Phillip Dutton to Headline Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge – Horse Sport

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton will headline the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge taking place on opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON, from November 3 to 12, 2023.

The heart-pounding Indoor Eventing Challenge, presented by Mad Barn, has become a fan favourite at the Royal Horse Show. Riders and horses attempt to clear a mix of cross-country obstacles and traditional show jumping fences in the fastest fault-free time to claim the overall title and the winner’s share of the $20,000 prize money on offer. Fans are encouraged to cheer for the competitors as they race around the course set in the Coca-Cola Coliseum by Captain Mark Phillips, himself an Olympic team gold medalist for his native Great Britian.

Dutton is no stranger to The Royal and is looking forward to returning for the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge. He will be bringing Quasi Cool, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, in the hopes of securing victory.

“I have competed at The Royal before and it was an incredible experience,” said Dutton, a six-time Olympian based out of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “It was a very exciting competition with a great and knowledgeable crowd!”

Unlike traditional eventing, which is held outdoors and features three separate phases of competition held over multiple days, Indoor Eventing puts the skills of horses and riders alike to the test with a fast-paced round against the clock. The fences come up quickly, and riders must be lightning fast with their reactions.

“Indoor Eventing is even more exciting and action-packed than the regular sport of eventing, largely because the crowd gets to be so close to the action,” explained Dutton. “It really makes for a great experience, and it can be a great introduction to our sport for those who might not be familiar with eventing.”

Dutton will be competing alongside his 22-year-old daughter, Olivia Dutton, who has followed in his footsteps as a high-performance eventing athlete. Last year’s winner, Holly Jacks, will be back to defend her title riding Josephine while Colleen Loach and Jessica Phoenix, both two-time Olympians, will be among the other Canadian competitors that are sure to have the crowd cheering.

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