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Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 23-26, 2026

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. The 2026 Event Dates are April 23 - 26, 2026.


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The Latest

News & Updates

Jung takes his fifth title at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

April 27, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 27, 2025 — Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH cantered into Sunday’s show jumping test at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE) with 11.8 faults in hand over their fellow competitors. Though they dropped one rail on course, they still had enough cushion to finish comfortably in first and secure Jung’s fifth Kentucky victory with a score of 25.0. World #10 Boyd Martin (USA) chased Jung the whole way, finishing his stellar weekend in second place with Commando 3 (32.8), sixth with Fedarman B (40.6), and seventh with Luke 140 (44.7). World #4 Harry Meade (GBR) finished third and fourth with Et Hop Du Matz (34.2) and Grafennacht (39.6), respectively. Et Hop Du Matz was the only horse to complete the weekend on his dressage score. 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.

Farrington blazes to victory in the $400,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

April 26, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 26, 2025— Forty horse-and-rider pairs challenged the $400,000 Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on Saturday, with nine entries moving forward to the jump-off. But it was the first to return over the shortened course — World #2 Kent Farrington (USA) aboard Greya — who claimed top honors with a blazing double-clear round in 42.93 seconds. Two-time Irish Olympian Shane Sweetnam was second aboard James Kann Cruz (0/0/45.00), and Mimi Gochman of the U.S. was third riding Inclen BH (0/0/46.06). Farrington gave all the credit to the horse he calls a quintessential modern show jumper. “She’s incredibly fast, super careful, and a fighter,” he said. “She’s a real winner in her heart and an incredible horse, and I’m so proud of her tonight.” 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.

Jung extends his lead at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

April 26, 2025
Lexington, Ky., April 26, 2025— Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH not only retained their first place after Saturday’s cross-country phase at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), but they also opened a wider gap between themselves and the rest of the field. Despite their 2.4 time penalties on cross-country, they now hold an 11.8-point lead over World #10 Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 in second (32.8), with World #4 Harry Meade (GBR) aboard Et Hop Du Matz sitting in third (34.2). That 11.8 gap is the widest lead anyone has ever had going into the final phase of a CCI5*-L. 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. Jung, World #12, reigning Olympic champion and four-time Kentucky champion, went early in the day and had a smooth, flowing round with the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding owned by a consortium including Joachim Jung, DOKR (the German Olympic Committee), Klaus and Sabine Fischer and the horse’s breeder Dr. Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff. They were clearly working hard to make the time but didn’t quite get there. “I had a great day and a super ride with FischerChipmunk,” Jung said. “He’s an amazing horse, super to ride in the dressage, very calm, but on cross-country, he’s full of energy. He went very well, galloping with a big stride. He’s very honest, and I can really trust him. We get better and better together. We’re still learning, but we have a great partnership. “He felt a bit tired in some places today, so I gave him a bit of time,” he continued. “I knew I was a bit behind [on time], but he was galloping well to the end of the course, so I knew he was really fit to make it. I’m really happy about today.”

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.

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A person is riding a horse through a puddle in front of a sign that says defender
A man is riding a horse over a jump in front of a crowd.

The Competition is Heating Up

See the 2025 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.

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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.