Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II at 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™
Defender, the returning Title Sponsor and Official Luxury Automotive Vehicle of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), will showcase a specialized collection of Defender and Range Rover models used by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family when the event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.
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 newly upgraded Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Defender was prominently featured during the 2023 and 2024 events, and this year’s event will again highlight the synergy between Defender and the equestrian lifestyle. Representing over 70 years of innovation and improvement, Defender blends extraordinary capability within a reductive, modern and purposeful design. Defender’s distinctive exterior instantly demonstrates the vehicle’s character, while the cabin features advanced, intuitive technologies to ensure full connectivity through modern adventures. Defender will display a wide range of vehicles, along with a specially designed driving course for adults, and the return of the Defender Junior Drive Experience for adventurous youth.
“We are excited to return for the sixth consecutive year as Title Sponsor of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian,” said Charlotte Blank, Chief Marketing Officer of U.S. Jaguar Land Rover North America. “Defender is especially proud to showcase vehicles that belonged to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who had a lifelong passion for horses as a rider, owner, breeder, and equestrian patron. It is an honor to showcase our long-standing relationship with the Royal Family in such a meaningful way.”
Located in the K3DE Sponsor Village the Vehciles 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. This collection includes:
1954 Land Rover Series I State Review vehicle
The first State Review Land Rover vehicle featured a custom-designed rear platform and accompanied HM Queen Elizabeth II and HM Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on a six-month tour of the Commonwealth. This particular vehicle was sent to Australia for that leg of the tour and is now under the care of a private collector in the United States.
1954 Land Rover Series I (NXN 1)
Originally ordered by HM King George VI, it was used by HM Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members of the Royal Family at Balmoral. Land Rover apprentices restored it in 2010, and it now resides in the Land Rover Classic collection.
1990 Range Rover State Review vehicle
The second State Review Range Rover ever created, this is featured in the image chosen by HM Queen Elizabeth II for her 1994 Christmas card. In it, she and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, are pictured attending the 50th Anniversary of D-Day Landings in Arromanches. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
1983 Defender 110 V8
A personal vehicle commissioned and used by HM Queen Elizabeth II, it was used on Crown estates Sandringham and Balmoral and was ideal for rural transport and Royal pursuits. The car is fitted with special equipment, leather seats, and a special radio system and is finished in dark green paint to Queen Elizabeth II’s choice. With grab handles and footsteps, it is suitable for shooting and fishing trips. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
2005 Range Rover L322 State Review
This is the fifth State I Royal Review vehicle provided by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations. Like all State vehicles, this one is painted in the royal color claret and boasts hand-painted crests on the doors and tailgate. It features the royal crown topped by a golden-crowned lion, which is part of the
royal Coat of Arms. The crown is surrounded by a garter bearing the motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (meaning “shame on him who thinks evil”). This symbolizes the Order of the Garter, an ancient order of knighthood.
The specially adapted rear platform from which the royal party can look out has the same black leather upholstery as inside the driver’s cabin. The tailgate folds down to reveal a set of stairs so the royal party can easily access the platform. This vehicle was famously used to transport the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry during Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday parade in 2016. This vehicle is part of the British Motor Museum collection.
The Royal Crests of the 1990 Range Rover State Review and the 1953 Land Rover Series I (NXN1)
“Defender has been a strong supporter of our event and we thank them for adding this exciting attraction to what we already have to offer,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Direcor. “The chance to see these historic vehicles once used byassociated with HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family are sure to add to everyone’s enjoyment of the ‘Best Weekend All Year!’"
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian
The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping – for $400,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*-L level. K3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S.
athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner.
Cosequin ® Lexington CCI4*-S
Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin ® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L competition,
featuring the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping. The Cosequin ®
Lexington 4*-S offers $50,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin ® Lexington 4*-S are
included when purchasing the K3DE tickets.
Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International Grand Prix made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024. As a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event will make EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. More information on the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/the-kentucky-international-csi5. Further information and details on all ticket options on the K3DE, Cosequin ® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI 5*can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/.
