Dutton hoping 2009 is another strong year

It was a year of fulfillment for eventer Phillip Dutton. The horseman finally won the Rolex Kentucky Three Day event CCI Four Star in April on Aiken resident Bruce Duchossois' 16-hands, Irish-bred Irish Sport Horse Connaught. They placed second at Rolex Kentucky in 2007.

"It was a memorable year," said Dutton. "I'll always remember the 2008 Olympics, representing the United States at the Olympics for the first time. They were great games, parts of it were disappointing for me, but that's part of the sport."

Dutton also won the United States Eventing Association's Rider of the Year for a 10th time. His Red Oak Farm in the Bridle Creek Equestrian Community serves as his winter base of operation.

"Winning the (USEA) Rider of the Year is a combination of everything put together," said Dutton. "It's sort of a reward for being consistent throughout the year."

The United States Equestrian Federation's 2009 High Performance Eventing Training List includes Dutton and The Foreman, a 12-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Ann Jones, and either Truluck, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Ann Jones and Shannon Stimson, or Woodburn, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, owned by Acorn Hill Farm.

"I have a lot to look forward to this year," said Dutton. "Some of the horses that had some injuries last year are coming back, so that's exciting. There are some nice up and coming ones."

Each year presents new challenges and new goals, said Dutton. The two-time Olympic Gold medal winner is circumspect in his comments, knowing how humbling the sport of eventing can be, but he is confident and poised for another strong showing in 2009. The rider has a strong string of horses for the Aiken Eventing Series.

"We'll see how the year progresses. You can try all you want, but the results are what really count and how you do in the competitions," said Dutton. "The first FEI event I'll be doing will be at Red Hills in Florida. The spring will culminate in Kentucky, and possibly Badminton."

The 2010 World Equestrian Games are also on Dutton's radar.

"It's so exciting, and it's going to be great for any horse enthusiast in this country," said Dutton. "It's the first time the World Equestrian Games are being held outside of Europe. It's going to be a huge boost for the horse world, and this country."

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