Caledon, Ont. - The United States Eventing Team performed flawlessly over the Wayne Copping-designed cross-country course today at the 2015 Pan American Games. Beginning the day with a narrow lead over host country Canada, the U.S. athletes rode with skill and determination to achieve four double clear cross-country rounds, adding nothing to their overall total of 133. Brazil, third after dressage, moved into second on the strength of four double clear rounds to remain on 136.70. Following a fall on course by Canadian team rider Kathryn Robinson, Canada now sits in third on 159.

First to tackle the course for the Americans was Philip Dutton on Thomas Tierney and Ann Jones’ Fernhill Fugitive. The Olympic veteran had a beautiful trip over the rolling course, finishing with no jumping penalties and within the time allowed. “I was pleased with my horse. I did not have any trouble with the jumping, but I had to work the whole time to keep my minute markers. He kept a good even speed the whole way around.” Dutton and Kieffer remain tied for seventh individually on 48.40.

Next on course for the U.S. Team was Lauren Kieffer on Marie Le Menestrel's young mare Meadowbrook's Scarlett. Kieffer was appreciative of the course evaluation offered by her experienced teammate who had gone first. “Obviously, [Dutton] going first, he brought back some great feedback. He said to ride like we planned and [that plan] worked [for me] all the way around. We were spot on.” Kieffer praised her talented and sensible horse. “She is only eight and she has never been in crowds like this. She was all business the whole way around.”

Marilyn Little left the start box on RF Scandalous sitting in third place after a successful dressage test on Friday. The agile mare, owned by Raylyn Farms, Inc. and Phoebe and Michael Manders, excelled on the cross-country course and added nothing to their dressage score. “It was so much fun and a great course to ride. She came out of the start box on fire and gave me a great ride.” Little now sits in second individually on 40.30 following the elimination of Robinson.

Last to contest the cross-country phase for the U.S. was Olympic veteran Boyd Martin aboard the Pancho Villa Syndicate’s Pancho Villa. Always a factor on the cross-country, Martin had an excellent ride, finishing on his dressage score. Due to a fall on course, Martin was held between fences 16 and 17 for several minutes. Martin noted of the hold, “my horse freshened up and I got to take a couple of deep breaths. Then, he jumped fence 17 like it was fence 1.” Martin was pleased with his horse’s performance on the challenging course. “I was a little bit nervous with some of the turning questions. He is not the best turner, but was real honest. I was really happy with him.” Martin goes into Sunday’s show jumping phase in fourth place individually on 44.30.

The second horse inspection will take place tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. ET and show jumping will get underway at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Complete order of go and live scoring

Team USA Media Guide

Behind the Scenes with the U.S. Teams: USEF Sport Director Will Connell’s Blog