To watch HSH Double Sixteen at work is to see pure athleticism channeled through careful training. Born to run, the off-the-track Thoroughbred has become one of the most exciting up-and-coming horses in Caroline Pamukcu’s string. According to Pamukcu, what makes Six, a 2015 gelding (Robin de Pres x Azaria), owned by the Double Sixteen Partnership, so great is that he is a quick learner with stamina to spare and a personality that keeps her on her toes.
“He has so much personality all the time,” she said. “He’s a go-getter - he wants to please; he’ll do anything I ask him. He’s the sweetest little boy, but he is a ‘Jack Russell.’"
Bred and raised in Ireland, Six made three starts in turf races on the Emerald Isle at tracks such as Killarney, Tramore, and Down Royal. After retiring from racing, he was re-started in eventing by Irish CCI4* athlete Leila Barker before being swooped up by Pamukcu after she saw his potential for upper levels of the sport in the U.S.
His high-energy spirit that Pamukcu adores translates perfectly on the toughest of cross-country tracks, where his full Thoroughbred pedigree gives him the pep in his step to keep galloping strong from start to finish. The pair were the winners of the 2024 Bouckaert International Horse Trials CCI4*-S, one of 20 US Equestrian Open Eventing Qualifiers. “The great thing about Six being a Thoroughbred is he has so much stamina,” Pamukcu explained. “We don’t have to work too much on fitness and that lets me really focus on relaxation and core training with him.”
While Thoroughbreds are biologically engineered, in theory, to run on the racetrack, Pamukcu says Six’s athleticism goes beyond just galloping fast. “He’s an unbelievable jumper,” she said. “The other day at my last jump school [ahead of the US Equestrian Open Eventing Final], I was telling my crew at home that it feels like he has wings, that’s how good he is.”
At home at Pamukcu’s farm in Bucks Country, Pennsylvania, Six enjoys a routine fit for a king. “He rolls out of bed around seven in the morning, comes in from the field, eats his breakfast, and then takes a good two or three-hour nap,” she said with a smile. “He has about three feet of shavings in his still, so he literally buries himself in them and takes a great nap. I usually ride him around noon, so he has his proper beauty rest.”
After his ride, Six might enjoy a magnetic blanket, which improves blood circulation, relieves muscle soreness and stiffness, and aids in recovery from exercise. He might also get a massage, or an ice treatment before heading back out to his pasture for the night. “He lives outside between 12 to 15 hours a day,” Pamukcu explained. “He’s kind of the king of the castle.”
The royal treatment extends to his favorite snacks, too. When they are away from home and staying on the show grounds, Pamukcu explained that her husband, Deniz, is typically tasked with going out to purchase over 50 pounds of Six’s favorite treats: fresh apples and carrots. “[Six] and the other horses in the barn love, love, love their treats,” she said.
When it comes to competition, Pamukcu prefers to keep Six’s schedule consistent, even at the biggest events. “I try not to do anything fancy because you don’t want to make them nervous, like, ‘Oh, it’s a big show,’” she said. “You want to keep everything day-to-day and similar. Horses are just like us humans. If you’ve got something big going on, you don’t suddenly change everything. You keep them relaxed and happy.”
That mindset has helped Six stay confident and focused as he continues his rise through the levels. And when cross-country day comes around, Pamukcu knows exactly what to expect. “When he knows it’s cross-country day, he starts kicking out his back legs,” she said, laughing. “He’s like, ‘Let me at them!’ He’s just like a Jack Russell with a ball. He’s full of energy, and ready to go.”