Doug Payne, an acclaimed rider and board member of the Professional Riders Organization, won the Virginia Horse Trials CCI* this past weekend. His win included an impressive dressage score in the long format event that secured his victory.

“I was thrilled with Running Order’s performance,” said Payne of the seven-year-old Irish gelding owned by Stone Hill Farm. “He is the ideal horse for the longer format, and I know he’ll continue to excel to the top of the sport.”

Payne chose to compete in the long-format division out of the two international divisions offered. “I knew that Running Order could handle the challenges, and unfortunately it appears as if this might be the last opportunity anyone would have to compete in the traditional format.”

In addition to his victory in the long format, Payne also rode Westwinds El Dorado in the short format CCI* to a sixth-place finish. Sinead Halpin, Payne’s friend and fellow PRO board member, was scheduled to compete with Westwinds until she broke her arm. Payne also helmed the gelding in Maryland, to a top placing in the preliminary division.

Payne is an acclaimed international rider who also holds USEF judges licenses. He is a USEA certified Level III instructor and a consultant for Dover Saddlery. Payne owns and operates DP Equestrian out of Misty Hollow Farm in Oldwick, NJ, and has his sights on the 2012 Olympics in London.

“I’m thrilled with our results in Lexington,” remarked Payne. “Running Order has really proven himself, and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the years to come.”

Payne’s involvement in the sport includes his participation on the board of the Professional Riders Organization. Launched in 2009, PRO was formed by a group of leading professional riders to represent the goals and objectives of professional riders. PRO is also dedicated to elevating the level of competition, contributing to ongoing rider education, improving the standards of competition and promoting safety while working to attract new fans, sponsors and participants.

For more information on PRO, please visit www.professionalriders.com.