Eventing and not dressage took centre stage at the USEF's Horse of the Year Awards Gala on 13 January 2017. Philip Dutton and his horse Might Nice were named U.S. Equestrian of the Year and International Horse of the Year, edging out Laura Graves and Verdades for top honour.
Voting was open to the public through January and fan favorite Mighty Nice was rewarded for his tremendous results throughout 2016 with support from voters. Mighty Nice's rider Phillip Dutton was awarded the Robert P. Strub Trophy as the 2016 USEF Equestrian of the Year.
In 2016, Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice earned fourth-place finishes in the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Land Rover CCI4* and The Fork CIC3*. The pair’s highlight of the year was earning the eventing Individual Bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Laura Graves became the recipient of the William C. Steinkraus Trophy in recognition of her competitive achievements in 2016. She won team bronze and finished fourth at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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