Kentucky Three-Day Event: Ground Testing for Safety and Excellence

January 5, 2024

As we eagerly anticipate the gathering of riders and their horses, we want to shine a spotlight on what sets our event apart—the unyielding dedication to safety. Here at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, safety isn't just a box to check; it's our top priority, woven into the very fabric of our planning and execution. We want to give you a glimpse into the extraordinary efforts that make safety the cornerstone of The Best Weekend All Year! One of the ways we ensure safety during the cross-country competition is by teaming up with Mike Boekholder of Boekholder & Associates to execute grounds testing. 


Mike has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and optimal performance of horses and riders in equestrian eventing through grounds testing for the last couple of years. Using a specialized diagnostic tool called a VST unit and a soil moisture probe, Mike meticulously assesses crucial ground conditions. This testing gathers data for aspects of the course like moisture levels, cushioning, firmness, and more. This process isn’t just a one-time deal, with the grounds ever-changing with weather and other environmental conditions, we have Mike and his team conduct this procedure 30 days before the event, seven to 10 days prior, and on the day before the cross-country competition. This is done for the entire course, every 125 meters for the first two tests, then every 250 meters the day before the cross-country competition. 

Once all the data, referred to as the Going and Course Variability is collected, it’s then shared with our team and the venue operators, fostering a collaborative effort to address specific areas of the course as needed. This proactive approach allows for adjustments in ground conditions, ensuring consistent footing throughout the competition. We are grateful for Mike and his team’s commitment to expanding testing and consulting services. 


The Going and Course Variability ratings were developed by a team of equine health and safety experts primarily located in England over the past five years. That work, spearheaded by the Research and Consultancy in Equine Surfaces (R.A.C.E.S.) team, a cooperative effort of Nottingham Trent University, The University of Central Lancashire, and Myerscough College, along with retired equine veterinarian Mark Lucey (former vet for the British National Eventing Team) has been critical in establishing the data utilized to analyze eventing courses.



The Kentucky Three-Day Event has implemented these testing protocols, setting a standard for safety and excellence to ensure horses, riders, and patrons have The Best Weekend All Year!



Results

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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