U.S. Eventing Team Shines with Second Place at Thrilling Aachen Cup!

Aachen, Germany - The recent UBS Cup CCIO4*-S at the illustrious CHIO Aachen saw the Defender U.S. Eventing Team finish in a remarkable second place with a final score of 117.2. This prestigious event, held from June 27 to July 6, 2025, in west Germany, is a highlight of the equestrian calendar, drawing approximately 350,000 spectators each year. The competition remains a focal point in the world of eventing, attracting elite riders and their horses from across the globe.

New Zealand claimed the top spot with a score of 108.5, while Great Britain secured third place with 134.1. Leading the talented U.S. squad was Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, who lauded the athletes and their mounts for their dedication and professionalism throughout the competition. The cross-country course, crafted by renowned designer Giuseppe Della Chiesa, featured a staggering 35 jumping efforts with an optimum time of 6:30.

Performance Highlights

Among the U.S. team, Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake were the first pair to tackle the course, finishing with 18 time penalties and a score of 58.6. Phillip Dutton and Possante followed suit, jumping clear with 5.6 time penalties, earning a score of 43.8. Previous champion William Coleman, along with Off The Record, finished fourth overall with a score of 36.4 after incurring just 0.8 time penalties. Boyd Martin and Commando 3 wrapped up the day for the U.S. team, concluding their ride in 6:43 and only 3.2 time penalties, securing fifth place individually. Dutton also made a mark in the individual competition with his horse Denim, finishing in 6:57 and accruing 8.8 time penalties for a score of 44.8.

The rich history of the CHIO Aachen dates back to 1898, initially sparked by local horse enthusiasts forming the Laurensberger Rennverein club. Over the decades, this event has evolved into a grand celebration of equestrian sport, featuring renowned competitors and significant sporting moments. Notably, it has hosted the FEI European Championships in 2015 and is slated to welcome the FEI World Championships in 2026.

A Touch of Tradition

CHIO Aachen is not just about the competition; it’s a spectacle that merges tradition with modern sporting excellence. The event is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping and boasts rich historical significance, having started with modest local tournaments and growing into an international phenomenon. The first international tournament took place in 1927, followed by the inaugural Nations Cup in 1929, marking the beginning of what we now celebrate as the CHIO era.

As spectators and fans flock to the Soers showgrounds, #CHIOAachen has become synonymous with equestrian excellence. Live coverage is available for enthusiasts who can’t make it to Germany, with ClipMyHorse.TV providing broadcasts for those who want to follow the thrilling action from afar. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube amplify this excitement, allowing fans to engage with the spectacle in real-time.

In conclusion, the Defender U.S. Eventing Team’s commendable performance at CHIO Aachen is a testament to their hard work, skill, and spirit. As we look forward to the next thrilling moments in this storied event, there’s certainly something to be said for the unique bond that exists between these riders and their equine partners. The tradition continues, promising even more equestrian brilliance.

Useventing.com reports that the U.S. team made an impressive showing, while Eventing Nation provides a comprehensive overview of the event’s festivities. Finally, Horse Sport dives into the rich legacy of CHIO Aachen, encapsulating why this event is such a significant highlight on the equestrian calendar.