The Defender U.S. Eventing Team delivered an impressive performance at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Arville CCIO4-NC-S*, securing team silver with a final score of 112.7. Leading the charge was Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.), who captured the individual win aboard Larcot Z, finishing on a 31.7—marking the pair’s second CCI4* victory together.
“There was a lot of excellent work that went into this result, and the whole week went very well for our team,” said U.S. Eventing Chef d’Équipe Leslie Law. “Everyone delivered strong dressage performances, and we had four solid cross-country rounds, which positioned us well going into show jumping. Lauren rode with great style all week—it was a well-deserved win.”
Law also emphasized the significance of the team’s makeup, noting that three of the four combinations have come through the USEF Development Program—a positive sign for the future of U.S. eventing at the highest level.
Dressage: Team Off to a Strong Start
The U.S. team got off to a consistent start in the dressage phase, with all four combinations producing composed, accurate tests. Nicholson and Larcot Z, a 2013 Zangersheide gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars, led the way with a 28.5.
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Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.) and Clever Louis earned a 31.2
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Caroline Pamukcu (Springfield, Pa.) and She’s The One scored 31.8
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Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Redfield Fyre posted a 36.9
All scores kept the team in close contention heading into cross-country.
Cross-Country: Speed and Precision Push U.S. to the Top
Each U.S. rider delivered a strong and confident cross-country round, keeping the team well within podium range. Sanger and Redfield Fyre (a 2013 KWPN gelding), served as pathfinders and set a strong tone, adding just 4.4 time penalties.
Nicholson and Larcot Z, expertly groomed by Sally Robertson, added only 3.2 time faults, continuing their composed and efficient performance.
Pamukcu and She’s The One, a 2015 Anglo European mare owned by the Hoff family and Sherrie Martin, were nearly spot-on with just 0.4 in time penalties.
Green and Clever Louis, a 2010 Holsteiner owned by Chedington Estate, delivered the only clear round inside the optimum time for the team, anchoring the U.S. and moving them into the lead ahead of the final phase.
Show Jumping: Nicholson Seals the Win
Three combinations moved forward to show jumping for Team USA. Nicholson and Larcot Z sealed their individual win with a flawless round, completing a near-perfect weekend and moving up to first place overall.
Green and Clever Louis also posted a strong final phase to finish ninth on a score of 36.4. Pamukcu and She’s The One completed the event in 19th place with a 44.6.
This result marks the third consecutive team silver for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team in the 2025 Nations Cup series.
“I love riding on teams—it’s one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sport for me,” said Nicholson. “The personal result kind of snuck up on me because I was so focused on the team. I’m really proud of how Larcot Z handled the week. He’s a horse we believe in, and this result is a testament to everyone behind him, especially Mrs. Mars. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Final Team Standings
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Gold: Germany – 104.1
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Silver: United States – 112.7
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Bronze: Australia – 131.0
