After moving into the lead in the marathon phase, Ryley Miller (Elverson, Pa.) and Sunrise’s Commander, Mary Baldwin’s 2007 Dutch Harness Horse gelding, held on to their first-place position through the cones, adding only three penalty points to finish on a score of 138.66.

Photo: Ryley Miller and Sunrise’s Commander. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian

“Overall he was really good,” said Miller. “Our dressage, I know what we need to improve on, but we’ve improved a lot. The marathon was one of our best marathons yet, and I was really happy. On cones, he was super game. He listened the whole time. Warming up, he was great.”

Miller and “Commanda” will head to the Garden State CDE next with the aim of continuing their successful season.

“It feels really good [to be National Champion]. I’m really happy with him and I’m happy with him,” said Miller. “So we’ll see where it goes.”

Learn more about the Tryon Fall CDE here.

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