Mighty Nice (ISH) Crowned 2016 USEF International Horse of the Year

Francis Murray General January 23, 2017

The 13 year old Irish Sport Horse Mighty Nice, by Ard Ohio (KWPN) out of Sarazen (ISH), tops off an incredible year with the award of “USEF International Horse of the Year”. Mighty Nice (ISH), also known as “Happy”, currently resides at True Prospect Farm in Pennsylvania under the care of barn manager Emma Ford.

Mr Dutton, also awarded 2016 USEF Equestrian of the Year, is no stranger to the Irish Sport Horse, owning several others including; Fernhill Fugitive, Fernhill Revelation and Fernhill Singapore and Mr. Medicott.

Bred by William Kells of Killeshandra, Co. Cavan, Mighty Nice (ISH) began his international eventing career with Joseph Murphy in 2010 who steered him around his first CIC1* at Camphire, finishing 2^nd and World Breeding Eventing Championships for Young Horses at Le Lion d’Angers in France.

Later that year, Phillip Dutton and the late Bruce Duchossois imported “Happy” from Ireland in 2010. Success followed quickly as the pair won their first outing in the CIC2* in Tallahassee, Florida, the following spring. Going from strength to strength, Phillip and Mighty Nice (ISH) continued to climb up the ladder and competed in their first CCI4* together in 2012 at the world renowned Kentucky Rolex event, finishing a very respectable 10^th place.

Tragedy struck in July of 2014 when Happy’s owner Bruce Duchossois passed away at 64 years of age after a long battle with oesophageal cancer. Bruce’s friends stepped in to form the HND Group to ensure Bruce’s dreams and ambitions for Happy could continue. One of said dreams being the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Phillip Dutton (USA) and Mighty Nice (ISH) in action at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Mighty Nice (ISH) lived up to his name at the Olympic Games, putting in a superb performance to claim the bronze medal. Phillip dedicated the achievement to the late Bruce Duchossois and the HND Team for their ongoing support and belief in his talent.

Horse Sport Ireland and The Irish Horse Gateway would like to congratulate Phillip and Mighty Nice (ISH) on their outstanding achievements over the years, and wish them continued success in the future.