Defender U.S. Eventing Team Claims Silver in Thrilling UBS-Cup

The Defender U.S. Eventing Team delivered a standout performance at the prestigious UBS-Cup CCIO4-S* during CHIO Aachen, securing a hard-fought second place finish in front of a roaring German crowd. Under the steady leadership of Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, the U.S. squad showcased resilience, precision, and bold riding to finish on a final team score of 117.2, just behind gold medalists New Zealand (108.5) and ahead of Great Britain (134.1).

The final phase on Aachen’s iconic grounds proved decisive. Designed by Giuseppe Della Chiesa (ITA)—who is also set to design the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championship course—the cross-country track featured 35 jumping efforts and an optimum time of 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The course demanded accuracy and stamina over undulating terrain and traditional questions, offering a more open format than in years past.

U.S. Team Performances:

Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and HSH Blake, a 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, were trailblazers for the team. With a clear jumping effort and only 18 time penalties, they completed the course on a final score of 58.6, providing a strong foundation for the U.S. effort.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Possante, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, added only 5.6 time penalties to their score with a confident and efficient round. Their final tally of 43.8 kept momentum in the U.S. team’s favor.

William Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and the seasoned Off The Record—winners at Aachen in 2021—once again proved their reliability. They delivered one of the fastest rounds of the day, incurring just 0.8 time penalties to finish on 36.4, making them the top-placed U.S. pair individually in fourth.

Anchoring the squad was Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) aboard Commando 3, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding. Charged with sealing the deal for Team USA, Martin rode a composed, powerful round, picking up just 3.2 time penalties to lock in the team’s second-place finish. Their efforts also earned them fifth individually.

Photo by Stefan Lafrentz