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.

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The Latest

News & Updates

April 24, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 24, 2025— Germany’s Michael Jung is no stranger to the top of the scoreboard at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE). While the fact he took the lead after Thursday’s dressage test was not a surprise, his record-breaking score of 18.6 was. The exceptional score garnered by FischerChipmunk FRH broke Jung’s previous CCI5*-L record of 20.1 set at K3DE in 2022 and leaves him well in front of Tim Price (NZL) with Jarillo and Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with Menlo Park, who are tied for second on scores of 28.4. Price is also in fourth place with Happy Boy on a score of 29.1. “I’m very happy to be here again,” said Jung, a four-time Olympian. “I really love this place, this show; everything is how you wish to have it for a competition. Everything worked like I wished today in the test.” Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
April 24, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 24, 2025— Fifty-four horses came forward Thursday evening for the $75,000 CSI5* 1.50m Welcome Grand Prix Qualifier for the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. When all was said and done, the USA’s Aaron Vale rose to the top of the 11-horse jump-off to take the win in 35.09 seconds aboard Gray’s Inn. Ireland’s Darragh Kenny was second with Eddy Blue (0/0/36.71), and the USA’s Alex Matz was third with Ikigai (0/0/36.83).  The Kentucky International CSI5* is hosted as part of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE). Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the K3DE features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L and the Kentucky International CSI5* show jumping event, the K3DE also features the Cosequin ® Lexington 4*, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier.
April 23, 2025
Introducing the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Fan Guide Whether you’re a seasoned spectator or a first-time fan, this guide is your go-to resource for navigating the biggest weekend in U.S. eventing. Inside, you’ll find: • Expert predictions and top contenders 🐎 • Phase-by-phase breakdowns 📝 • Past winners and historical highlights 🏅 • Everything you need to follow the weekend with confidence 📖 Flip through the Fan Guide and join us for an unforgettable ride at #K3DE!

new for 2025

Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Located in the K3DE Sponsor Village the Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be available for viewing to all ticket purchasers and will feature vehicles used by the Royal Family either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Five historic models will be on display at the event, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles.

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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 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, and The Kentucky International CSI5* 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 2025 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 2025 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.