Athlete Spotlight: Tom McEwen

December 5, 2024

Tom McEwen and his partner JL Dublin, or "Dubs," delivered a standout performance at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. This British rider, currently 32, kicked off their campaign with an early lead in dressage, maintaining their position through an impressive cross-country run. In show jumping, they seemed poised for the win until a rail at the second-to-last fence dropped them to second place, securing the victory for Townend. Reflecting on the near-win, McEwen expressed:


"I’m immensely proud of Dubs this week. It might not have been the ending we hoped for, but still an incredible result. He’s one hell of a special horse."

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Since Kentucky, McEwen and Dubs have had a highly successful season. They took second at the Luhmühlen CCI4* and joined Team Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they earned a team gold medal and placed fourth individually. Tom closed the year with a podium finish, taking third at the Pau 5* on Brookfield Quality, solidifying his status as one of the top international riders. Plus, Tom is currently ranked #1 in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Ranking. Fans are eager to see McEwen and Dubs return to Kentucky for another exciting season.

2025 Kentucky CCI5* Fan Guide

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!

Inside Kentucky: The Kentucky Preview Show

April 23, 2025
The wait is over — the Inside Kentucky Preview Show is here.  Nicole Brown and Sam Watson set the scene for one of the most competitive Defender Kentuckys we’ve seen in years. The field is stacked, the conditions could shake things up, and the storylines are electric. Can Boyd Martin finally win on home soil with one of the strongest strings he’s ever brought? Will Michael Jung and Chipmunk bounce back in style? And Tim Price and Tom McEwen are quietly turning up the heat in the world number one race. Over in the Cosequin® 4*-S, Olympic veterans and rising stars like HSH Blake and Off The Record headline a field stacked with serious contenders. This episode is everything you need to sound clever in the group chat all week long— top picks, and the numbers that matter and why this year’s Defender Kentucky is a must-follow. Highlights: Boyd’s all-in: why this is more than just another five-star for Team Martin Chipmunk and Michi — the comeback everyone’s watching World number one? Tim and Tom are both making a case Four-star form guide: Caroline and Blake, and the other combos ready to surprise One stat that shows just how close Kentucky came to rewriting the record books Guests: Nicole Brown – Eventing Podcast host Sam Watson – Data analyst, five-star rider, and co-founder of EquiRatings EquiRatings Eventing Podcast: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Catch up on all of our Inside Kentucky episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and stay in the loop by following Defender Kentucky on Instagram and Facebook !
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