LAST DAY for the Spirit of ‘78 Sale!
To celebrate our 50th year, we’re honoring where it all began: the very first Kentucky Three-Day Event in 1978. Grab savings on select ticket options, and the chance to experience the 50th Anniversary for just $78.
The deal ends today, September 30th, at 11:59 pm ET. Purchase your tickets here: kentuckythreedayevent.com/ti…
A MASSIVE congratulations to the Defender United States Eventing Squad on bringing home Team Bronze at the FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen!
We’re especially proud to have had the privilege of watching these medal-winning combinations compete at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, including:
- Will Coleman & Diabolo, our 2026 CCI5* champions
- Caroline Pamukcu & HSH Blake, our 2026 CCI5* runners-up
- Boyd Martin & Cooley Nutcracker, who finished inside the 2026 CCI5* top 20
- Phillip Dutton & Denim, fourth-place finishers in the 2025 Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S
What an incredible accomplishment for these athletes, horses, and all those who support them along the way.
Congratulations, Team USA!
Our Next Generation Spotlight series continues with Sarah Staples, a rising senior at the University of Kentucky who spent the spring semester as a Competition Intern with Equestrian Events, Inc. during the 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event.
In her story, Sarah reflects on her journey from rider, volunteer, and longtime fan of the event to becoming part of the team behind the scenes. From experiencing the unique energy that makes Kentucky so special to gaining firsthand insight into the planning and preparation required to produce an international equestrian event, her perspective offers a closer look at what goes into bringing the Kentucky Three-Day Event to life.
Read Sarah's story and explore more Next Generation Spotlights at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ne…
As part of our newly launched Next Generation Spotlight series, we're excited to share William Coon's story highlighting his experience as a United States Pony Clubs intern during the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™.
Read William's piece to learn more about the opportunities, experiences, and behind-the-scenes moments that helped shape his journey, where he came face-to-face with top riders, gained firsthand experience in event operations and media, and saw what it takes to bring a world-class event to life.
Read William's story and more Next Generation Spotlights at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ne…
One week remains to secure pre-sale tickets for the 2027 Kentucky Three-Day Event. 🐎
Join us as we celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary; honoring five decades of extraordinary sport, enduring tradition, and unforgettable moments at The Best Weekend All Year. Reserve your tickets now and save 5% to 15% on hospitality, tailgates, reserved seating, and more.
kentuckythreedayevent.com/20…
photo credit: AK Dragoo Photography
Introducing the new Kentucky Three-Day Event app! ✨ Download now to start planning your weekend.
The app is available in both the iOS and Google Play stores.
Get excited, it's almost time for the Official 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event scavenger hunt!
More details coming soon 👀
Huge thanks to our Scavenger Hunt sponsors - John Deere, 4-Star Trailers, and Bates Saddles!
Behind every unforgettable moment at the #K3DE is an incredible team of volunteers 🤍
EEI board member, Caroline Greathouse, sat down with United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) to talk all things volunteering at the Best Weekend All Year!📷
Listen at the link below + scan the QR code to get involved 📷
useventing.com/news-media/po…
If you miss us, we’ll see you in just 7 weeks 🐎 The countdown is well and truly underway...see you April 23-26th!
Tickets available now at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ti…
Photo credit: @dragoophoto & Kimberly Purvis
#kentuckythreedayevent #defender #marsequestrian #lexingtonky #useventing
Entries for the Defender Kentucky CCI5* and Cosequin Lexington CCI4* are officially open! 🎉
Who are you hoping to see at this year's event? Let us know in the comments below!
Today, we celebrate a legend.
Ballaghmor Class has officially retired from the 5* level, and it feels impossible to sum up the impact he has had on the sport, on fans around the world, and on everyone lucky enough to watch him fly.
For us, his 2021 victory at the Kentucky Three-Day Event will always be etched into memory. A performance that was confident, commanding, and unforgettable; the kind that reminds you why this sport captures people so deeply. Horses like him don’t come along often, and what he and Oliver Townend built together leaves a lasting mark long after the finish flags are behind them.
Enjoy a well earned retirement, Thomas!
Saying hello from our snowy headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park! ❄️
We hope everyone’s staying warm, cozy, and safe out there.
After her finish at Les 5 Etoiles de Pau this past October, Emily Hamel and Corvett have become the second horse and rider pair to complete all six of the 5* competitions in the Northern Hemisphere 📷 This milestone speaks to longevity, trust, and consistency at the very top of the sport.
Their 5* journey began right here at Kentucky in 2021, and in 2025, Emily and Corvett returned to place inside the top 15.
From their first start to this historic achievement, Emily and Corvett have shown what it means to build a partnership capable of standing the test of the world’s most demanding courses. Read more about this incredible pair on our latest blog here: kentuckythreedayevent.com/at…
PC: Michelle Dunn
From Northern New Jersey to the heart of Kentucky’s equine world 🤍🐎
Sydney’s journey is one of saying yes to the unknown, finding her people, and growing into the version of herself she always envisioned. What started as a lifelong love of horses led her to the University of Kentucky, the polo field, and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Along the way, she discovered the power of intentionality, mentorship, and stepping outside her comfort zone — even when it felt intimidating.
From hosting the Chalet on Rolex Way, to helping bring the Chewy Demonstration Arena to life, to being named Most Outstanding Intern at the UK Internship Showcase, Sydney’s story is proof that showing up, staying curious, and trusting the process can open doors you never imagined.
We’re so proud of you, Sydney — and so excited to see where this journey takes you next 💫
✨ Read her full story on The Best Weekend Blog: kentuckythreedayevent.com/st…
Getting the cross-country course prepped and ready for April! ✨
Behind every jump there are months of planning, precision, and hard work. From shaping the terrain to building obstacles, the cross-country course at the Kentucky Three-Day Event is coming to life one day at a time.
If you're new here, you may be wondering "what is eventing?"
Eventing pairs one horse and one rider across three unique phases that test precision, bravery, and athleticism.
✨ Dressage showcases balance, accuracy, and harmony.
✨ Cross-country challenges horse and rider over solid obstacles like logs, ditches, and water
✨ Show jumping brings it all together in the arena, with colorful, knockable fences
Learn more about the history of The Kentucky Three-Day Event at kentuckythreedayevent.com/ev…
This year leaves us feeling deeply appreciative of the people and horses who give so much to this sport and to one another. From riders and volunteers to fans and supporters, every part of this community helped make 2025 meaningful.
Thank you for sharing this year with us; we look ahead with gratitude 🐎
This holiday season, we’re reflecting with gratitude on a year shaped by the people and horses who bring so much heart to this community. Their dedication and care are what made this year truly special.
Wishing you happy holidays from all of us at EEI and The Kentucky Three-Day Event 🎄
Seven 5* wins. One standout partnership.
With their win at the Rolex Grand Prix in Geneva this past weekend, Kent Farrington and Greya officially reached seven five star Grand Prix victories together this season, capping off an exceptional year at the top of the sport.
One of those seven wins came right here at the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix this past April, where the pair delivered a thrilling performance to top the class.
From consistency at the highest level to moments that define a season, Kent and Greya gave us plenty to celebrate; and we’re proud that one of those victories happened right here in Kentucky. 💫



































