The Defender U.S. Driving Team will compete this week at the 2025 FEI Driving World Championships for Combined Ponies in Le Pin du Haras, France at Haras National du Pin. The three-member team will begin with dressage on Thursday, September 18, following the horse inspection on Wednesday, September 17. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Jeff Legg, Team Veterinarian Dr. Crystal Riczu, and Team Leader Steven Morrissey.

Photo – The 2025 Defender U.S. Driving Team at the FEI Driving World Championships for Combined Ponies in Le Pin du Haras, France (©Melanie Guillamont)

The following athlete and horse combinations will be representing the Defender U.S. Driving Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

Anna Koopman (Middleburg, Va.) and Chandler Creek Eclipse (Thunder Michelangelo x FP Sunday Morning Coffee), her own 2010 Morgan gelding

Denise Loewe (Fort Collins, Colo.) with Steppy IK (Stepke IK x Hanna), her own 2013 Haflinger cross gelding

Sarah Reitz (Honoye Falls, N.Y.) with Fferm Gwenffrwd Onyx Star (Hilin Peredur x Cottrell Charmer), her own 2007 Welsh Pony gelding.

Competition Information

Competition at the FEI Driving World Championships for Combined Ponies begins Thursday, September 18, as the first athlete-and-pony combinations enter the dressage arena. Dressage resumes Friday, September 19, leading into the exciting Marathon phase on Saturday, September 20, with a course designed by Josef Middendorf (GER). The championships wrap up Sunday, September 21, with the decisive cones phase.

Livestream Information

Tune in live on ClipMyHorse.TV with a ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Membership. USEF Subscribers, Competing Members, and Fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Memberships. Learn more here.

Event Website | Schedule | Livestream