Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian. The only CCI5* eventing competition in North America, April 22-25, 2027!

Joined November 2009
943 Photos and videos
As part of our newly launched Next Generation Spotlight series, we're excited to share William Coon's story highlighting his experience as a United States Pony Clubs intern during the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. Read William's piece to learn more about the opportunities, experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments that helped shape his journey, where he came face-to-face with top riders, gained firsthand experience in event operations and media, and saw what it takes to bring a world-class event to life. Read William's story and more Next Generation Spotlights at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ne…
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One week remains to secure pre-sale tickets for the 2027 Kentucky Three-Day Event. 🐎 Join us as we celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary; honoring five decades of extraordinary sport, enduring tradition, and unforgettable moments at The Best Weekend All Year. Reserve your tickets now and save 5% to 15% on hospitality, tailgates, reserved seating, and more. kentuckythreedayevent.com/20… photo credit: AK Dragoo Photography
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Introducing the new Kentucky Three-Day Event app! ✨ Download now to start planning your weekend. The app is available in both the iOS and Google Play stores.
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Get excited, it's almost time for the Official 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event scavenger hunt! More details coming soon 👀 Huge thanks to our Scavenger Hunt sponsors - John Deere, 4-Star Trailers, and Bates Saddles!
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Behind every unforgettable moment at the #K3DE is an incredible team of volunteers 🤍 EEI board member, Caroline Greathouse, sat down with United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) to talk all things volunteering at the Best Weekend All Year!📷 Listen at the link below scan the QR code to get involved 📷 useventing.com/news-media/po…
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If you miss us, we’ll see you in just 7 weeks 🐎 The countdown is well and truly underway...see you April 23-26th! Tickets available now at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ti… Photo credit: @dragoophoto & Kimberly Purvis #kentuckythreedayevent #defender #marsequestrian #lexingtonky #useventing
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Entries for the Defender Kentucky CCI5* and Cosequin Lexington CCI4* are officially open! 🎉 Who are you hoping to see at this year's event? Let us know in the comments below!
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Our Kentucky Three-Day Event hot takes told as viral tweets 😉
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Today, we celebrate a legend. Ballaghmor Class has officially retired from the 5* level, and it feels impossible to sum up the impact he has had on the sport, on fans around the world, and on everyone lucky enough to watch him fly. For us, his 2021 victory at the Kentucky Three-Day Event will always be etched into memory. A performance that was confident, commanding, and unforgettable; the kind that reminds you why this sport captures people so deeply. Horses like him don’t come along often, and what he and Oliver Townend built together leaves a lasting mark long after the finish flags are behind them. Enjoy a well earned retirement, Thomas!
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Saying hello from our snowy headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park! ❄️ We hope everyone’s staying warm, cozy, and safe out there.
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After her finish at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau this past October, Emily Hamel and Corvett have become the second horse and rider pair to complete all six of the 5* competitions in the Northern Hemisphere 📷 This milestone speaks to longevity, trust, and consistency at the very top of the sport. Their 5* journey began right here at Kentucky in 2021, and in 2025, Emily and Corvett returned to place inside the top 15. From their first start to this historic achievement, Emily and Corvett have shown what it means to build a partnership capable of standing the test of the world’s most demanding courses. Read more about this incredible pair on our latest blog here: kentuckythreedayevent.com/at… PC: Michelle Dunn
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From Northern New Jersey to the heart of Kentucky’s equine world 🤍🐎 Sydney’s journey is one of saying yes to the unknown, finding her people, and growing into the version of herself she always envisioned. What started as a lifelong love of horses led her to the University of Kentucky, the polo field, and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Along the way, she discovered the power of intentionality, mentorship, and stepping outside her comfort zone — even when it felt intimidating. From hosting the Chalet on Rolex Way, to helping bring the Chewy Demonstration Arena to life, to being named Most Outstanding Intern at the UK Internship Showcase, Sydney’s story is proof that showing up, staying curious, and trusting the process can open doors you never imagined. We’re so proud of you, Sydney — and so excited to see where this journey takes you next 💫 ✨ Read her full story on The Best Weekend Blog: kentuckythreedayevent.com/st…
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Getting the cross-country course prepped and ready for April! ✨ Behind every jump there are months of planning, precision, and hard work. From shaping the terrain to building obstacles, the cross-country course at the Kentucky Three-Day Event is coming to life one day at a time.
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If you're new here, you may be wondering "what is eventing?" Eventing pairs one horse and one rider across three unique phases that test precision, bravery, and athleticism. ✨ Dressage showcases balance, accuracy, and harmony. ✨ Cross-country challenges horse and rider over solid obstacles like logs, ditches, and water ✨ Show jumping brings it all together in the arena, with colorful, knockable fences Learn more about the history of The Kentucky Three-Day Event at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ev…
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This year leaves us feeling deeply appreciative of the people and horses who give so much to this sport and to one another. From riders and volunteers to fans and supporters, every part of this community helped make 2025 meaningful. Thank you for sharing this year with us; we look ahead with gratitude 🐎
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This holiday season, we’re reflecting with gratitude on a year shaped by the people and horses who bring so much heart to this community. Their dedication and care are what made this year truly special. Wishing you happy holidays from all of us at EEI and The Kentucky Three-Day Event 🎄
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Seven 5* wins. One standout partnership. With their win at the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva this past weekend, Kent Farrington and Greya officially reached seven five star Grand Prix victories together this season, capping off an exceptional year at the top of the sport. One of those seven wins came right here at the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix this past April, where the pair delivered a thrilling performance to top the class. From consistency at the highest level to moments that define a season, Kent and Greya gave us plenty to celebrate; and we’re proud that one of those victories happened right here in Kentucky. 💫
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Want the best of both worlds? Step inside the all-new Members Pavilion! ✨ Located just steps from the Rolex Stadium, the Pavilion invites you into a private retreat where you can unwind, savor food and beverage offerings, and take in the atmosphere from an exclusive on the rail vantage point. Despite its name, this premium experience requires no membership fee whatsoever; simply purchase your ticket and step into your new favorite place to watch the action unfold!
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The wait is over - tickets to #K3DE2026 are ON SALE NOW! 🎉 🎟️ Experience the thrill of THREE world-class competitions in one unforgettable weekend — the @defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, the @cosequinhorse Lexington CCI4*-S, and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by @hagyardequine New this year, fans can take advantage of Klarna as a flexible payment option at checkout. Klarna allows you to divide your total into four interest-free payments or select an extended plan that best fits your budget. Use Klarna for tickets, hospitality packages, parking, and more to make planning your experience even easier. Click the link in our bio to purchase your tickets.
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One week to go! Tickets for the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event go on sale October 9 at 9 AM. Be ready, early bird deals won’t last! ✨ #K3DE2026 #TheBestWeekendAllYear #KentuckyInternational #EquestrianSport #Eventing
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