Insight Into The Kentucky Three-Day Event Competition

March 10, 2023

Insight Into The Kentucky Three-Day Event Competition

The Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of only two 5 star events in North America, and an intense test of horse and rider through three phases of competition: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. There’s nothing quite like being there in person, and if you’ve never experienced it firsthand before, we highly recommend it. There’s a reason it’s referred to as the Best Weekend All Year! However, while you’re there, if you want to really gain some insight into each ride and performance for dressage and show jumping, you’ll also want to listen to the commentary with a headset throughout those two phases of competition.



What is the benefit of having a headset and why not just listen to the announcers? That’s a great question we’re happy to answer. While the event does have announcers over the loudspeakers during the competition, they are focused on announcing the horse and rider, and their overall score. While the rider is in the ring performing either their dressage test or show jumping round, the announcer is quiet to allow the horse and rider to focus on the task at hand – performing their best at this international competition! Because of this, there is no voice-over or commentator the way you would experience if you were watching a sports broadcast on television.


When you watch the Olympics on television, for example, the commentators will discuss a play-by-play style of commenting on the horse and rider’s performance, technicality of their movements, any mistakes, impressive moments, and so much more. This provides significantly more insight to even an experienced horse person than one would get simply by watching the event from inside Rolex Stadium. In addition, our commentators have direct experience and expertise in the sport of three-day eventing, adding even more valuable insight beyond the basic announcements over the PA system on the show grounds.


Meet Commentator Amanda Miller

Amanda Miller is one of our featured commentators. She resides in Clayton, NC where she runs her own business, Miller Eventing. She has competed through the Advanced level and earned her USDF Bronze Medal. Amanda attended NC State University, studying Animal Science. In 2005, she became a USEA Certified Instructor, the youngest to be certified at that time. She has had many students compete through the two star level. In 2012, Amanda received her USEF “r” Event Judge’s License and was promoted to “R” in 2016. In 2021 she achieved the highest judging rating in the US as an “S” judge. Amanda then went on to get her FEI license and is a FEI Level 3 Event Judge and Level 2 Steward. She has officiated and served on multiple FEI Ground Jurys throughout the US and abroad.  She has also served on her local board, NCDCTA, for 12 years, served as President for 5 years, retiring in 2022. Amanda loves spending time with her dogs and her husband, Rob Mobley, who is a USEF Licensed Designer and FEI Course Builder.

Now that you have an understanding of what the commentators offer through the headsets here at The Kentucky Three-Day Event, it’s time to reserve your headset as they are limited! Listen to experts comment, critique and explain Dressage rides Thursday and Friday and Jumping rounds Sunday through your own headsets, with a discounted fee if you select all three days. You may pick up reserved headsets at the Headset Rental booth next to the Event Box Office inside the Rolex Stadium.


We look forward to seeing you at The Kentucky Three-Day Event and listening to our commentators share their knowledge during the dressage and show jumping rounds.

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!
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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