Doug Payne, acclaimed rider and board member of the Professional Riders Organization, won top honors at the Millbrook Horse Trials this past weekend in New York. Payne's placings included three wins. "To date, I have not had an event which went so smoothly," Payne said. "And I can't say enough about the horses this weekend."

Payne competed with eight horses in six divisions. "I'm excited that several of these horses will be competing for years to come," Payne continued. "Hopefully, their performances this weekend are just a glimpse of their future."

Payne credits his longtime friend and groom Danielle Feiner in particular for his success at Millbrook. "It's quite a circus with all of the horses we had competing throughout the weekend, and it would not have been possible without Danielle's hard work behind the scenes," Payne said.

Payne's finishes, by division, included:
• 4th place in Open Preliminary A with World Premiere owned by Payne,
• 2nd place in Open Preliminary B with Running Order owned by Stone Hill Farm,
• 1st place in Open Training A with Crown Talisman owned by Payne,
• 4th place in Open Training A with Fernhill Frolic owned by Annie Eldridge,
• 4th place in Open Training C with Charm owned by Cindy Strate,
• 1st place in Open Novice A with Armond owned by Becky Stroniolo,
• 1st place in Open Novice B with Sir Bally Patrick Ricardo owned by Bernadette Cogdell,
• and 4th place in Open Novice B with Shining North Star owned by the SNS Syndicate.

Payne is an acclaimed international rider who 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.

Payne also serves on the board of the Professional Riders Organization, which represents the goals and objectives of professional riders. PRO is 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.

PRO hosted several events for riders and spectators throughout the weekend, including course walks, a welcome reception, signings and Advanced Show Jumping commentary by eventing legend Vaughn Jeffries.

Payne, who attended the reception and several signings, was overwhelmed by the level of interest in PRO and how well organized Millbrook was for riders and fans alike.

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