Press Room

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Heading the list of entries are defending champion and U.S. Olympic veteran Will Coleman, 2024 U.S. Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, 2023 Kentucky 5* champion Tamie Smith, and seven-time Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton, whose daughter Olivia is also entered. Coleman placed first and third in last year’s event, Smith placed second in both 2021 and 2023, and Dutton placed second in 2022. Other U.S. veterans who are entered include Jennie Brannigan, Jan Byyny, Buck Davidson, Ali Knowles, Allison Springer, Lynn Symansky, Alyssa Phillips, who won the inaugural Cosequin ® Lexington 4*-S in 2021, and James Alliston, who placed third in 2022. Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* 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 Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 9-12. The Series awards $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available at https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing. “The Cosequin® Lexington 4* couples with our traditional CCI5* competition to give eventing fans a full day of world-class competition,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “As part of the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, the Cosequin® Lexington 4* has more meaning than ever before, assuring us an even more thrilling competition.” The full list of Cosequin® Lexington 4* entries can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/4-entries-and-ride-times. The list of CCI5*-L entries can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/5-entries-and-ride-times. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4* are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

Entries Feature Six of the World’s Top 12 Eventing Riders, Athletes from Seven Countries Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2 Tim Price (NZL), head an impressive list of entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ . The event will feature 11 Olympians and athletes from seven countries when it returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* 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 CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Learn about this year's favorites, top horses, the strength of the field, and more.

Get ready for the ultimate showdown at the Kentucky Horse Park! As the excitement builds, we're breaking down the Defender Kentucky 5-Star and the Cosequin Kentucky 4-Star Short, offering insights into the athletes and horses gearing up for their moment in the spotlight. Join Rosie Russell, Nicole Brown and Diarm Byrne as they delve into the stories of redemption, Olympic dreams, and the sheer thrill of competition. With updates that have shaken up the leaderboard and a palpable buzz of anticipation, this episode is packed with analysis and predictions you won't want to miss as we head into one of eventing's most prestigious weeks. Click here to buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year! Don't forget to follow the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast on Instagram and Facebook .

Behind the Barn is back this year with the one and only Lynn Symansky! Get ready for another exciting season featuring exclusive interviews with 12 of the biggest names in the sport!

Two of Britain's brightest stars return to Kentucky this year to battle it out for a potential 5* win. Not only are Yasmin Ingham and Tom McEwen sure to keep us glued to this year's event to watch all the action unfold but they are also good for a laugh in our 12th and final episode of the 2024 Behind The Barn series.

Learn about this year's favorites, top horses, the strength of the field, and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, understanding the different types of jumps and common show jumping terms can enhance your appreciation of the skill involved. In this guide, we’ll break down key jumps you’ll see in competition and essential terminology used by riders and trainers. Plus, we’ll highlight an upcoming opportunity to witness these jumps live at The Kentucky International CSI5*.