Inside Kentucky: Building the #bestweekendallyear

March 22, 2024

Dive into the world of course design and building for the iconic Defender Kentucky with our first Inside Kentucky show of 2024.

This show offers a glimpse behind the scenes with Derek di Grazia, Jay Hambly, Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer, and Levi Ryckewaert, the masterminds crafting the challenges and beauty of the Kentucky cross-country course.


From the intricacies of terrain and the artistry of fence construction to the vital role of safety technologies and the meticulous preparation leading up to the event, join us as we explore the collaboration, creativity, and sheer hard work that goes into preparing for one of eventing's most prestigious events.

Guests:


Derek di Grazia: Derek, a competitor since 1968, began formally designing courses in 1986. In 2011, Derek embarked on his journey designing the LRK3DE course. Having won this competition in 1985, he brings a sense of understanding of the terrain. His course-building resume includes multiple distinguished courses including the Burghley Horse Trials and Tokyo Olympic course.


Jay Hambly: Jay has held the title of course builder for such events as the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the 2013 Central American Games and the 2003 FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships.


Mick Costello: Mick started his work in course building when he was 13 years old. In 1969 he found himself working on a huge 3-day with a group of people he called “The Big Guys” which included Derek who at 14, helped Mick out during the last few weeks of that event. He moved to KY in 1998 where he started his work with the Kentucky Three-Day. Mick’s experience includes many great courses such as Fair Hill, Radnor and Pebble Beach in addition to the LRK3DE, now the K3DE.


Tyson Rementer: Tyson started building jumps at Pleasant Hollow Farms in Quakertown, PA. In exchange for lessons, board and entry fees, he would build jumps and other farm work including bailing hay, cleaning stalls, feeding and turnout. He settled into that role full-time in 2003.


Levi Ryckewaert: Levi has eventing in his blood. Growing up in Belgium he worked on a horse farm where his father was a three-day eventer and organizer. Course building began for Levi in 1993 and in 1999 he moved to England to work on the Badminton Horse Trials.


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Buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year here!

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 presented by MARS™ Equestrian 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!
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