Team USA’s youngest rider, Cade McCutcheon and Custom Made Gun (c) FEI / Liz Gregg
Team USA has clinched its fifth consecutive team gold medal in reining at the World Equestrian Games.
‘An honour’
First to enter the pen on home turf were Casey Deary and Heavy Duty Chex, who scored 223.5.
Team USA’s youngest rider, 18-year-old Cade McCutcheon, pulled off an impressive performance with Custom Made Gun, a seven-year-old stallion owned by his grandparents. Once he closed his run, 229 appeared on the scoreboard.
“I’ve been riding this horse since he was a four-year-old and he keeps getting better every year,” said Cade. “This is the highest score I have ever posted and being able to get this done representing my country is truly an honour!”
‘Phenomenal job’
In the second section, Daniel Huss (MS Dreamy) and Jordan Larson (Arc Gunnabeabigstar) scored 226.5 and 225.5 respectively, firmly placing the team at the top of the leaderboard.
“All these riders did a phenomenal job and what took place behind the scenes is probably the most meaningful part for me,” said Team USA’s historical coach Jeff Petska. “A special thank you goes to our team vet Dr Newcombe and all our grooms.”
Belgium won silver, with anchor rider Bernard Fonck securing their medal by performing a great pattern #8 with What A Wave. The stallion once again showed off his potential and the duo closed with a 226.5 score.
‘Simply amazing’
“This horse is simply amazing,” said Bernard. “He is an outstanding athlete who always gives me his heart and today, once again, gave me all he had.”
Bernard’s wife, Ann, rode Made In Walla to a 225.5, while Dries Verschuren on Smart N Sparkin closed with a 219.5, and Cira Baeck and Gunners Snappy Chic scored 215.0.
Germany claimed bronze thanks to Grischa Ludwig (Ruf Lil Diamond), Markus Suechling (Spotlight Charly), Robin Schoeller (Wimpy Kaweah) and Julia Schumacher (Coeurs Little Tyke).
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