WELCOME TO THE

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 24-27, 2025

About

The Best Weekend All Year

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. Held the last weekend in April in Lexington, Kentucky, this internationally renowned event draws the best horse and rider combinations worldwide. The weekend attracts people from around the globe to witness leading riders compete in addition to shopping, attractions, and sponsor experiences you can only find here. The Cosequin® Lexington CCI4* and The Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions.

2025 Event Dates are April 24 - 27, 2025.

View 2025 Entries Buy 2025 Tickets

The Latest

News & Updates

2025 Preliminary Footing Report

April 22, 2025
Setting the Standard: Footing Results from the 2025 Cross-Country Course

Behind the Barn 2025: Karl Cook

April 21, 2025
In our final episode of Behind the Barn 2025, we are joined by none other than Team USA Show Jumping Olympic Medalist, Karl Cook. Join us as we dive headfirst into all things show jumping, hear his take on other Equestrian disciplines and also gain valuable insight into what people can expect in the Kentucky international CSI5* this year!

Behind the Barn 2025: Michael Jung

April 20, 2025
The big question is, will Michael Jung win a 5th Kentucky CCI5* title? Before he heads down the centerline this week to chase Kentucky glory once more, check out episode 11 of Behind the Barn to learn more about the Olympic Gold Medalist and overall amazing horseman, Michael Jung.

new for 2025

Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Located in the K3DE Sponsor Village the Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be available for viewing to all ticket purchasers and will feature vehicles used by the Royal Family either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Five historic models will be on display at the event, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles.

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The Disciplines

An Equestrian Triathlon

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. It combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, and the winner of the three-day event is the pair with the lowest combined score.

A woman is riding a brown horse on a dirt track.
A person is riding a horse through a puddle in front of a sign that says defender
A man is riding a horse over a jump in front of a crowd.

The Competition is Heating Up

See the Current Standings & Latest Results

Results of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, and The Kentucky International CSI5* will be posted as soon as possible concluding each event.

A couple of phones sitting next to each other on a white background.

download the cross-country app

Explore the Cross-Country Courses

If Cross-Country day is your favorite, you need the Cross Country App! From the app you can explore the 2025 Cross-Country course with photos and video guides. Plus, spectators can find their location on the interactive course and turn on the Venue Guide to see food, arenas, big screens, restrooms and more.

Download the App View the Courses

Premium Experiences

Clubs & Hospitality

Reserve your spot in one of our four private clubs with spectacular views, food and beverage service, and other benefits that can make your experience more relaxed, comfortable, and memorable. 

Explore Hospitality
  • A stadium filled with people watching a horse race
  • Three women are standing next to each other holding shopping bags.
  • A table topped with plates of food and a bottle of bourbon
  • A horse is jumping over a wooden fence that says defender
  • A woman is riding a black horse over a hurdle

    • Stay Connected

    Stay connected to what’s happening at the Kentucky Three-Day Event by following us on social media. If you would like more information or to be added to our email list, click here.