WELCOME TO THE

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 24-27, 2025

About

The Best Weekend All Year

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. Held the last weekend in April in Lexington, Kentucky, this internationally renowned event draws the best horse and rider combinations worldwide. The weekend attracts people from around the globe to witness leading riders compete in addition to shopping, attractions, and sponsor experiences you can only find here. The Cosequin® Lexington CCI4* and The Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions.

2025 Event Dates are April 24 - 27, 2025

View 2024 Results Buy 2025 Tickets

The Disciplines

An Equestrian Triathlon

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. It combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, and the winner of the three-day event is the pair with the lowest combined score.

The Competition is Heating Up

See the Current Standings & Latest Results

Results of the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, and The Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix will be posted as soon as possible concluding each event.

View Results
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download the cross-country app

Explore the Cross-Country Courses

If Cross-Country day is your favorite, you need the Cross Country App! From the app you can explore the 2024 Cross-Country course with photos and video guides. Plus, spectators can find their location on the interactive course and turn on the Venue Guide to see food, arenas, big screens, restrooms and more.

Download the App View the Courses

Premium Experiences

Clubs & Hospitality

Reserve your spot in one of our four private clubs with spectacular views, food and beverage service, and other benefits that can make your experience more relaxed, comfortable, and memorable. 

Explore Hospitality

Stay Connected

Stay connected to what’s happening at the Kentucky Three-Day Event by following us on social media. If you would like more information or to be added to our email list, click here.

The Latest

News & Updates

A man is riding a horse over a wooden block in the water.
February 17, 2025
Boyd Martin is known around the world as one of eventing’s most accomplished riders. A fierce competitor with an impressive career spanning decades, Martin has made his mark on the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event with unforgettable performances and podium finishes. A four-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020, 2024) and a key member of multiple U.S. Eventing Teams, Martin has helped secure major victories on the world stage. In 2019, he led Team USA to gold at the Pan American Games. At the Kentucky Three-Day Event, Martin has delivered thrilling performances year after year, earning top finishes in the CCI5*-L and the CCI4*-S. In 2024, he clinched second place at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S. His past success at the event also includes a second-place finish in 2019 with Tsetserleg, further solidifying his reputation as a K3DE powerhouse.  With an unmatched work ethic and an incredible string of horses, Boyd Martin remains one of the most exciting riders to watch. Stay tuned to see if Boyd and his team will make an appearance at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event! Don’t miss your chance to see history in the making. Buy your tickets today!
February 6, 2025
Few names shine as brightly as Will Coleman when it comes to the elite of eventing. With a career filled with record-breaking moments and unforgettable performances, he has become a force to be reckoned with—and his appearances at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event never disappoint. In 2024, Coleman entered the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4-S* with two powerhouse horses: Off the Record and Diabolo. Having already made history in 2021 as the first American to win the CCIO4-S at CHIO Aachen*, Coleman and Off the Record were expected to put in a strong performance—especially after earning silver as part of the U.S. team at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship. But at the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4-S*, it was Diabolo who stole the show. Coleman and Diabolo secured a victory then claimed another major win at the Brooke USA CCI4-S*. Meanwhile, Off the Record continued to impress, finishing strong in 3rd place at the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S. Now, all eyes are on Will Coleman as we wait to see if he’ll return to 2025 K3DE. Will he be back at the Kentucky Horse Park this April? If so, which of his incredible horses will he bring to the competition? Secure your tickets to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event today!
Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II at 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
February 4, 2025
Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II at 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™
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