Additional Information

WHAT TO WEAR

A field guide PRESENTED by Dubarry of Ireland

What to Wear for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event?

Whether you're a seasoned Eventing fan and it's your first time at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Five Star, or its your first Three- Day Event experience, it can be daunting to know how to prepare and what to wear for an outdoor equestrian event of this caliber.

In Dubarry's field guide, we've created seven simple rules to help you to strike the right balance between dressing for an outdoor social occasion, and the practicality of the weather and terrain. We'll cover you from tailgating with champagne cocktails or walking the cross-country course, to spending a day in the bleachers, come rain or shine.

Rule number 1

Be practical

You'll be mostly outside and you'll be clocking up some miles walking through the 1200 acre park, no matter what the weather decides to do. So, for all that walking, whether on the paved roads, muddy tracks, dusty paths or dewy grass there's nothing more practical than the waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX-lined leather Country Boot range from Dubarry of Ireland. Save packing multiple pairs of shoes for your trip, take the one pair that will get you across a muddy field, then hose off and dress up for dinner or tailgating.

Dubarry Boots have become synonymous with spectating at the Three-Day Event.

Rule number 2

Wear Layers

It might be 45°F when you arrive in the morning, but it will likely be 75°F in the afternoon - welcome to KY in the spring! Layer your shirts, sweaters, and vests under your coat and remove as needed.

A gentleman can never go wrong with a good tattersall shirt

Rule number 3

Expect real rain and hope for none

As the saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing" ... Pack a real raincoat. This will turn a rainy day from a wash-out to a winner.

We suggest something mid-to-lightweight and to allow for layering underneath (see rule #2).

Dubarry offers a range of great waterproof and breathable top-layer options, from our sporty Aquatech range to our spiffy Country Collection.

Rule Number 4

Accessorize

Accessories not only allow you to stay more comfortable in weather extremes but they can also help to finish your outfit.

A hat is one of the most important accessories whether for sun protection, warmth, rain or style or all of the above.

Spruce it up! A special pair of gloves, the right belt or bag or a sporty country motif on your tie or scarf can finish the look.

Good socks turn great boots into amazing boots. Whether you're looking to benefit from the comfort features of our technical socks, a color pop from our Alpaca socks, or the warmth of our faux fur-topped liners, we always recommend good socks as part of any long day out.

Rule number 5

Pick a Day to Dress Up

While the sport of Eventing has a very inclusive 'come as you are' attitude toward inviting spectators, it can add to your enjoyment of the event if you choose to take part in some of the traditional pageantry that surrounds equestrian sport by selecting a day to dress up.

This could be Cross-Country Day if you're tailgating, the stadium Jumping Day or one of the Grand Prix Jumping events scheduled for evening entertainment at the Horse Park during the Five Star. For this, you can't go wrong in classic country style, like one of our Tweed Jackets teamed with some of our layering pieces and accessories

Rule number 6

The Essential Extras

Ask a seasoned eventgoer what they always have in their go-bag....Dubarry's team have been attending the Kentucky Three Day for over 17 years, both as Eventing fans and as event partners, so we've made you the essential extras list to help prepare you: Lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, hat, a fully charged cell phone, (for those with long hair - hair bands), protein bar, Alka Seltzer... Maybe that last item is just us, but Lexington has some great night life!