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The Defender U.S. Driving Team Set to Compete at the 2025 FEI Driving World Championships for Combined Ponies

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 9/16/2025

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

Le Pin au Haras, France -- 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. 

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
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Event Website | Schedule | Livestream 

 

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The USEF International High-Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members. 

Related Topics

Breed: Morgan, Welsh
Discipline: Combined Driving
Team USA: U.S. Driving Team