Seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, who helped U.S. eventing win team bronze last week at the FEI world championships, has been appointed as the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Development Program Advisor.
But the 62-year-old veteran emphasizes he won’t stop his own riding career.
Phillip Dutton in action.
In the advisory role, the Pennsylvanian will work with Eventing High Performance Manager and Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, starting next month.
Leslie, an Olympic individual gold medalist who held the development position for more than a decade, said, “The selection of Phillip in this new role carries a level of excitement and promise for an even brighter future for our Development and Development 25 programs. I believe with the combined experience of myself, Karyn (Shuter), and Phillip, the U.S. will have an even stronger pipeline of combinations progressing up the levels.
“Consistency and excellence, both demonstrated and expected, are the qualities that will bring the U.S. to where we are aiming over the next two quadrennials,”
For his part, Phillip, an individual Olympic bronze medalist in 2016, said “I’m really excited to begin as USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor. I think the U.S. has a big and bright future ahead, with some very talented up-and-coming athletes and horses.
“I’m looking forward to working with this group to help develop strong team combinations for our programs and country. While I still hope to contribute to the programs with my own riding career, this role offers a great opportunity to build on the success of the Development and Development 25 programs and give back to the next generation of eventing in the U.S.,” said Phillip, who rode for Australia at the beginning of his career.