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.”..read more at www.USEventing.com.