Interna-

and third consecutive title with Legolas 92. For their efforts,

tional Polo Club. They were victorious in the Grand Prix, for

Peters and Legolas 92 were named to the Short List for the

a third consecutive year, and the following evening won the

2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) U.S. Dres-

Freestyle after having been second the previous two years.

sage Team. Peters also claimed the top two spots in The

At the Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Dressage Festival of Champions, Peters dominated in the Grand Prix, Intermediaire I, and Prix St. Georges. With Ravel, Peters took home

Dutta Corp./USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship with Rosamunde and Apassionata, respectively.

Peters traveled to Europe and maintained his top form as

top honors in the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special, and Grand

he prepared for the 2014 WEG. At CDI4* Fritzens-Schindl-

Prix Freestyle. He and Weltino’s Magic won the Prix St.

hof, he finished second in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix

Georges, Intermediaire I, and Intermediaire I Freestyle.

Freestyle with Legolas 92. The pair then traveled to CDI3*

Peters partnered with Weltino’s Magic to represent the

Verden and won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special. At

U.S. at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Peters and

The pair performed beautifully, bringing home Team and

Legolas 92 guided the U.S. team to a fourth-place finish, in

Individual Gold Medals.

addition to finishing in 10th in the Grand Prix Special and

Peters competed on Legolas 92 in the 2012 USEF Dressage Festival of Champions and Selection Trials for the U.S.

Grand Prix Freestyle.

Starting off 2015 in his usual fashion, Peters earned

Dressage Team, where the pair nearly swept the Grand

numerous top placings. Traveling to the Adequan Global

Prix, winning three of the four classes and defending his

Dressage Festival, Peters was second in the CDI5* Grand

2011 Championship. Later that summer, Peters and Ravel

Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92. Next up, they won the Grand

traveled to London, where they participated in the 2012

Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at the Mid-Winter Dressage

Olympic Games for the United States, Ravel’s final competi-

CDI-W. Peters then took the Capistrano Dressage Interna-

tion before retiring.

tional CDI-W by storm, winning the Grand Prix and Grand

Peters kicked off 2013 by winning the Grand Prix and

Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92. At the 2015 Reem Acra FEI

Grand Prix Freestyle at The Dressage Affaire CDI3* with

World Cup Dressage Final he and Legolas 92 were third in

Legolas 92. The pair traveled east and won the Grand Prix

the Grand Prix.

at CDI5* Wellington, as well as finishing second in the Grand

Heading to Europe, Peters found much success at his first

Prix Freestyle. Peters and Legolas 92 tested out their part-

stop at CDI5* München-Riem, finishing third in the Grand

nership overseas and earned second-place finishes in both

Prix and second in the Grand Prix Freestyle with Legolas 92.

the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at CDI4* Hagen.

At the World Equestrian Festival Aachen, Peters and Legolas

The pair then helped the U.S. team finish third in the CDIO5*

92 were third in the CDI5* Grand Prix.

Aachen, coming in fifth individually in the Grand Prix. Peters and Legolas 92 closed out the year by claiming top honors in

Peters and his wife, Shannon, operate a busy training facility in the San Diego area.

The Dutta Corp./USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship, Peters’ seventh National title.

In 2014, Peters began the year with top placings yet again.

He and Legolas 92 won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI-W. They continued 2015 Pan American Games

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Small Tour

Photo Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Kimberly Herslow

Born: June 25, 1971 Residence: Stockton, N.J. Rosmarin – 2005 Hanoverian gelding owned by Kiroli Enterprises LLC Kim Herslow, a USDF Gold medalist, has been riding since she was nine-years-old and competed extensively in the hunter/jumper arenas before dressage became her main focus. A graduate from Delaware Valley College with a degree in Equine Science, Herslow continued her education by training with noted professionals, such as Lars Petersen, Robert Dover, Guenter Seidel, Debbie McDonald, Scott Hassler, and Anne Gribbons. Her ability to spot raw talent is clearly evident with her mount Rosmarin, aka “Reno” (Rosentanz/Weltmeyer), whom she imported from Germany in 2008 as a three-year-old. This partnership has earned many blue ribbons from Regional Championships

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and CDI3* competitions to Team Gold at the 2013 Wellington CDIO3* Nations Cup. Herslow and Rosmarin swept the Small Tour classes at Dressage at Devon before claiming the 2013 The Dutta Corp./USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship.

In 2014, Herslow returned to the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta Corp. with Rosmarin and finished fourth in The Dutta Corp./USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship.

Herslow began her 2015 season with top performances on the Florida circuit, sweeping the Small Tour classes with Rosmarin during week seven of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The pair helped USA I Team claim victory in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup. Competing in Europe for the first time, Herslow made quite a statement with Rosmarin, winning the CDI1* Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I at München-Riem. At CDI4* Achleiten the pair won the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I. During the off season, Herslow maintains a busy schedule with her clients at her Upper Creek Farm training facility in New Jersey.

Small Tour

Photo Credit: Carolynn Bunch Photography

Sabine SchutKery

Born: September 10, 1968 Residence: Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Sanceo – 2006 Hanoverian stallion owned by Alice Womble Sabine Schut-Kery was born in 1968 in Krefeld, Germany, and studied for three years during her apprenticeship with Jan Bemelmanns to pass her Bereiter exam in 1989. Early in her career, Schut-Kery was mainly focused on exhibitions, with performances at Equitana Germany and USA, Madison Square Garden, and many more. After moving to the U.S. in 1998, she became more involved in competitions.

Working for eight years as head trainer for Proud Meadows in Texas, Schut-Kery moved in 2006 to Thousand Oaks, Calif., and started her own training business. In 2007, she became a U.S. citizen.

In 2011, Schut-Kery had a successful year competing Sanceo in the FEI Five-Year-Old Tests, culminating with a fourth-place finish in the Markel/USEF National Young Horse Dressage Five-Year-Old National Championship.

The pair’s success continued into 2012. At the Markel/ USEF Young Horse Dressage Western Selection Trial held at Dressage at Flintridge CDI, Schut-Kery and Sanceo claimed top honors in the Six-Year-Old division, earning them the opportunity to represent the U.S. at the 2012 FEI World Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany, where they earned valuable experience competing on the world stage. Schut-Kery closed out her year by winning the GAIG/USDF Open Prix St. Georges Region 7 Championship with Tardon AS. In 2014, she started her season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), scoring numerous Prix St. Georges wins with Sanceo in the horse’s first season at that level. At the Dressage at Flintridge CDI1*, Schut-Kery and Sanceo were third in the Prix St. Georges and second in the Intermediaire I. She rode Sanceo to the 2014 Markel/ USEF Developing Prix St. Georges Horse Dressage National Championships presented by HorseShow.com title by 2015 Pan American Games

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Small Tour an impressive margin. Schut-Kery finished the season by claiming the GAIG/USDF Open Intermediaire B Region 7 Championship title with Tardon AS. Schut-Kery began 2015 successfully, winning the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I at the Gold Coast Opener CDI1* with Sanceo. During week three of the AGDF, the pair won the CDI1* Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I. Heading to the West Coast, Schut-Kery and Sanceo won the Prix St. Georges at the Mid-Winter Dressage Fair CDI1*. They then won the Intermediaire I Freestyle at Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W. In Europe, Schut-Kery and Sanceo were second in the CDI1* Prix St. Georges and third in the Intermediaire I at M端nchen-Riem. At CDI4* Achleiten the pair was third in the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I.

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Traveling Reserves - Big Tour

Photo Credit: Meg McGuire Photography

Allison Brock

Born: December 7, 1979 Residence: Loxahatchee, Fla. Rosevelt – 2002 Hanoverian stallion owned by Claudine and Fritz Kundrun Allison Brock grew up riding in the state of Hawaii and moved to the mainland to pursue a career in dressage at age 17. After working under the direction of U.S. Olympic medalist Sue Blinks for several years, Brock now serves as

second in the CDI-W Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special, respectively, with Rosevelt during week one of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF). They scored another win in the CDI3* Grand Prix during week seven of the AGDF. To cap-off their winter season, the pair helped the USA I Team to victory in the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3*.

Heading overseas to compete for the first time, Brock rode Rosevelt to fifth-place finishes in the CDI3* Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at MĂźnchen-Riem. At CDI4* Achleiten the pair was second in the Grand Prix for the Special and the Grand Prix Special.

head trainer for Fritz and Claudine Kundrun at their Deer Meadow Farms.

With the stallion Rosevelt, Brock has developed a solid partnership. The pair moved up to the Grand Prix Level in 2013, finishing fourth in the Grand Prix Special at the Centerline Events at HITS-on-the-Hudson CDI-W. They found success the following year, with multiple National Grand Prix wins. Brock and Rosevelt then won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at the Dressage at Devon CDI3*.

Brock is off to strong start in 2015, finishing first and 2015 Pan American Games

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Traveling Reserves - Big Tour

Photo Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Steffen Peters

Born: September 18, 1964 Residence: San Diego, Calif.

Rosamunde – 2007 Rheinlander mare owned by Four Winds Farm Steffen Peters has found much success with rising star Rosamunde. Together they claimed 2014 The Dutta Corp./ USEF Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship title.

Heading to Europe, Peters won the Intermediaire I and Prix St. Georges with Rosamunde at CDI4* Fritzens-Schindlhof.

The pair began 2015 at the Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W, finishing second in the Grand Prix and first in the Grand Prix Special. During the Festival of the Horse CDI3*, Peters won both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with Rosamunde.

Heading to Europe, Peters found much success at his first stop at MĂźnchen-Riem. In the CDI3* he and Rosamunde were second in both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle. At CDI4* Achleiten Peters and Rosamunde won the Grand Prix for Freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle.

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Traveling Reserves - Small Tour

Photo Credit: SusanJStickle.com

Olivia LaGoyWeltz

National Grand Prix Freestyle at the Wellington Classic Dressage Challenge II. In 2014 LaGoy-Weltz began the season with numerous top CDI placings on the Florida circuit with Rassing’s Lonoir.

Born: November 11, 1983 Residence: Reston, Va.

The pair then finished third in The Dutta Corp./USEF

Rassing’s Lonoir – 2004 Danish Warmblood gelding owned by Olivia LaGoy-Weltz

Corp. In the fall LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir swept

Olivia LaGoy-Weltz grew up in the San Francisco Bay area where she rode and competed in dressage and eventing through age 18. In 2002, LaGoy-Weltz moved to Europe and spent five years working in Holland and Germany at several top sales and competition barns. She returned to the United States in 2007 and started her own dressage training business, becoming head trainer at a large facility in Northern California. In 2009, she moved to Versailles, Ky. to ride sales horses on behalf of her former employer in Holland, Egbert Kraak. LaGoy-Weltz began competing on the Florida CDI circuit in late 2009.

LaGoy-Weltz had strong performances in 2013 with Rifallino. At the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, she and Rifallino won the National Grand Prix Special and then won the

Intermediaire I Dressage National Championship at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions presented by The Dutta the Small Tour classes at Dressage at Devon CDI3*.

LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir started off 2015 on the Florida circuit, finishing second in the CDI1* Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I Freestyle classes during week five of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. At the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI1* the pair won the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I classes. They then aided the USA I Team in winning the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup CDIO3*.

Competing in Europe for the first time, LaGoy-Weltz and Rassing’s Lonoir finished second in the CDI1* Intermediaire I at München-Riem. At CDI4* Achleiten the pair was fourth in the Prix St. Georges and Intermediaire I. LaGoy-Weltz runs a selective training program dedicated to top-quality horse and rider development, based seasonally in Middleburg, Va. and Wellington, Fla. 2015 Pan American Games

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Chef d’Equipe his distinguished career.

He made his international team debut at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, finishing in 17th place in the individual competition on Romantico, while the U.S. placed sixth in the team competition. Dover returned to the Olympic Games in 1988 in Seoul, where he finished in 13th place. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Dover won his first medal, helping to lead the U.S. to a Team Bronze medal.

In 1994, Dover was named “Male Equestrian of the Year” by the U.S. Olympic Committee after winning the Team Bronze medal at the FEI World Equestrian Games in The Hague and finishing fifth individually. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, he won his second Olympic medal when the U.S. finished in third place to win the Team Bronze medal for the second straight time.

At the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Dover captained the U.S. team and helped lead the Americans to another Bronze medal, finishing behind Germany and The NetherPhoto Credit: USEF Archives

Robert Dover Chef d’Equipe

Born: June 7, 1956 Residence: Wellington, Fla. Robert Dover has earned more honors than any other U.S. Dressage rider, competing in six consecutive Olympic Games for the United States, as well as on four FEI World Equestrian Games teams and at seven FEI World Cup Finals.

Dover began riding when he was 13 years old, graduated as an “A” pony-clubber, and specialized in dressage when he was 19. After attending the University of Georgia, he saw his equestrian career take off in the 1980s. After his first Olympic appearance in 1984, Dover helped the U.S. capture the North American championship the following year. In 1987, Dover defeated six-time Olympic Gold medalist Dr. Reiner Klimke to win the Aachen Grand Prix in Germany in front of a crowd of 65,000. This victory was the first time an American had won in Aachen since 1960, and Dover considers it the high point of

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lands.

Dover clinched his sixth Olympic Games berth in 2004.

In Athens, the veteran rode FBW Kennedy, winning the Team Bronze medal and finishing sixth individually. To finish out his career in 2005, Dover placed fourth in the 2005 FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas.

He has also taught clinics all over the world, sat on many USEF committees, and is one of the founders of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, which helps people in the horse world suffering from any life-threatening illness or injury.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations (in alphabetical order) will compose the 2015 U.S. Pan American Eventing Team:

2015 Pan American Games

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Eventing - Team

Photo Credit: Kasey @ Rare Air Photography

Phillip Dutton

Born: September 13, 1963 Residence: West Grove, Pa. Fernhill Cubalawn – 2003 Holsteiner gelding owned by Thomas Tierney and Simon Roosevelt or Fernhill Fugitive – 2005 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones Phillip Dutton represented Australia in three Olympic Games and four World Championships before acquiring U.S. citizenship in 2006. Dutton won Team Gold medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games with True Blue Girdwood and House Doctor, respectively, and was fifth individually in the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games with House Doctor.

He also represented Australia at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Dutton competed Connaught, his 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games mount, at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2007, where they were second and the highest-placed American combination. Dutton and Truluck represented the

16 2015 Pan American Games

U.S. in the 2007 Pan American Games and were Individual Silver medalists and members of the Gold medal-winning team.

In 2008, after having been the runner-up six times, Dutton finally broke his streak and won his first CCI4* at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with Connaught. The pair went on the represent the U.S. at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

2009 was another successful year for Dutton, with Woodburn claimed second place in the Advanced division at the USEA American Eventing Championships. With Truluck, Dutton finished the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials CCI4* in fourth place.

Dutton began 2010 in his usual successful fashion. At the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone, he claimed his third USEF CCI4* National Championship on Woodburn, after they finished the event in second place.

He then won the CIC3* at Jersey Fresh and was third in the CIC3*-W at The Event at Rebecca Farm with Truluck. Dutton represented the U.S. in Lexington, Ky., at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games with Woodburn. Two weeks later, he piloted the relatively inexperienced Fernhill Eagle to a

Eventing - Team second-place finish in the CCI3* at Fair Hill International.

In 2011 at Red Hills International, Dutton and Mighty Nice won the CIC2*. At Bromont, he placed third in both the CCI3* and the CCI2* with William Penn and Mighty Nice,

USEF CCI4* Eventing National Champions, giving Dutton his fourth CCI4* National Championship title. Dutton also placed ninth with Fernhill Fugitive.

Dutton admits that although he has never braided a horse,

respectively. After a summer of success in the states, he

he can put shoes on one. Having grown up on a farm in

traveled to England and completed the Blenheim CCI3*

Nygan, New South Wales, he was responsible for all aspects

aboard Mighty Nice. He finished up his year at Fair Hill Inter-

of his horses’ care. His introduction to horses came through

national, placing fifth in the CCI3* with William Penn.

Pony Club and riding on the farm as a child.

Dutton started 2012 with a very successful showing at Red

A native of Australia, Dutton has been based in Penn-

Hills International CIC3*-W, winning with Mystery Whisper

sylvania since 1991 and lives there with his wife, Evie, her

and finishing third with Ben. Dutton also finished second in

daughter, Lee Lee, and their twin girls, Mary and Olivia. Philip

the CIC2* with Gran Banks. At Jersey Fresh, Dutton won

and Evie run a very busy training and teaching business at

the CCI3* with Mystery Whisper. He then was fourth at the

True Prospect Farm, and Dutton’s list of students is a “Who’s

Bromont CCI3* with Atlas. Over the summer, he and Mystery

Who” of the stars of the sport. He considers his biggest

Whisper represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games in

accomplishment being able to make a living doing what

London. Dutton returned to the states and scored a fourth-

he enjoys. When he’s not competing or traveling, Dutton

place finish at the Richland Park CIC3* with Fernhill Eagle.

spends time with his family and enjoys all sports.

He began 2013 with a triumph at the Red Hills International CIC3* with Mighty Nice. On Ben, he was third in the Chattahoochee Hills CIC3* and scored a win at the Bromont CIC3*. He ended 2013 by having an impressive fourth-place finish at the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4* with Mr. Medicott.

After friend Boyd Martin was injured early in the 2014 season, Dutton stepped in to ride several horses for Martin while he healed, and found much success with them. He was third with Shamwari 4 at the Fair Hill CIC3* and the Jersey Fresh CIC3*, and eighth with Trading Aces at the Rolex Kentucky CCI4* presented by Land Rover. With his mount Fernhill Fugitive, Dutton was second in the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. He scored a seventh-place finish at the Luhmühlen CCI4* with Mighty Nice. At the Stuart CIC2*, he went 1-2 with Fernhill Cubalawn and Atlas. Dutton and Atlas then finished fifth in the Plantation Field CIC2*.

Dutton and his string of talented horses competed up and down the East Coast in early 2015. At the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International, Dutton won the CIC3* with I’m Sew Ready and was second in the CIC2* with Mighty Nice. With Fernhill Fugitive, he was fifth in The Fork CIC3*. At the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented

by Land Rover CCI4* Dutton brought two first-time CCI4* contenders and placed both in the top ten. With Fernhill Cubalawn, Dutton finished fifth. As the highest-placed American combination, the pair was named the 2015 Rolex/ 2015 Pan American Games

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Eventing - Team

Photo Credit: Kasey @ Rare Air Photography

Lauren Kieffer

Born: June 6, 1987 Residence: Middleburg, Va. Meadowbrook’s Scarlett – 2007 Thoroughbred Cross mare owned Marie Le Menestrel Lauren Kieffer grew up in a rural community in Southern Illinois and began riding at the age of six and competing in eventing at 12. When she was 18, she began training with and working for David and Karen O’Connor. Kieffer rose to the upper levels of the sport and has scored numerous top placings.

Kieffer reached a milestone in her career in 2010, completing her first CCI4* at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event with her longtime partner Snooze Alarm.

She began 2013 by winning The Fork CIC2* with Czechmate, as well as finishing fourth with Lucky Devil. With new partner Veronica, Kieffer won the Ocala Horse Properties International CCI2*. At Jersey Fresh International, she won the CIC2* with Veronica and was fifth in both the CIC3*

18 2015 Pan American Games

with RF Cosima and the CCI2* with Czechmate. Kieffer and Veronica continued their winning streak, claiming top honors in the Chattahoochee Hills CIC3*. Next at Bromont, she was third in the CIC3* with RF Cosima and ninth in the CCI3* with Veronica. The pair then won an Advanced division at Plantation Field Horse Trials before representing the U.S. at the Boekelo CCIO3* in The Netherlands.

Kieffer had a great year in 2014, kicking things off with a win in an Advanced division at the Carolina International Horse Trials with RF Cosima. With Veronica, Kieffer scored a second-place finish in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover. As the top-American, she was named the Rolex/USEF National CCI4* Champion. At the Jersey Fresh International, Kieffer rode Meadowbrook’s Scarlett to the win in the CIC2*. She finished 1-2 in the Bromont CCI2* with Meadowbrook’s Scarlett and Landmark’s Monte Carlo, respectively. In the fall, Kieffer and Veronica traveled overseas to tackle the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, where they finished in ninth place.

The 2015 season began with a win in March for Kieffer and Czechmate in the CIC3* at Red Hills International.

Kieffer racked up several top ten placings throughout the

Eventing - Team spring, winning the CIC3* with Landmark’s Monte Carlo at Jersey Fresh, where she was also second in the CCI3* with Meadowbrook’s Scarlett. Heading to England for the EquiTrek Bramham International CCI3*, Kieffer and Veronica finished seventh.

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Eventing - Team

Photo Credit: Kasey @ Rare Air Photography

Marilyn Little

Born: December 1, 1981 Residence: Frederick, Md. RF Scandalous – 2005 Oldenburg mare owned by Raylyn Farms Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders After much success competing at the international Grand Prix level in show jumping, Marilyn Little took up the sport of eventing in the fall of 2010.

In 2011, Little went from competing at Preliminary to the Advanced and CCI3* levels. She started the year by winning the Preliminary Rider division aboard Udonna at the Rocking Horse Winter II Horse Trials. The pair then moved up to Intermediate and finished third in the Open Intermediate division at Red Hills International.

Little competed at the Advanced level for the first time at Five Points Horse Trials, winning the division on RF Rovano Rex. At Plantation Field Horse Trials, Little won her first international eventing competition, winning the CIC3* with RF Rovano Rex.

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Little kicked off 2012 by winning the Advanced division at the Rocking Horse Winter II Horse Trials on RF Demeter. At Red Hills International, Little won the CIC2* with RF Smoke on the Water and finished second in the CIC3* with RF Rovano Rex. Little’s success continued at The Fork where she had two third-place finishes at the competition, in the CIC3* with RF Demeter and in the CIC2* with RF Smoke on the Water. Little competed in her first CCI4* competition at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone, finishing in an impressive ninth-place with RF Demeter. At the Bromont Three-Day Event, she and RF Smoke on the Water finished in fourth place in the CCI2*.

Little traveled overseas at the end of the summer and came in eighth at the Malmo CIC3*-W with RF Smoke on the Water. Returning to the U.S., the pair was fifth in the Plantation Field CIC3*. At the Fair Hill International CCI3* Little had a great showing, earning second place with RF Smoke on the Water and fourth place with RF Demeter.

She and RF Demeter earned another fourth-place finish at the Jersey Fresh International CIC3*.

2013 began with more top finishes for Little, as she scored a second-place finish with RF Smoke on the Water in the

Eventing - Team CIC3* and second- and third-place finishes with RF Azarah and RF Black Pearl, respectively, in the CIC2* at Red Hills International. At The Fork, Little rode RF Demeter to fourth place in the CIC3* and RF Black Pearl to second in the CIC2*.

Going overseas, Little maintained her top form. At the Saumur CCI3* she and RF Smoke on the Water were eighth.

Little partnered with RF Demeter at the Luhmuhlen CCI4*, where they had an impressive seventh-place finish. She found success once again at Blair Castle, ending up fifth in the CIC3* with RF Demeter and third in the CCI2* with RF Tabasco. Little’s next stop was Breda where she was second in the CIC3* with RF Demeter and first in the CIC2* with RF Tabasco. She and RF Demeter teamed up and earned another second-place finish at the Schenefeld CIC3*, then had a strong performance at the Pau CCI4* to close out the year.

Little began 2014 in a winning fashion, taking home top honors at the Carolina International CIC3* with RF Demeter.

The pair was then second at The Fork CIC3*. At the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover, Little maintained her fine form, finishing fifth and sixth with RF Smoke on the Water and RF Demeter, respectively. With RF Demeter, she successfully completed the Land Rover Burghley CCI4*. In the fall, Little found success with her upand-coming horses. She rode RF West Indie to a third-place finish in the Plantation Field CIC2*. The pair then improved to second place at the Morven Park CIC2*. At The Dutta Corp Fair Hill International, Little and RF Quarterman earned third place in the CCI2*. She then scored a CCI2* win with RF West Indie and and CCI1* win with RF Scandalous at Galway Downs International.

In the spring of 2015, Little marked six wins on three horses in FEI competition. With RF Scandalous, Little has remained unbeaten since the pair’s Galway Downs International win in October 2014, winning the Pine Top Farm CIC2* in February, the Red Hills CIC2* and Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina International CIC2* in March, and the Ocala Horse Properties International CCI2* in April. Subsequently, she and RF Demeter finished third in The Fork CIC3*. At Bromont, Little won the CCI3* with RF Demeter and the CCI2* with RF Overdressed.

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Eventing - Team

Photo Credit: Kasey @ Rare Air Photography

Boyd Martin

Born: August 30, 1970 Residence: Cochranville, Pa. Pancho Villa – 2003 Selle Francais gelding owned by the Pancho Villa Syndicate Australian native Boyd Martin relocated to the U.S. in 2007 to pursue his dreams of international eventing competition. In 2009, Martin rode under the American flag for the first time.

Martin spent his first two years in the U.S. working as assistant trainer to Olympic Gold medalist Phillip Dutton before striking out on his own. Martin has several horses competing at the upper levels of the sport, and always has numerous young horses coming up the ranks.

Martin has quickly made his mark on American eventing.

In 2008, he was ranked number two on the U.S. Eventing Association Rider of the Year Leaderboard, an impressive feat in only his second year living and competing in the U.S. 2009 was a very successful year with Martin’s first CCI3*

22 2015 Pan American Games

win at Fair Hill in the fall with Neville Bardos, and placing sixth with Remington XXV. Other successes in 2009 include winning and placing fourth in the Jersey Fresh CIC3* with Belmont and Rock on Rose, respectively.

At the 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented

by Bridgestone, Martin and Neville Bardos finished in fourth place. Martin also had two other horses in the Top 12: Rock on Rose (11th) and Remington XXV (12th).

In the fall of 2010, Martin and Neville Bardos competed as part of the U.S. team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and were the highest-placing Americans in 10th place. A few weeks later, Martin and Remington XXV traveled to the Les Étoiles de Pau CCI4*, where they finished in seventh place at the horse’s second attempt at the CCI4* level.

Martin started off 2011 with his usual success by finishing second in the CIC3* at Red Hills on Neville Bardos and ninth at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone with Remington XXV. However, things changed dramatically for him in May. On May 31, 2011, a fire ravaged Martin’s barn, taking the lives of six horses and injuring four others. The horse that

Eventing - Team had the most severe injuries was Neville Bardos. Things

Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover CCI4*. With up-

looked grim for the little horse, but he tenaciously continued

and-coming partner Pancho Villa, Martin placed second at

to improve and recover. Martin then lost his father, Ross, in a

the Fair Hill CIC3* and third at the Jersey Fresh CCI3*.

bicycling accident and Martin’s wife, Silva, lost her father to

Martin is married to Grand Prix dressage rider Silva Martin,

illness. Through this difficult time, Martin focused on getting

and they run a coaching and training business out of their

Neville Bardos recovered and fit in time for the Land Rover

base in Cochranville, Pa.

Burghley CCI4*. The pair seemed to do the impossible by traveling to England and finishing seventh in the grueling CCI4* competition. For his amazing comeback, Neville Bardos was named the 2011 USEF Horse of the Year.

Martin continued to produce stellar performances in the fall of 2011. At Boekelo, Martin rode Otis Barbotiere to a 14th-place finish in the horse’s first CCI3*. Ying Yang Yo made quite a statement by winning the Fair Hill CCI3* with Martin, shortly after returning to competing at the upper levels.

Martin kept up his form in 2012. With Otis Barbotiere, he rode to third in the horse’s first four-star at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and was named the 2012 Rolex/ USEF National CCI4* Reserve Champion. Martin also finished eighth with Remington XXV. In June, Martin traveled to England, where he placed sixth in the Barbury Castle CIC3* on Remington XXV. Later that summer, Martin and Otis Barbotiere represented the United States at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

In 2013, Martin won top honors at the Richland Park CIC3* with Trading Aces. The pair was then sixth in the Plantation Field CIC3*. Martin ended the year by representing the U.S. in the Boekelo CCIO3*.

Martin began 2014 in a big way, winning the Red Hills CIC3* with Trading Aces. After suffering a broken leg in March, Martin returned to competition in May. With a new mount, Shamwari 4, Martin showed he was back in top form by finishing third in the Luhmühlen CCI4*. The pair then went onto represent the U.S. on the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, finishing as the highest placing Americans in eighth. In the fall, Martin and Master Frisky earned a second-place finish in the CCI3* at The Dutta Corp. Fair Hill International.

Martin has had a busy spring, competing a large string of horses. At his first FEI outing of 2015, Martin placed second on Master Frisky at the Cloud 11~Gavilan North LLC Carolina CIC3*. The pair then finished seventh in the Rolex Kentucky 2015 Pan American Games

23

Alternate

Photo Credit: Kasey @ Rare Air Photography

Jennie Brannigan Born: June 30, 1987 Residence: Kennett Square, Pa. Cambalda - 2002 Thoroughbred Cross gelding owned by Nina Gardner Jennie Brannigan, a native of Illinois, attributes her success to the accomplished people she has trained with and to her fantastic group of horses. Early in her career, Brannigan worked for Allison Springer, jumping great Susie Hutchinson, and Mike Winter. In 2009, Brannigan joined Phillip Dutton who mentored her as she rose through the ranks of eventing to her current success as a trainer, rider, and coach. In 2013, Brannigan struck out on her own to establish Brannigan Eventing in West Grove, Pa. Brannigan entered the event world with a splash in 2006. With her partner Cooper, she won nine out of ten events at the intermediate level in 2007-2008 and was atop the 2008 Adequan/USEA Gold Cup leader board.

In 2008, Brannigan and Cooper represented California at

24 2015 Pan American Games

the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Riders Championships presented by Gotham North where they won both Team and Individual Gold medals. The pair continued their winning ways throughout 2009 and were bright stars on the international eventing horizon. Tragedy struck at the Fair Hill International event in 2009, and Brannigan ultimately had to euthanize Cooper.

Bolstered by the personal strength and tenacity she exhibits in her riding, Brannigan persevered in the eventing world. In 2010, she partnered with Cambalda to wins at the Fair Hill CIC2*, Jersey Fresh CCI2*, Plantation Field CIC3*, and Galway Downs CCI3*. For his successes, Cambalda was named 2010 USEA Eventing Horse of the Year.

In 2011, Brannigan and Cambalda continued to forge a successful partnership with a win at The Fork CIC3* and top placings at Jersey Fresh and Richland Park.

Brannigan competed many horses to top placings in 2012 and 2013, including No Objection, Walkabout, Indie, and her accomplished partner, Cambalda. She finished with top placings at major events in the U.S., including Plantation Field, Jersey Fresh, The Fork, and Red Hills.

In 2014, Brannigan competed her mounts Henry and Indie

Alternate to wins in the CIC2* at The Fork and at Red Hills. In October, the culmination of her hard work came with an emotional victory with Cambalda in the CCI3* at The Dutta Corp.

Fair Hill International/USEF National Three-Star Eventing Championship where the pair was also named the USEF Eventing Developing Rider National Champions Their momentum has carried Brannigan and Cambalda to a stellar beginning in 2015 with a third-place finish in the Red Hills CIC3* and a win at The Fork CIC3*. At the inaugural Land Rover Great Meadow International presented by Adequan, the pair claimed top honors in the CIC3*.

Brannigan runs a successful training and coaching business in West Grove, Pa. Her second love is racing as she gallops horses in the morning and has competed in flat races.

2015 Pan American Games

25

Chef d’Equipe O’Connor made the switch from being an international competitor to being a leader of equestrian sport. He served as the USEF president from 2004-2012. O’Connor also served as the International Technical Advisor to the Canadian Eventing Team from 2006-2012, coaching Canada to Individual Gold and Team Silver medals at the 2011 Pan American Games, as well as Team Silver medals at the 2007 Pan American Games and the 2010 Alltech/ FEI World Equestrian Games. He took over as the U.S. International Technial Advisor in 2013.

With his wife, legendary eventer Karen O’Connor, he runs a premier eventing training facility, teaching some of the best horses and riders in the country.

Photo Credit: USEF Archives

David O’Connor Chef d’Equipe

Born: January 18, 1962 Residence: The Plains, Va. David O’Connor is one of the most famous names in U.S. eventing. Throughout his career, he had top placings both nationally and internationally, representing the U.S. on numerous occasions. O’Connor won a Team Silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, a Team Bronze medal at the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games, and Team Gold and Individual Silver medals at the 1999 Pan American Games, all with his legendary mount Giltedge. At the 2000 Sydney Olympics Games, O’Connor won Individual Gold with Custom Made, as well as a Team Bronze medal with Giltedge. At the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games, he and Giltedge won a Team Gold medal. O’Connor retired from international competition in 2004.

26 2015 Pan American Games

The following athlete-and-horse combinations (in alphabetical order) will compose the 2015 U.S. Pan American Jumping Team:

2015 Pan American Games

27

Jumping - Team

Photo Credit: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

Georgina Bloomberg

Born: January 20, 1983 Residence: New York, N.Y. Lilli – 2004 Deutsches Sportpfred mare owned

by Gotham Enterprizes, LLC For Georgina Bloomberg, the daughter of former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, a love of horses has always run in her blood. She began in the pony hunter ring at age six and after graduating from the junior ranks in 2001, turned her attention to the jumpers exclusively.

Georgina was rewarded by winning two Gold medals at the North American Young Riders’ Championships (Team Gold in 2002 and Individual Gold in 2003 with Riviera) and winning the 2001 USET Talent Derby.

In 2004, Bloomberg won the USET Maxine Beard Award which recognizes accomplishment by an up-and-coming show jumper, as well as the Derby of Drammen. The follow-

28 2015 Pan American Games

ing year, she made her FEI World Cup Final debut, and was a member of the Samsung Super League team at CSIO La Baule.

Bloomberg has had consistent success at the top level of the sport. In 2009, Bloomberg won the eighth round of the WEF Challenge Cup with Street of Diamonds and was a winner at the Hampton Classic with Fiedi 3. She kicked off 2010 with a win in Round 1 of the WEF Challenge Cup Series with Metropolitan and the pair followed that up with another win in the Empire State Grand Prix. Later that year, Bloomberg rode Fiedi 3 to win the Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix in Kentucky. Bloomberg continued to have success in 2012 and 2013 with top finishes on the East coast and in Europe.

In 2014, Bloomberg spent much of the summer competing in Europe, earning top finishes on the Longines Global Champions Tour and representing the U.S. in Nations Cup competition at CSIO5* Falsterbo. In August, Bloomberg and Juvina anchored the U.S. Team victory in the CSIO5* Gijon’s Nations Cup with a double clear effort. Upon their return to the U.S., the pair won the Central Park Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, before earning third-place finishes in the

Jumping - Team feature Grand Prix at the Longines LA Masters and National Horse Show.

To kick off her 2015 season, Bloomberg won the Adequan Grand Prix with Lilli during the third week of the WEF. In February, she and Juvina contributed a double clear to help the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team to a second-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Edge Water Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala and two days later picked up a fifth-place finish in the Ocala Grand Prix.

During week seven of the WEF, Bloomberg and Lilli were fifth in the $372,000 Suncast CSI5* Grand Prix. The pair was then third in the $500,000 Rolex CSI5* Grand Prix during the final week of the WEF. At Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show I Bloomberg and Caleno 3 were second in the $50,000 Old Salem Grand Prix. Heading to Spruce Meadows for the CSI5* ‘Continental’ Tournament, Bloomberg was second in the $85,000 Respol Cup with Caleno 3 and fifth in the $210,000 CP Grand Prix with Lilli. She and Lilli were fifth again in the $85,000 TD Cup during the CSI5* ‘North American’ Tournament.

In addition to competing, Bloomberg is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including founding The Rider’s Closet, serving on the Board of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, and acting as a committee member of Friends of Finn. She is a proud mother of one-year-old son, Jasper Michael Brown Bloomberg.

2015 Pan American Games

29

Jumping - Team

Photo Credit: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

Kent Farrington Born: December 28, 1980 Residence: Wellington, Fla.

Gazelle – 2006 Belgian Warmblood owned by Robin Parsky and Kent Farrington As a talented young equitation rider, Kent Farrington won the Pessoa/AHSA National Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Final in 1998 and the Washington International Equitation Medal in 1999. He then climbed another notch when his team won the Gold medal at the North American Young Riders’ Championship in 1999. In 2001, he was named the winner of the Maxine Beard Award, given to an individual based on their potential to represent the United States in international competition.

In 2007, Farrington and Up Chiqui won the Rolex/USEF National Show Jumping Championships, capping off a year where they were nearly invincible.

With Uceko, Farrington found much success. In February of 2010, this pair was fifth in the first USEF Selection

30 2015 Pan American Games

Trial for the U.S. Show Jumping Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. In April of 2011, Farrington and Uceko collected top honors in the $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational. On his first tour of Europe with the U.S. Team, Farrington and Uceko won the prestigious Longines King George V Gold Cup at the CSIO5* Hickstead. Farrington and Uceko were also part of the Gold medal-winning U.S. team at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Partnering again with Uceko in 2012, Farrington won the FTI Grand Prix with Voyeur at the Hampton Classic.

The pair next traveled to Spruce Meadows for the CSIO5* ‘Masters’ Tournament and won the Encana Cup. His success continued as he finished second in the American Gold Cup with Voyeur.

He kicked things off in 2013 in a big way by scoring top honors at the Trump Invitational Grand Prix with Dynamo.

During CSIO Wellington, he was a member of the winning U.S. team in the FEI Nations Cup CSIO4* presented by G&C Farm with Uceko and also took top honors in the CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Wellington Equestrian Realty with Blue Angel.

Jumping - Team Traveling to Europe for the summer, Farrington scored

during weeks seven and 11 of the WEF with Waomi and

two huge wins. At the La Coruña CSI4* in Spain, he and

during week nine with Willow. With Gazelle, Farrington was

Voyeur won the Telefonica Grand Prix. At the CSIO5* Dublin,

second in week 11’s $127,000 Engel & Volkers CSI4* Grand

Farrington and Blue Angel won the JLT Dublin Stakes one

Prix.

day after helping the U.S. team to a third-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented by Longines.

Returning to North America, his winning streak contin-

Making several stops on the Global Champions Tour, Farrington started in Antwerp, finishing second in a CSI5* class with Willow. In Shanghai, he won two CSI5* classes with

ued. At the Hampton Classic, he won the FTI Consulting

Blue Angel and one with Waomi. Farrington rode Voyeur to

Grand Prix with Zafira. A week later at the CSIO5* ‘Masters’

the win in the Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix

Tournament at Spruce Meadows, Farrington and Blue Angel

presented by H&M and won a CSI5* class with Belle Fleur

earned top honors in the Suncor Energy Cup and the Akita

8 in Hamburg. He had other top performances in Europe

Drilling Cup.

during the spring, including wins with Cha Cha Cha 7 and

During the fall of 2013, Farrington and his string of horses

Waomi at CSIO5* Rome and a fifth-place finish with Voyeur

didn’t slow down. At the Washington International Horse

in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen at the World Equestrian

Show, he and Blue Angel came out on top in the President’s

Festival.

Cup Grand Prix CSI3*-W presented by Events DC, as well as

Heading next to Spruce Meadows, Farrington and Voyeur

an Open Jumper class, earning Farrington the Leading Open

won the $400,000 RBC Grand Prix, Presented by Rolex

Jumper Rider Award.

during the CSI5* ‘National’ Tournament. The following week

Farrington began 2014 on a high note, winning the Trump

at CSI5* ‘Continental’ Tournament, he and Gazelle won the

Invitational presented by Rolex with Blue Angel. In February,

$126,000 Scotiabank Cup. During the CSI5* ‘North Ameri-

Farrington and Blue Angel won the Salamander Hotels &

can’ Tournament he and Uceko won the $50,000 Lafarge

Resorts Grand Prix and the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge

Cup, while he and Gazelle were fourth in the $85,000

Round VI. During week nine of the FTI Consulting Winter

Enbridge Cup.

Equestrian Festival (WEF), he won the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Round IX with Voyeur.

In April, Farrington traveled to Lyon, France for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final, where he won the second leg of competition with Voyeur. Farrington had continued success in Europe, winning the MAG-JLY Small Grand Prix at CSIO5* Rome with Blue Angel in May before winning the Prix SBM Le Casino with Willow at CSI5* Monaco.

Farrington then headed back to North America to compete at Spruce Meadows, where he won the prestigious ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup with Voyeur and the Pan American Cup presented by Rolex with Uceko.

Farrington and Voyeur won the Prize of Europe at CSIO5* Aachen and placed second in the Rolex Grand Prix of Aachen, prior to heading to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, where they helped the U.S. to a Team Bronze medal.

In 2015, Farrington has again started his season at the WEF, where he won the $85,000 Salamander Hotels & Resorts Grand Prix with Blue Angel for the second consectutive year. He won the $85,000 Suncast 1.50M Classic 2015 Pan American Games

31

Jumping - Team

Photo Credit: Kenneth Kraus/PhelpsSports

Lauren Hough

Born: April 11, 1977 Residence: Wellington, Fla. Ohlala – 2004 Swedish Warmblood mare owned

by The Ohlala Group The daughter of Olympic Bronze medalist, Champ, and acclaimed hunter/jumper trainer, Linda, Lauren Hough began riding before she could walk. Beginning her career competing in northern California in the pony ring, the jumps did not stay small for long as she rose up the hunter and equitation ranks, ultimately winning the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search in 1994.

In 2000, at the age of 23, Hough reached the pinnacle of the sport of jumping, making her Olympic debut in Sydney.

Three years later, she helped the U.S. to Team Gold at the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Demonstrating her tenacity, she rode in the selection trials with a broken collarbone. Her Pan American Games success continued in 2007, when she and Casadora

32 2015 Pan American Games

were members of the Bronze medal-winning U.S. team.

2010 was an extremely successful year for Hough as she earned multiple top placings at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). In the summer she and Quick Study won the Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Hamburg and they would go on to produce a double clear in Rotterdam’s Meydan FEI Nations Cup, helping the United States to victory. Hough and Quick Study completed the year by representing the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. Hough and Quick Study had a strong start to the 2011 season in Wellington, Fla., winning both the $150,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix CSIO4* and the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix. In August, Hough and Quick Study claimed one of their biggest victories to date, capturing the Longines Dublin International Grand Prix.

In 2012, Hough earned multiple strong placings in fivestar competition at CHIO Aachen. Returning to the states in the fall, Hough and Ohlala won classes at Washington International and the Alltech National Horse Show. She finished out the year with another win at the Holiday and Horses

Jumping - Team Horse Show in Wellington.

In 2013, Hough and Ohlala were the winners of the Massimo Dutti Prix CSI5* at the Longines Global Champions Tour stop in London. She rode Quick Study to help the U.S. team finish second in Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup presented

by Longines at CHIO Rotterdam.

To begin 2014, Hough and Ohlala were the winners of round four of the Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup. During week 10 of the FTI Consulting WEF, the combination was second in the Horseware Ireland CSI3* Grand Prix. The following week she and Böckmanns Lazio won the Engel & Volkers Grand Prix. Hough had another top performance, finishing third in the $200,000 American Invitational CSI3* with Ohlala. In July, the pair again produced strong efforts at CSIO5* Aachen, earning a fifth-place finish in the Rolex Grand Prix.

At the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, Hough and Ohlala charged to a win the CANA Cup on the opening day of competition. They then headed back to Europe, helping the Hermès U.S. Show Jumping Team to a win in the Challenge Cup at the 2014 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Final. The pair completed their 2014 campaign by winning the Credit Suisse Grand Prix at CSI5* Geneva.

Hough began 2015 by aiding the U.S. team to a secondplace finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona at CSIO4* Ocala. During week nine of the WEF, she and Adare were second in the $85,000 Suncast 1.50M Jumper Classic. With Ohlala, Hough was fourth in the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix.

She then spent several weeks on the Global Champions Tour, first coming in fifth in the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami Beach Grand Prix with Ohlala. In Madrid she and Royalty des Isles were third in a CSI5* class. The pair next headed to CSI4* Wiesbaden and finished second in a CSI4* class. At St. Tropez Hough and Royalty des Isles were third in two CSI5* classes.

During her downtime, Hough enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and entertaining, as well as reading and working out at the gym.

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33

Jumping - Team

Photo Credit: Tomas Holcbecher/FEI

McLain Ward

Born: October 17, 1975 Residence: Brewster, N.Y. Rothchild – 2001 Warmblood gelding owned by Sagamore Farm McLain Ward has an international Grand Prix prowess that only continues to increase with age. In 1990, Ward became the youngest rider ever to win both the USET Medal Finals and the USET Talent Derby at age 14. He would go on to turn that into a legacy, winning the pair of competitions from 1990-1992. Ward has already competed in more than 10 Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals and numerous FEI Nations Cup competitions.

In 2004, Ward made his Olympic debut with Sapphire in Athens, where the pair helped the U.S. to a Team Gold medal. And two years later they were members of the Silver medal-winning team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany.

The road to the 2008 Olympic Games and Ward and Sap-

34 2015 Pan American Games

phire’s second consecutive Team Gold medal quickly gained momentum, including being a valuable part of the winning U.S. team at the $75,000 FEI Nations Cup presented by CN at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in March. Just one month later, the pair won the $200,000 Budweiser Invitational in Tampa in a deluge of rain and wind.

In 2009, the two-time Olympic Gold medalists won at nearly every turn. Ward and Sapphire prepared diligently for the 2009 Rolex/FEI World Cup Final all winter and were rewarded with a second-place finish for their efforts. The pair took home top honors in the $1 Million CN International at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament - one of the most prestigious classes in the world. Also in 2009, they won the Devon Grand Prix for the second time.

For a second straight year, Ward and Sapphire won the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix at the end of March of 2010. During the summer of 2010, Ward proved to be a force in Europe, jumping to many successful finishes all over the continent. With Sapphire, Ward won the coveted classes of the La Baule Grand Prix and the Rome Grand Prix. Ward finished off his summer in Europe by winning the prestigious Dublin Grand Prix with Antares F.

Jumping - Team Ward and Sapphire continued to accumulate strong

Ward once again began his 2014 campaign in Wellington,

results in the fall of 2010. In September, they won the

Fla. and during CSIO4* Wellington, he aided the U.S. team

$250,000 FTI Grand Prix and FEI World Cup Qualifier for a

to a third-place finish in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

second consecutive year at the Hampton Classic. The fol-

presented by G&C Farm with Rothchild. Ward then traveled

lowing week, Ward and Sapphire won the inaugural Pfizer $1

to Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Lyon, France

Million Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson. In October 2010,

in April, earning a ninth-place finish. The following week-

Ward and Sapphire were the highest-placed Americans at

end Ward and Rothchild were the winners of the Longines

the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky.

Global Champions Tour of Antwerp Grand Prix. He then

Ward had another strong start to the 2011 season, jump-

earned multiple victories in June and July at the Spruce

ing at the FTI Consulting WEF. In March, Ward and Sapphire

Meadows Tournaments. With Rothchild, he was the win-

teamed up for another U.S. win in the $75,000 FEI Nations

ner of the $210,000 CP Grand Prix on the final day of the

Cup CSIO4* presented by G&C Farm. At the Hampton Clas-

CSIO5* Spruce Meadows ‘Continental’ Tournament. With

sic Horse Show in September, Ward added to his illustrious

a double-clear effort in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup of

resume by tying his own record, winning a Grand Prix at the

Great Britain presented by Longines at CSIO5* Hickstead,

Classic on three consecutive days. Ward and Antares F were

Ward and Rothchild helped the U.S. to victory. In September,

victorious in the $250,000 FTI Grand Prix; with this win

Ward and Rothchild helped the Hermes U.S. Show Jumping

Ward tied the record for winning the featured Grand Prix at

Team to a Bronze medal at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian

the Classic for three consecutive years. This feat added to

Games, where they also finished fifth individually.

Ward’s own record of winning the Classic’s featured Grand

To complete his 2014 campaign, Ward teamed up with

Prix six times, twice as many as anyone else. In the fall,

HH Carlos Z to win the $125,000 President’s Cup Grand Prix

Ward and Antares F were part of the Gold medal-winning

CSI4*-W at the Washington International Horse Show, as

U.S. team at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara,

well as winning the $100,000 Hickstead Grand Prix CSI4*-W

Mexico. The pair finished fourth individually.

with Rothchild at The Royal Horse Show.

In January 2012, Ward suffered a shattered knee-cap

Ward has started his 2015 season by once again jumping at

that kept him from riding for more than three months. At

the WEF, winning the $85,000 Suncast 1.50M Classic with HH

the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Show, Ward made his

Carlos Z during week four. They were then members of the

return to competition a noticeable one by winning the

winning Hermes U.S. Show Jumping Team in the FEI Nations

$40,000 Old Salem Grand Prix with Antares F. The following

Cup presented by Kingsland Equestrian at CSIO4* Welling-

weekend, Ward won the $75,000 Empire State Grand Prix

ton. Traveling to the HITS Thermal Desert Circuit, Ward and

with Zander. In August 2012, Ward made his third Olympic

Rothchild were second in the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix. Next

appearance for the U.S. at the 2012 London Olympic Games

heading to the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS

aboard Antares F.

Ocala, the pair placed second once again. Ward closed out his

2013 proved to be another successful year for Ward. At the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden, he collected a top-10 finish with Super Trooper de Ness. Ward then

winter season with a win aboard HH Carlos Z in the $500,00 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* during the final week of WEF. He began his spring season at Old Salem Farm, winning

traveled back to the U.S. and once again earned top honors

the $50,000 Old Salem Grand Prix with HH Azur during the

in the Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon with Rothchild. In

first week. The following week he won both the $100,000

addition, he and Rothchild jumped consistently for the U.S.

Empire State Grand Prix and the $35,000 Grand Prix of

in Nations Cup competition and helped the U.S. to earn

North Salem with HH Carlos Z. At the Devon Horse Show,

top honors in the Consolation Round of the Furusiyya FEI

Ward and Rothchild were second in the $50,000 Idle Dice

Nations Cup Jumping Final at CSIO Barcelona. Ward ended

Open Jumper Stake. Heading to Spruce Meadows, Ward

the year on a high note, earning top honors in the $100,000

won the $34,000 ATCO Pipelines Cup with HH Carlos Z

Hickstead FEI World Cup Grand Prix with Rothchild.

and the $35,000 RBC Capital Markets Cup with HH Azur 2015 Pan American Games

35

Jumping - Team during the CSI5* ‘National’ Tournament. During the CSI5* ‘Continental’ Tournament he won the $210,000 CP Grand Prix with Rothchild and the $40,000 Altagas Cup with HH Carlos Z. Ward scored a major win with HH Azur, taking top honors at the $400,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup during the CSI5* ‘North American’ Tournament.

Ward is married to his wife, Lauren, who is an avid competitor in the amateur divisions. On February 9, 2015, they welcomed their first child, Lilly Kristine Ward.

36 2015 Pan American Games

Traveling Reserve

Photo Credit: Sportfot

Todd Minikus

Born: June 11, 1962 Residence: Loxahatchee, Fla. Babalou 41 – 2005 Oldenburg mare owned by Two Swans Farm Turning professional in 1980, Todd Minikus competed in his first grand prix in 1985. For more than twenty years, he has forged an impressive career highlighted by more than 75 Grand Prix wins, five FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals and multiple Nations Cup teams. Minikus was an alternate to the U.S. show jumping team for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In 2001, he won the $100,000 Rolex/USET Show Jumping Championship and was selected as the recipient of the Horseman of the Year Award.

In 2007, Minikus and Pavarotti were members of the Gold medal-winning team at the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Minikus was on a tear in 2009, continuously placing in

the money at multiple events. He won three big classes in February; the $30,000 Braman Motorcars WEF Challenge Cup during week eight of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) on Presidente and both the $76,600 ESP WEF 7 Grand Prix and the $25,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix with Alaska. 2009 also marked the fifth time Minikus represented the U.S. at the FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas.

Minikus and Pavarotti represented the U.S. on Tour Two of the Nations Cup in the summer of 2009. In Rotterdam, the pair helped the U.S. secure a second-place finish. The pair returned to the U.S. and continued their successful season, winning both the $25,000 and $75,000 Grand Prixes at HITS-on-the-Hudson in July.

In 2010, Minikus was back at it with Pavarotti, winning the $75,000 Nespresso Grand Prix at the end of January.

He wrapped up the WEF season with a third-place finish in the $500,000 FTI Consulting Finale Grand Prix CSI5*. At the 2010 USEF Selection Trials for the U.S. Show Jumping Team, Minikus and Pavarotti won trials 1 and 4 after turning in the fastest no-fault rounds. Their performance in the trials earned them a place on U.S. Show Jumping Long List for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

2015 Pan American Games

37

Jumping - Team Minikus spent the spring traveling around the East Coast, winning the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix at the HITS-on-theHudson I on Pavarotti in late May, and the $50,000 Idle Dice

Arino du Rouet in the $75,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix and Macoemba in the $25,000 Landgero Cup Grand Prix.

In the summer, Minikus was on a roll, winning the I Love

Open Jumper Stake a week later at the Devon Horse Show.

NY Grand Prix with Babalou 41 and the Jumper Classic

In August, Minikus won the $40,000 Grand Prix at the Win-

with Quality Girl at the I Love New York Horse Show. He

ston National on Little Annie, then followed up the win with

and Arino du Roulet scored a win in the $50,000 Horze

a second-place finish in the Constitution Classic’s $40,000

Grand Prix at HITS-on-the-Hudson IV. Traveling to Bromont,

Grand Prix.

Canada, Minikus and Quality won the CSI3*-W Grand Prix.

In 2011, Minikus won the $31,000 WEF Challenge Cup during week 10 of the WEF before defending his 2010 victory in the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake at Devon. Minikus

The pair then scored a huge win in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

Minikus stayed on the top of his game in the fall, finishing

returned to the winner’s circle at the I Love New York Horse

second in the $85,000 Prix de Penn National with Qual-

Show in the Woodlea Farms Grand Prix II and Open Jumper

ity Girl. The pair then won the $34,000 Welcome Stake at

Classic II on Pavarotti. During HITS-on-the-Hudson V, he won

Washington International Horse Show. Minikus closed out

both the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix and $75,000 HITS

his year with a second-place finish in $100,000 Hickstead

Grand Prix on Sweetheart. Two weeks later, Minikus won

FEI World Cup Grand Prix with Quality Girl at the Royal

the $30,000 Wild Card Grand Prix. At the National Horse

Winter Horse Show.

Show, a win in the Welcome Speed Class closed out his competition season.

In 2012 Minikus finished fourth in the HITS-on-the-Hudson

This year is off to a strong start for Minikus as he won the $30,000 WEF 1 Grand Prix with Cordonos. With Quality Girl, he was second in the $85,000 Suncast 1.50m Championship

I $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Macoemba. The pair fin-

Jumper Classic during week four of the WEF. During CSIO4*

ished out the year with a second-place finish in the $50,000

Wellington, Minikus and Babalou 41 were on the Hermes U.S.

Holiday & Horses CSI2*-W Grand Prix.

Show Jumping Team that won the FEI Nations Cup pre-

Minikus began 2013 by scoring top honors in the $50,000

sented by Kingsland Equestrian and were the winners of the

Live Oak Grand Prix CSI2* with Quality Girl. With Uraguay,

CSIO4* Grand Prix presented by Lugano Diamonds.

Minikus earned another victory in the $50,000 Old Salem

During the spring season, he was third in both the

Grand Prix. He and Quality Girl won the $25,000 SmartPak

$50,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix and $34,000 Welcome

Grand Prix during HITS-on-the-Hudson II and IV. At New

Stake with Con Capilot and Babalou 41, respectively, during

York Horse & Pony Show, the pair claimed top honors in the

the Kentucky Spring Classic CSI3*. Heading to Spruce Mead-

$25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix. They then scored an impres-

ows, Minikus and Babalou 41 were second in the $210,000

sive second-place finish in the Zoetis $1 Million Grand Prix.

CP Grand Prix at the CSI5* ‘Continental Tournament. During

Minikus closed out his year with a win and second-place

the CSI5* ‘North American’ Tournament, he was second in

finish with Quality Girl in the $50,000 Welcome Speed

the $85,000 Enbridge Cup with Quality Girl and third in the

class and $100,000 Open Jumper class, respectively, at the

$400,000 ATCO Power Queen Elizabeth II Cup with Baba-

Alltech National Horse Show.

lou 41.

Starting 2014 off in fine form, Minikus and Quality Girl

Minikus, who grew up near Des Moines, Iowa, now oper-

scored a win in the $34,000 Ruby et Violette WEF Chal-

ates Todd Minikus, Ltd., in Loxahatchee, Fla. When he’s not

lenge Round 3. With Babalou 41, Minikus took home top

at the barn or on the road, he enjoys playing golf, fishing, and

honors in the $100,000 1.50M Championship Jumper Clas-

spending time with his family.

sic during week 12 of the WEF. He and Quality Girl improved to first in the $50,000 Idle Dice Open Jumper Stake at the Devon Horse Show. Minikus continued his winning ways with

38 2015 Pan American Games

Chef d’Equipe

Photo Credit: © 2008 Dr. C. Mike Tomlinson www.Tomlinson.com

Robert Ridland Chef d’Equipe Born: November 7, 1950 Residence: Irvine, Calif.

tional official, he is the only American to have served as the FEI Technical Delegate for four FEI World Cup Finals. As a television commentator, he worked for many years as the color analyst for ESPN and CBS, as well as two stints for NBC at the Barcelona and Athens Olympic Games.

Robert Ridland brings several decades of international experience to the Team, including two appearances in the Olympic Games during his career as a member of the United States Equestrian Team. Over the years, he was victorious on four continents, including the American Invitational, the Grand Prix of New York in Madison Square Garden, and the Grand Prix of Switzerland. In addition to his riding career, Ridland has been extensively involved in the governance of the sport, including several terms as a board member of the USEF and the USET. His analytical approach to the sport is aided by virtue of his vast experience as an international course designer.

Ridland twice won the Course Designer of the Year Award while building the courses for the U.S. Olympic Trials and numerous international competitions. As an interna2015 Pan American Games

39