2002 World Equestrian Games

United States Finishes First in Reining Qualifier at World Equestrian Games 2002

Individually, U.S. Riders Placed One, Two, Three

Scott McCutcheon made history Wednesday as the first United States Equestrian Team (USET) rider ever to compete at a Reining World Championship. McCutcheon liked being in that spot.

"It felt great to go first for the U.S. Team," he said. "I wanted my horse to be real solid because whatever happened to me would carry out with the rest of the team. He was great and I was real happy with him."

Scott's younger brother Tom went last for the U.S., only three riders later. In the World Championship format, team order was determined by a blind draw with all the members of a team competing consecutively. As the anchor, with three solid scores already on the board, Tom felt little pressure.

"The team did so well before me, I didn't feel too much pressure", said Tom. "There was some, because you always want to show well and do the horse justice, especially in front of a large crowd. My horse felt great and did all that I wanted him to do. I didn't want to shoot all my bullets in the first round; the medal round is where you want to do your best."

USET Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska was thrilled with the team and the World Championship experience.

"We're just tickled to death to be here," said Petska. "We've come here prepared to do our best and we are thrilled with how things have gone to this point. We're happy with where we are, but it's a clean slate in the finals so anything can happen. It's going to be exciting right down to the end."