The Defender U.S. Driving Team is set to compete at the 2025 FEI Driving World Championships for Pair Horses, taking place August 20–24 in Beekbergen, Netherlands. The competition kicks off with the horse inspection on Wednesday, August 20, followed by dressage tests on August 21 and 22, marathon on August 23, and concluding with the cones phase on August 24.
Led by Chef d’Equipe Marcie Quist, Team Veterinarian Dr. Laura Werner, and Team Leader Steven Morrissey, the U.S. team is confident and prepared for a strong showing against the world’s best.
“We are so excited to be here,” said Quist. “The horses are fit and ready to go. The drivers and their grooms are all established and experienced team members and ready to show the world their best.”
Meet the U.S. Driving Team Athletes and Horses
Jacob Arnold (Paris, Ky.)
-
Barichello (2006 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Carlo Vermeulen
-
Ivor (2013 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Exell Holding BV
-
Kenzo (2015 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Jacob Arnold
Taylor Bradish (Windsor, S.C.)
-
Checkmate (2006 gelding) – Owner: Exell Holding BV
-
Ferry Beauty (2010 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Misdee Wrigley Miller
-
Maestro H (2017 KWPN stallion) – Owner: Exell Holding BV
Vernon Helmuth (Hazelton, Iowa)
-
Fernando (2010 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Sebastian Warneck
-
G.T.’s Finn (2016 Dutch Warmblood gelding) – Owners: George & Kathryn Dickerson
-
Magnum (2017 KWPN gelding) – Owner: Vernon Helmuth
Competition Schedule (All times in CEST / Eastern Time)
-
Dressage:
-
Thursday, August 21 – 8:30 a.m. CEST / 2:30 a.m. ET
-
Friday, August 22 – 8:45 a.m. CEST / 2:45 a.m. ET
-
-
Marathon:
-
Saturday, August 23 – 9:30 a.m. CEST / 3:30 a.m. ET
-
-
Cones:
-
Sunday, August 24 – 8:30 a.m. CEST / 2:30 a.m. ET
-
The FEI Driving World Championships for Pair Horses is one of the most prestigious events on the international driving calendar, and the Defender U.S. Driving Team is ready to represent the country with pride and determination.
