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."

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe
Button

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
Button

Sands of Time

Stark beauty of desolate dunes
Button

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.

A man is riding a horse over a wooden block in the water.

Athlete Spotlight: Boyd Martin

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!

Athlete Spotlight: Will Coleman

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!
More Posts
Share by: