2024 Olympian and Self-Made Eventing Star With a Passion for Horses Shares Her World

In the world of equestrian sports, few competitions are as thrilling, challenging and demanding as three-day eventing. Often called the “triathlon of English sport,” eventing challenges a rider and the same horse in three distinct disciplines: dressage, cross country and show jumping. It demands athleticism, finesse and an extraordinary bond and communication between rider and horse. Few embody this as powerfully as Caroline Pamukcu, a talented and gutsy international eventer from Pennsylvania, who by age 30 has become a dominant figure in the sport.

Early Years and a Leap into Professionalism

Her love for horses started early and with the full support of her parents, Randy and Sherrie Martin. When asked how eventing developed into her life’s passion, Pamukcu says it wasn’t initially her first choice but rather a series of fortunate events. She was drawn to the sport almost by accident; growing up with horses was a family affair fueled by her mother. She accompanied her horse-loving mom to horse barns, and by a young age she had caught her mother’s bug. This all led to her parents buying their very own piece of horse heaven, Buckwampum Farm in Riegelsville, Pennsylvania. As Pamukcu developed her riding skills, her interest transformed from an avocation to vocation.

She quickly excelled as a young rider. In 2011, the 16-year-old competed at the youth championships in Kentucky; and two years later, she returned and won gold at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. Following that the accolades continued to stack up. She was named to the U.S. Equestrian’s Developing Rider and Team Training lists every year for nearly a decade.

The transition from young rider to professional was not an easy one. At 20, Pamukcu found herself at a crossroads: continue pursuing horses and start a business, or step away to attend college. With her entrepreneurial spirit and a clear vision, Caroline chose to dive headfirst into the equestrian world.

With the help of a strong network of mentors, business partners and connections, she successfully built a sport horse sourcing and sales business. Despite the incredible workload, her riding career continued to thrive, earning her recognition and acclaim as her name rose on the leaderboards.

Rising to the Top with HSH Blake

Strong performances in the 2023 and 2024 season resulted in Caroline Pamukcu being named to her first Olympic Team, with HSH Blake, to represent the United States as part of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team at the Paris Games. That same year, Blake also became the highest-rated 10-year-old event horse in the U.S. and second in the world.

One of the most notable milestones in her career has been her partnership with a remarkable horse, HSH Blake. Sourced as a 5-year-old from Ireland in 2020 by Kelly Hutchinson (HSH is an acronym for Hutchinson Sport Horses), a business partner from Kilkenny, Ireland, Blake quickly proved to be something special.

The black gelding’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. In just a few years, the pair went from winning young horse titles to, in 2022, finishing 10th at the FEI Young Horse World Championship in France. They earned several international wins, including gold in the individual competition and a silver medal in the team event at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

The palpable trust between the two is the cornerstone of their success. In fact, the relationship is what makes eventing so special. Cross country calls for a level of confidence that is hard to find in other sports. “Horses in eventing really have to trust their rider,” Pamukcu explains. “They don’t know what’s on the other side of those obstacles. They rely on us to make sure they’re safe, and that we’re not putting them in a position where they might get hurt. It’s an incredible bond of trust, and it’s what makes the sport so unique.” She knows Blake will do anything for her: “He’ll jump through fire if I ask him to.” Blake is not just a horse to her; he is the horse — a partnership forged from years of hard work and shared victories.

Strong performances in the 2023 and 2024 season resulted in Pamukcu being named to her first Olympic Team, with Blake, to represent the United States as part of the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team at the Paris Games. That same year, Blake also became the highest-rated 10-yearold event horse in the U.S. and second in the world.

Paris 2024: A Dream Come True

In 2024, she achieved what many dream of and more — competing in the Olympics at the Palace of Versailles, a gorgeous World Heritage site outside Paris. It was a dream come true for the dedicated rider, and she acknowledges that the journey to Paris didn’t feel real until after her victory at the Pan American Games. Her Olympic goal, initially set aside in favor of starting a family, soon became attainable after a discussion with Team USA coaches who encouraged her to pursue it further.

“After the Pan Ams they told me, ‘You’re young, Blake is young. If you continue to get the results we expect, the Olympics are within reach.’” With laser focus, she put in the work, and eventually the phone call came. “I was sitting at the dinner table in Ireland with Kelly Hutchinson’s family when I found out, and I just started crying — it was so overwhelming.” Representing her country at Versailles was almost surreal; the equine venue dates back to 1679, when Louis XIV, king of France, commissioned the Great and Small Stables — the greatest royal construction project for housing horses ever undertaken.

On the first day, the pair was the first to lead the way for Team USA and earned a commendable 30.40 in dressage. They were the sixth pair out onto the cross-country course (and first for the U.S.), with its 28 obstacles and slate of technical challenges. They had an unfortunate slip that led to 20 jump penalties, including time penalties but ended the run with a score of 62.40. They finished the three-day competition with a nicely delivered round in the show jumping course with four faults and a time penalty for a final score of 66.80 that contributed to Team USA’s seventh-place finish. She had a great Olympic debut and was surrounded by her closest supporters. “There is nothing cooler in the world than to compete at the Olympics and then to do it with the people and the animals you love,” she said. “The French crowd was incredible; the venue was unlike any other. It was a magical experience, and I’ll never forget it.”

The Heart of Eventing

While dressage and show jumping are challenging, cross country is where the true excitement of eventing lies. For Pamukcu, it’s the most thrilling phase of the sport, offering a soul-stirring sprint that few other disciplines match. Galloping through variable terrain, riders navigate a course filled with dozens of immovable obstacles, designed to test a horse’s bravery and athleticism. Unlike the rails in show jumping, which fall if touched, cross-country obstacles are solidly unforgiving. Riders must complete the course within the designated time limit and will incur penalties for exceeding the time or making jumping errors. This is where true grit and determination of horse and rider come to the forefront. “There are no mistakes on cross-country day,” she says. “The consequences can be costly, so it’s vital that both horse and rider are 100 percent in sync. The sport is dangerous but also thrilling. The adrenaline rush is real, and it’s a huge part of what keeps us coming back.” It’s the ultimate test of rider skill, horse fitness and teamwork, and for the Pennsylvanian, it’s the aspect of eventing that truly sets the sport apart.

A Connection to Young Horses

For Pamukcu, eventing is not just about winning big titles; it is about nurturing and developing horses, whether they go on to become Olympic contenders or cherished companions for amateur riders.

While Blake is her current shining star, she has a passion for her work with young horses, which sets her apart from many top-level riders. Pamukcu thrives on the challenge of sourcing them, often from Ireland, and training and developing them to their potential.

She has found her niche in her business of training and selling young mounts to their right partners. She takes immense pride in the early stages of training, finding joy in the small milestones, whether it’s a horse catching the correct lead for the first time or mastering a new skill. Patience and dedication continue to be the keys to her success in her business realm, and she remains committed to ensuring every horse, no matter its level, has the chance to find success and happiness.

Training the Eventing Horse

A fundamental part of Caroline’s success is her philosophy on horse training. “Eventing is not just about competing in three disciplines — it’s about making sure your horse is prepared for each one,” she said. “It’s a fun balancing act … very, very fun. Every day is different, and every horse is different. I like variety in my training, so it’s never boring. But there’s not enough hours in the day to ever perfect the sport.”

Her approach is built on balance, with a focus on keeping horses fit without overtraining. She credits mentors Pippa Funnell, a three-time Olympian from Great Britain, and West Virginia’s Sharon White, a 2023 Pan American Games team silver medalist, for helping hone her training approach. Pamukcu’s training involves long road trots, especially in her hometown, where the quiet countryside provides the perfect setting for 2 to 2.5-hour trot sets. These conditioning sessions, while gentle on the horses’ bodies, develop stamina and strength. Focusing on low-impact work, ensures her horses stay healthy over the long term. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of their mental and emotional well-being ensuring that every horse enjoys their training. “If you have a happy and healthy horse, you’re always going to do well competition-wise,” she says.

As horses advance, their program shifts. Younger horses need more intensive conditioning, while older mounts maintain their fitness with less, shifting the focus on maintaining technique and enjoying their work. Over time, the relationship between horse and rider grows, allowing the pair to operate in sync and with minimal effort.

It Takes a Village

Pamukcu’s success in eventing is not solely her own doing — it’s a product of a dedicated work ethic combined with the strong support system she has built over the years. Her village of supporters includes her family, business partners, as well as an incredible team of veterinarians, farriers and grooms, who all play an integral role.

From husband Deniz Pamukcu’s unwavering support to longtime head groom Chloe Teahan, described as “Blake’s other mother,” to Mason Reidy, her head rider since 2020, and property managers Dalton and Crystal LaRosa — who have been with her for over a decade — Caroline Pamukcu says all play key roles to the everyday functioning of her operation. This team is deeply invested in both her success as an athlete and business owner, as well as the welfare of the horses. “We’re very intertwined,” she explains. “We do Christmas, Thanksgiving, all the highs and lows, together. We win and lose together.” The tight-knit community allows her to focus on her growing number of responsibilities with peace of mind. “Having this group of people, it’s so reassuring,” she says. “It’s like a safety net, and I know I can rely on them. We all have each other’s backs, and that’s something really special.”

She also credits Jonny Furlong, DVM, of B.W. Furlong & Associates, and farrier Rebecca “Beck” Ratte, based in Ocala, Florida, as vital to her team. With years of experience and close personal relationships, they help ensure Pamukcu’s horses remain in top condition, physically and mentally. After facing challenges with horse health early in her career, she learned the importance of proper nutrition and supplementation. Under Furlong’s guidance, she was introduced to Platinum Performance®, which has helped her mounts stay in peak condition. A commitment to equine health and well-being has been central to her longevity in this demanding sport, and it’s clear she values a collaborative approach to horse care.

Caroline Pamukcu’s village of supporters includes her family, business partners, as well as an incredible team of veterinarians, farriers and grooms, who all play an integral role.

Caroline Pamukcu’s village of supporters includes her family, business partners, as well as an incredible team of veterinarians, farriers and grooms, who all play an integral role.

The Backbone of Success

Her approach to caring for her equine partners is comprehensive, with an emphasis on nutrition, consistency and a well-balanced management program. One of the biggest challenges in eventing at the highest level is maintaining consistency in a dynamic environment. Her team has to manage as many as 50 horses at any given time, many imported from Europe, as well as horses traveling to shows and competitions at various venues across the globe. Assuring they remain healthy and hearty is a challenge for all. Pamukcu and her team follow a rigorous program to ensure that each horse’s diet, supplements and overall care remain consistent, no matter where in the world they are. From cold Irish winters to the warm Florida sun, transitioning horses to new environments can take a toll on their bodies. “I’m very strict about my management program,” she says. “Keeping everything the same whether we’re in Europe or America is a huge part of why we’ve been able to avoid setbacks and allows us to perform at our best, no matter where we are.”

A New Chapter and New Goals

This year holds even more exciting challenges for Pamukcu, who gave birth to daughter Blake Selen Pamukcu on Jan. 29. “Baby Blake,” as she lovingly calls her, was named after her beloved horse. “It’s not the most original, but it felt right. Blake has had such a huge impact on my life, and now our daughter will have to live up to his legacy,” she teases.

With parents, in-laws and members of her team ready to assist with childcare, Caroline and Deniz are surrounded by love and support as they embark on parenthood. “The village we have around us is amazing. We’re so lucky to have everyone here for us,” she says, knowing that her daughter will grow up surrounded by the same kind of love, care and team spirit that has been at the core of her own journey.

While eagerly embarking on this new chapter, she needs to plan. The spring and fall seasons are shaping up to be busy, but she’s up for the challenge. Meanwhile, she is gearing up to compete at the 2026 FEI World Championships. This spring, she plans to travel to Aachen, Germany, where the competition will take place, to let her horses practice in the venue and gain confidence for when they return for next year’s summer showcase. She plans to give HSH Blake an easier season this year, so he can recharge after a very eventful 2024 show season. With about 15 other horses to compete and more potential superstars in the pipeline, she is focused on the next generation of Blakes. “I think I have a few other ones that are equally as talented, and they deserve their time to shine,” she says. And the Los Angeles Olympics is also on her horizon.

Continuing the Legacy

In a sport where so much depends on the relationship of horse and rider, Caroline Pamukcu’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, love for the horse, and the importance of being backed by a strong and supportive team. Whether she’s competing on the world stage or working with a young horse, her journey is one of growth, resilience and a deep connection to the animals that make it possible. Despite all her success, she’ll never lose sight of that bond she shares with her horses and people who have assisted in making her dreams come true. Stay tuned as she continues to build a legacy and inspire future generations of eventing athletes.