Athlete Spotlight: Conor Swail & Casturano

January 27, 2025

When it comes to show jumping’s elite, Conor Swail has cemented his place among the best. Hailing from Ireland and currently ranked in the top 10 of the Longines Jumping Rankings, Swail’s 2024 victory at the Kentucky Invitational CSI4* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute remains one of the most thrilling moments in recent equestrian history.


A Night to Remember at Kentucky

With a crowd of over 10,700 fans packed into Rolex Stadium, the atmosphere on the night of the 2024 Kentucky Invitational was electric. Thirty-eight horse-and-rider pairs tackled Guilherme Jorge’s first-round course, a challenging design with 13 numbered jumps and 16 jumping efforts that tested precision, speed, and partnership.


As the competition narrowed, only six pairs advanced to the jump-off, where Swail and his talented 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Casturano, delivered a breathtaking performance. Cantering into the ring as the second-to-last pair, they delivered a flawless, double-clear round in a blistering 40.960 seconds, seizing the lead and claiming victory over an elite international field.


Reflecting on his rising star Casturano, Swail said:
"I've had him for around a year. The horse jumps clear after clear after clear, and the confidence you get from jumping a horse with so much ability and how much he's grown over the last year—it’s incredible. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I think he'll end up one of the best horses in the world. I'm so lucky to have him, and I'm looking forward to what's coming next with him."


Of course, Swail’s four-legged partner wasn’t the only one there to celebrate—the ever-present Ralph, Swail’s loyal dog, added to the charm of the champion’s victory lap.

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
Button

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button

Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
Button

A Stellar 2024 Showjumping Season

Swail’s momentum didn’t stop after Kentucky. Competing in the Major League Show Jumping Series (MLSJ) with the Trawlany Trailblazers, Swail and his team dominated the 2024 season. The Trailblazers clinched back-to-back championships, with Swail contributing significantly:

  • 1 individual win
  • 2 podium finishes
  • 6 top-10 placements
  • An impressive 64% clearance rate

His consistent excellence earned him the title of MVP for the series, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s top competitors.


Looking Ahead to the 2025 Kentucky International

As we gear up for the 2025 Kentucky International, now elevated to a CSI5* competition, all eyes are on Swail. With his dynamic partnership with Casturano and a proven ability to shine on the world stage, Swail has the potential to leave an even bigger mark this year.

Will Swail and Casturano return to Rolex Stadium to defend their title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the crowd will be watching, and the energy will be unforgettable.


Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the 2025 Kentucky International!

Athlete Spotlight: Mia Farley

March 13, 2025
Mia Farley is quickly making a name for herself in the top levels of eventing, and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event has played a key role in her journey. With grit, determination, and undeniable talent, she’s proven she has what it takes to compete among the best. Farley made her K3DE debut in 2023 aboard BGS Firecracker and showcased her skill in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S. Back in 2024, Mia entered the Kentucky Horse Park with Phelps, where she impressed with a strong, double-clear performance in her second CCI5*-L and a top-15 finish. Phelps, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, owned by Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor, was originally acquired for just $1 after a brief racing career. Phelps has defied expectations, progressing through the levels under Farley’s guidance. Farley describes Phelps as having "the biggest heart," attributing their achievements to his determination and their strong partnership. Her steady rise through the ranks hasn’t gone unnoticed. As a former USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete and NAJYRC bronze medalist, Mia has been developing her talent for years, earning respect and admiration along the way. With over a decade of involvement in the USEF Eventing Development programs, she made a statement in 2019 by securing top-15 finishes in eight of the twelve FEI competitions she entered. With each competition, she continues to gain experience at the top levels of the sport, and her performances at K3DE have solidified her as one to watch. Will we see Mia Farley back at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2025? Stay tuned for athlete announcements as we get closer to The Best Weekend All Year! Don’t miss a moment—secure your tickets today!

Athlete Spotlight: Bruce & Buck Davidson

March 2, 2025
The father and son duo we all know and love, Bruce & Buck Davidson, are icons in the eventing world, bringing with them immense history and prestige. The two have left a lasting legacy on the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, inspiring generations of riders and elevating the sport to new heights. Bruce Davidson Sr. holds the prestigious record for the most wins at the K3DE, while Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr. is a celebrated three-time USEF CCI5*L Eventing National Champion.  Bruce Davidson Sr. is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a four-time world champion. Bruce became the first American rider to win an individual title at the 1974 World Championships and won a gold medal in the team event; he repeated his individual victory at the 1978 World Championships. He dominated the sport for decades and is a true eventing legend. With six victories, he holds the record for the most wins at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. His success at the K3DE has drawn top riders from across the world to Kentucky for The Best Weekend All Year in April. Following his father’s footsteps, Buck Davidson has built an incredible career of his own. Buck represented the U.S. at the 2010 and 2014 World Equestrian Games with Ballynoe Castle RM. Buck made his U.S. team debut at the 1999 Pan American Games, later winning team gold and individual bronze medals at the 2011 Pan American Games. For over two decades, Buck Davidson has been a fan favorite at the K3DE and always delivers a thrilling performance. With a family history of excellence and a deep connection to the Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Davidsons have played a major role in shaping the eventing world. We hope to see Buck again this year at the Kentucky Horse Park to continue the Davidson family legacy. Be there for yourself and watch history unfold at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS™ Equestrian. Buy your tickets now for a front-row seat to all of the action!
More Posts
Share by: