New CSI4* Status to Take Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to the Next Level

December 6, 2023

Lexington, Kentucky – December 6, 2023 – Previously held as a CSI3*, the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute at the 2024 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ will be held at the CSI4* level!

 

Organized by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE) returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 25-28, featuring one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and the CSI4* Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

 

Introduced at the 2018 LRK3DE as a CSI3*, the Kentucky Invitational has packed Rolex Stadium with cheering fans each year. In addition to the $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix, which features some 40 international riders on Saturday following the eventing’s cross-country phase, there is a $35,000 1.45m Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday following the completion of the dressage competition and a new $35,000 1.45m Special Two-Phase during the lunch hour on Saturday, April 27. 

“With many of the world’s elite horses and riders gearing up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, next year’s event promises to be one of the most exciting ever,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “We are thrilled to offer a new CSI4* Grand Prix and two other $35,000 ranking classes alongside all our usual activities, and we greatly appreciate Split Rock Jumping Tour for serving as our show jumping manager while we take this event to the next level. We look forward to welcoming another spectacular line-up of horses and riders in April!”

 

“We are excited to continue as presenting sponsor for such an incredible event as the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix,” said Luke Fallon, DVM and Medical Director of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “As presenting sponsor since its inception, we believe the increase from a Three Star to a Four Star is an exciting step for both competitors and spectators. We look forward to next year’s event and are excited to be involved in events of this caliber with the quality of veterinarians encompassing our performance horse team.”

 

More information on the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute can be found at https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/. 

 

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping – for $400,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*-L level. LRK3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner.

 

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L competition, featuring the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping. The Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S offers $25,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing the LRK3DE tickets.

Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

The $225,000 Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will take place on Saturday afternoon, April 27, after the cross-country portion of the LRK3DE. As part of the competition, there will also be a $35,000 Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday in the Rolex Stadium, after the day’s LRK3DE dressage competition. In addition to the new 4* level for the 2024 Grand Prix, there will be a new $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase during the lunch hour on Saturday, April 27. No stadium seat ticket is required for Friday’s Ranking Class. For more Grand Prix information, please visit https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/.

 

About Equestrian Events, Inc.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI supports several local and equine charities and has donated more than $725,000 to various charities since 2011. For more information, please visit www.eq-events.com.


About Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Approaching 150 years of service in the equine industry, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute dedicates itself to the health and well-being of the horse. Located across from the Kentucky Horse Park, their full-service equine medical facility offers ambulatory, surgical, theriogenology, and internal medicine services. These services also include numerous diagnostic modalities such as the MILE-PET Scan, Hallmarq standing MRI, nuclear scintigraphy and more.

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!
More Posts
Share by: