Team USA's Resilient Performance Shines In Dramatic UBS-Cup CCIO4*-S A

A Spectacular Equestrian Display at the UBS-Cup CCIO4*-S in Aachen

The UBS-Cup CCIO4*-S held at CHIO Aachen on July 5, 2025, was nothing short of a thrilling showcase of international eventing brilliance. The competition witnessed Team USA making its mark yet again, grabbing a commendable second-place finish just behind New Zealand. This achievement underscores Team USA's consistent excellence in international arenas, marking their third consecutive runner-up position in this prestigious event.

Challenges of the Course Designed by Giuseppe Della Chiesa

Giuseppe Della Chiesa, renowned for creating complex and technical courses, outdid himself yet again. Tasked with the course design for the upcoming 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships, Della Chiesa’s layout for the UBS-Cup required riders to tackle 35 jumping efforts in an optimal time of six minutes and 30 seconds. However, none among the 43 competitors managed to beat this time—a testament to the course’s difficulty. The layout incorporated the famed Aachen elements, including STAWAG combinations, narrow pathways, coffin jumps, and water complexes, providing a true test of skill and strategy.

Heroics of Boyd Martin and William Coleman

American rider Boyd Martin delivered a breathtaking performance, overcoming unexpected challenges such as losing a stirrup while maintaining composure and control of his horse, Commando 3. His resilience and quick recovery under immense pressure were critical to improving Team USA’s position overnight from fourth to second place overall. William Coleman, astride his seasoned partner Off the Record—a 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding—reinforced the team's effort by clocking in just two seconds over the optimal time. This dynamic duo's track record is remarkable, with over a decade of shared competition experience and a past victory in the 2021 event positioning them as formidable contenders in the lineup.

Exceptional Performance Amidst Stiff Competition

Ultimately, Team USA posted a total score of 117.200, outperforming Great Britain, which ended up with 134.1 points. The Americans, however, were edged out by New Zealand's winning score of 108.5. The event was characterized by a notably high completion rate of 93%—with no reported horse falls—indicative of both the skill set of the participating riders and the balanced design of the course that emphasized challenge without compromising safety.

The Importance of Strong Leadership

Under the discerning eye of Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law, the team prepared through strategic training camps at Boyd Martin's farm and in Belgium. Law commended the environment nurtured pre-competition as highly professional, which evidently paid dividends in their performance. He expressed an optimistic outlook as the team looks forward to the 2026 World Championships at Aachen, driven by a newfound synergy and cohesion.

Conclusion: Demonstrating Excellence and Potential

Ultimately, Team USA's vigorous strategy, rider skill, and equine athleticism, coupled with their resilient performance on one of the world's most demanding cross-country courses, affirmed their rank amongst the crème de la crème of international eventing. Giuseppe Della Chiesa’s course design left a significant mark, setting an impressive standard for future championships. As the chapter on this year’s UBS-Cup closes, it imperatively enhances anticipation and excitement for the next international competitions on the horizon, with Team USA poised and prepared to reach even greater heights. Source: [US Eventing](https://useventing.com/news-media/news/defender-u-s-eventing-team-secures-second-place-in-thrilling-ubs-cup-ccio4-s-at-aachen)

Team USA's Resilient Performance Shines In Dramatic UBS-Cup CCIO4*-S At Aachen 2025