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‘It was destined for greatness …’

April 9, 2018

“It was destined for greatness before anyone even knew there would be such an event.”

– Kentucky Three-Day Event, a 25-Year Retrospective

Forty years ago, for the first time in Eventing history, the World Championships of Eventing took place in United States. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is the non–profit Kentucky corporation formed initially to stage the 1978 World Championships at the then brand-new Kentucky Horse Park. The event drew people from all over the world to Lexington to witness history in the making.

Those World Championships were an unprecedented success. Individual World Champion Bruce Davidson of Pennsylvania retained the world title riding his young and courageous American Thoroughbred, Might Tango. The popular team of riders and horses from Canada were the winners of the Team Gold Medal.

The remarkable success of that 1978 event – more than 170,000 spectators and $4-plus million added to Kentucky’s economy – spurred the EEI Board of Directors to organize and produce the annual and now beloved Kentucky Three-Day Event. One of only six annual CCI4* competitions in world and the only one in North America, the “Best Weekend All Year” has become an annual pilgrimage for scores of devoted fans.

“If you play any sport on this level, you have to give it all you have.”

– Bruce Davidson, TIME magazine, 1978.

See the full article that appeared in Time magazine in 1978 below.

To commemorate our 40th Anniversary, EEI has curated a quaint walk-through exhibit showcasing historical items and memorabilia in the Master Scoreboard Tent located in Sponsor Village, between Sarah Lynn Richards Fine Art and Voltaire Design USA. Stop in and take a walk with us down memory lane from the 1978 World Eventing Championships to the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.

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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!