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News
Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International CSI made its
debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024. As a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event will make EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. As has been the case since the start of the CSI, Derek Braun and his Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) team will produce and manage the event for EEI.
Learn about this year's favorites, top horses, the strength of the field, and more.
Nine Olympians Highlight Show Jumping Entries at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ Lexington, Kentucky – April 22, 2024 – There are several great programs for everyone to enhance the experience of the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ . Along with offering fan favorites such as EquiRatings stats and podcasts, Behind the Barn interviews, and interactive maps on the Cross-Country App, the event will also launch its own app through Engagefully. These programs are available to every fan of the event, whether they are attending in person or watching online. Organized by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) features 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 Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. K3DE has once again partnered with EquiRatings to provide its annual Stats & Stories for the CCI5* (available on the K3DE website) as well as several episodes of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. Posted on March 22, the first episode, “Inside Kentucky: Building the #BestWeekendAllYear,” offered a glimpse behind the scenes of Kentucky’s unique cross-country course with course designer Derek di Grazia and the course-building team of Jay Hambly, Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert. With more exciting discussions to come, the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast is available free of charge across all podcast platforms.
Inside Kentucky Podcast
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 .
Tune into the Inside Kentucky: US vs Europe as Diarm Byrne and Frankie Thieriot Stutes dive deep into the transatlantic rivalry shaping up at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. We discuss the resurgence of American contenders and the continuing dominance of European champions in the eventing world. From Philip Dutton's quest for another Olympics to the impressive performances expected from US and European riders, this episode unpacks the strategies, stakes, and stories as both continents gear up for an unforgettable competition. Listen for free across all podcast platforms. Buy tickets to The Best Weekend All Year here !
Dive into the heart of the competition with entries out for both the Defender Kentucky Five-Star and the Cosequin Kentucky Four-Star Short. With Paris on the horizon, both classes are packed with top contenders aiming for glory. Discover the strategies and hopes of World Champions and emerging talents alike, as we break down the key battles.
Behind the Barn
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.
Caroline Pamukcu and Hannah Sue Hollberg have grown up on the US Eventing scene achieving notable success from young ages, including their results here at Kentucky. Join us as two of the biggest personalities in Equestrian Sports sit down to quiz each other in episode 11 of Behind The Barn.
As one of the top Canadian riders of all time, Jessica Phoenix has competed for her nation as team anchor on numerous occasions. Affectionately called “The Smiling Assassin” by her peers, don't let her sweet demeanor fool you. Once she’s in the saddle, Jess is all business. We learn more about Jessica Phoenix and so do her fellow competitors in episode 10 of Behind the Barn.
Best Weekend Blog
For newcomers to the thrilling world of equestrian sports, the star ranking system can seem confusing at first glance. However, once broken down, it's easy to grasp and adds a layer of appreciation to the incredible athleticism and skill on display at events like the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S * . Whether you're a seasoned spectator or a first-time attendee, understanding the star system will enhance your enjoyment and knowledge of this exciting sport.
There are several hundred horse breeds worldwide, each with unique characteristics and temperaments. Some popular breeds include Arabians, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Clydesdales, and Appaloosas. Read on to learn more about common horse breeds and their disciplines.
Dr. Everett McCorvey, the founder and music director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, the director and the executive producer of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, amongst many more titles and accolades, will sing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “My Old Kentucky Home” at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event on Sunday, the final day of the competition.
