Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen Claim Victory in First 2025 US Equestrian Open Qualifier at Bouckaert International
Caroline Pamukcu made a triumphant return to FEI competition this past weekend, securing a decisive victory in the CCI4*-S at Bouckaert International—the first US Equestrian Open qualifier of the 2025 season. Riding the talented 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding HSH Double Sixteen (Robin de Pres – Azaria, by Fruits of Love), owned by the Double Sixteen Partnership, Pamukcu laid down a statement performance, proving once again that she is a force to be reckoned with.
A Winning Partnership: Pamukcu & "Six"
Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen, affectionately known as "Six," are no strangers to success. The pair previously claimed victory at Ocala International’s 4*-S in 2024 before earning a top-10 finish in their 4*-L debut at Tryon and a podium spot at Bromont. Now, with an eye on the USEF European Development Tour, Caroline is setting her sights on even bigger goals this season.
This weekend marked her first FEI competition since giving birth to her son, Blake—named after her Paris Olympic horse, HSH Blake—and she wasted no time making her presence felt.
"When we go to FEI events, it’s important to go in with the mindset to win," Pamukcu emphasized. "Especially with how FEI rankings and EquiRatings stats impact team selection now. Past generations may have thought about it differently, but going forward, my generation has to focus on that. When you go to an FEI event, you have to win."
True to her word, Pamukcu and Six delivered the fastest cross-country round of the day, designed by Clayton Fredericks, with just 4.4 time penalties, securing their win on a final score of 40.2.
The Underdogs Who Became Champions
Pamukcu’s approach to horse selection has always favored grit over flashiness. Both of her 4* rides this weekend—HSH Double Sixteen and HSH Tolan King—fit that mold.
"Both of them are kind of underdogs—they’re small and unassuming," she said. "If you walked past them in the barn, you wouldn’t think much of them, but they are absolute lions. They love their job and have an incredible work ethic. Six is like a little Jack Russell—he has so much personality, even sits in the field like a dog! Tolan King is more of a worrier, but once you’re on him, all he wants to do is go, go, go."
Pamukcu also credited her team for ensuring the horses remained in top form while she stepped back to focus on motherhood.
"We timed having a baby as best as we could. My team—Mason Reidy, Matt Crutchfield, my groom Chloe, and Sharon White—kept everything running while I was out. I literally felt like a catch rider this weekend! My team put in all the hours of fitness and flatwork; I just showed up and rode. That support made all the difference."
US Equestrian Open Leaderboard Shakes Up
With this win, Pamukcu now sits second in the US Equestrian Open standings, earning 40 points for her victory and an additional 20 for a fifth-place finish with HSH Tolan King. While current leaderboard leader Phillip Dutton added 55 points to his total with strong performances aboard Jewelent and Quasi Cool, the competition for the season’s $25,000 series champion bonus is officially heating up.
Global Talent on Display at Bouckaert
Pamukcu’s win wasn’t the only highlight of the weekend. Great Britain’s Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri finished second in the 4*-S after leading the division through dressage and show jumping. Phillip Dutton continued to show his dominance, securing third and fourth with Jewelent and Quasi Cool, respectively.
Elsewhere, Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg claimed the 3*-S title, while Mia Farley and Nikita topped the 2*-S leaderboard.
Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA) [US EQUESTRIAN OPEN QUALIFER CCI4*-S]: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
