THE KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL CSI5*

presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Everything you need to know about

The Kentucky International CSI5*

The Kentucky International CSI5* is a premier show jumping competition held each April as part of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Originally introduced in 2018 as the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix, it was elevated to CSI5* status in 2025—the highest level in international show jumping. Now running alongside the longstanding CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S, it creates an unparalleled weekend of top-level equestrian sport.

With this elevation, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event became the only event in the world outside of a World Championship to host a CSI5*, CCI5*-L, and CCI4*-S in the same weekend—cementing its place as a true standout on the global equestrian calendar.

The CSI5* competition unfolds over multiple days, culminating in a $400,000 Grand Prix on Saturday evening. With thrilling jump-offs, challenging courses, and a high-energy crowd, the show jumping action adds another dynamic layer to an already world-class event.

View Results

A 5-Star

Show Jumping Event

Spectator friendly, watch as show jumping tests a horse’s athleticism, agility and tractability while simultaneously testing a rider’s precision, accuracy and responsiveness. For detailed information on each class, click on each below.

1.45m Two Phase
The CSI5* includes a Two Phase event on Wednesday with a $35,000 prize. There is no charge for stadium seats for this event.
1.45m Speed Cup
In the speed classes, competitions are run against the clock. If athletes receive the same number of penalties, their ranking will be decided based on the time they took to complete the round. The faster athlete will rank higher.

If two or more athletes have the same penalties and time for first place, there may be a jump-off on a shorter course. The obstacles in the jump-off might be made taller or wider, as stated in the competition rules.
1.50m Welcome Grand Prix Qualifier
Qualifier rounds are not against the clock.

Athletes with the same number of penalties will share the prizes. If the competition rules allow, there may be one or two jump-offs (not timed) to decide the winner for first place.

In this competition, time is not a factor, but there is a time limit. If athletes have the same penalties for first place, there will be one timed jump-off to decide the winner. All other athletes are ranked based on their penalties in the first round.

If athletes tie for first place, the first jump-off will not be timed. If there's still a tie, a second jump-off will be timed to decide the winner. All other athletes are ranked based on their penalties in the first jump-off or, if needed, the first round.
1.60m Kentucky International CSI5*
The Grand Prix portion of the competition is again against the clock.

This is a timed competition. If athletes tie on penalties for first place, there will be one timed jump-off. Other athletes are ranked based on their penalties and time in the first round.

In timed competitions, if athletes have the same penalties and time for first place, there may be a jump-off on a shorter course. The obstacles in the jump-off might be made taller or wider, as stated in the competition rules. If the rules don’t mention a jump-off, the competition will proceed without one. A maximum of two jump-offs is allowed in the same competition
Grand Prix Automatic Qualifiers
Automatic qualifiers for the Grand Prix include:

The winner (athlete and horse) of the Grand Prix from the previous year can participate in this year’s Grand Prix if:
The event is a CSI3*, CSI4*, or CSI5* competition.
Last year’s event was at the same or a higher star level.
The current National Jumping Champion (Athlete/Horse combination) of the host country;

Athletes who can participate include:

Individual Jumping medal winners from the last Olympic and Pan-American Games.
Medal winners from the last World and Continental Championships (if the Continental Championships followed the required format and obstacle heights as stated in the rules).
The winner of the last FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final.

All athletes qualified for the Grand Prix, including those automatically qualified must complete, with their Grand Prix horse, the initial round of at least one FEI competition.