Athlete Spotlight: Bruce & Buck Davidson

March 2, 2025

The father and son duo we all know and love, Bruce & Buck Davidson, are icons in the eventing world, bringing with them immense history and prestige. The two have left a lasting legacy on the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, inspiring generations of riders and elevating the sport to new heights. Bruce Davidson Sr. holds the prestigious record for the most wins at the K3DE, while Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr. is a celebrated three-time USEF CCI5*L Eventing National Champion.



Bruce Davidson Sr. is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a four-time world champion. Bruce became the first American rider to win an individual title at the 1974 World Championships and won a gold medal in the team event; he repeated his individual victory at the 1978 World Championships. He dominated the sport for decades and is a true eventing legend. With six victories, he holds the record for the most wins at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. His success at the K3DE has drawn top riders from across the world to Kentucky for The Best Weekend All Year in April.


Following his father’s footsteps, Buck Davidson has built an incredible career of his own. Buck represented the U.S. at the 2010 and 2014 World Equestrian Games with Ballynoe Castle RM. Buck made his U.S. team debut at the 1999 Pan American Games, later winning team gold and individual bronze medals at the 2011 Pan American Games. For over two decades, Buck Davidson has been a fan favorite at the K3DE and always delivers a thrilling performance.


With a family history of excellence and a deep connection to the Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Davidsons have played a major role in shaping the eventing world. We hope to see Buck again this year at the Kentucky Horse Park to continue the Davidson family legacy.

Be there for yourself and watch history unfold at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS™ Equestrian. Buy your tickets now for a front-row seat to all of the action!

Athlete Spotlight: David Doel

August 28, 2026
Great Britain’s David Doel has steadily established himself as one of eventing’s most consistent competitors at the five-star level, building an impressive international record highlighted by podium finishes on both sides of the Atlantic. Doel’s eventing career began with the Avon Vale Pony Club, where he regularly competed on teams at the championship level. He went on to progress through the Junior and Young Rider ranks, earning team gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as an individual bronze. In 2014, he stepped onto the senior international stage with his Nations Cup debut and was awarded the Goldman Cup as the best Under-21 rider of the season. Doel made his five-star debut at Pau in 2018 and has remained a regular competitor at the level ever since. Much of that success has come alongside his longtime partner, Galileo Nieuwmoed . The pair made their Badminton Horse Trials debut in 2022, finishing sixth, before adding a fourth-place finish at Pau later that year. Since then, Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed have continued to prove their consistency at the highest level, finishing inside the top ten at every five-star event they have completed together.

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Next Generation Spotlight Piece Written by Willa Gartner
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