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!



July 23, 2026
As the daughter of an Olympic eventer, Olivia Dutton grew up immersed in the sport of eventing. Now ranked No. 25 in the FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings, she has built an impressive résumé through consistent performances at the upper levels and successful partnerships with horses including Sea of Clouds and Jewelent.  Throughout her career, Dutton has compiled an impressive list of accomplishments, including a team silver medal at the 2025 Bicton CCIO4*NC-S, a NAJYRC CCIOY3*S Team Gold Medal in 2018, and a third-place finish in the $20,000 Indoor Eventing Challenge at Toronto's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2023. Riding the 15-year-old Thoroughbred Sea of Clouds, Dutton has become a familiar face at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, making three consecutive appearances in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4* from 2024–2026. Together, the pair has continued to climb the international ranks, contesting multiple CCI4* events, including Bromont International and Military Boekelo-Enschede, before capturing a standout CCI4*-S victory at the Morven Park Fall International and Horse Trials in 2025.
July 7, 2026
Next Generation Spotlight Piece Written by Sarah Staples
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