2008 US Olympic Eventing Team Named

The USEF officially named their nominations for the 2008 Olympic equestrian team. Horse and rider teams headed to Hong Kong to compete in the three day eventing competition are:

Phillip Dutton
Age 44
Hometown West Grove, PA
Horse Connaught
Horse info age 15, Irish Sport Horse, Gelding

Becky Holder
Age 39
Hometown Mendota Heights, MN
Horse Courageous Coment
Horse info age 12, Thoroughbred, Gelding

Gina Miles
Age 34
Hometown Creston, CA
Horse McKinlaigh Dach
Horse info age 14, Irish Sport Horse, Gelding

Amy Tryon
Age 38
Hometown Duvall, WA
Horse Poggio II
Horse info age 16, Thoroughbred, Gelding

Heidi White
Age 42
Hometown Aiken, SC
Horse Northern Spy
Horse info age 15, English Thoroughbred, Gelding

July 29, 2008 UPDATE: Heidi White has been replaced with alternate Karen O’Connor and Mandiba after withdrawing her horse, Northern Spy for veterinary reasons.

Phillip Dutton will rider for the USA for the first time, but is no stranger to the Olympic stage. He’s competed in three Olympic games for his native Australia, winning gold medals in 1996 and 2000. He also won the 2008 Rolex Kentucky three day event with his mount Connaught.

Amy Tryon and Poggio II are back for their second Olympics after placing sixth in the 2004 Olympics individual eventing competition. They also took bronze at the 2006 World Equestrian Games.

The other three American riders are making their Olympic debuts this year in Hong Kong.

These five riders will be awaiting approval from the US Olympic Committee, which must be given by July 15.

More 2008 Olympic Equestrian Team and Event Coverage on RegardingHorses.com.