WELCOME TO THE

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 25-28, 2024

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 4* and the Kentucky 4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions.

2024 Event Dates are April 25 - 28, 2024.

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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.

Ticket Information

Experience World-Class Equestrian Eventing

There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, including Saturday tailgating, reserved stadium seating, and premier club experiences. The clock is ticking, buy your tickets ahead of time online now!


Event Dates April 25 - 28, 2024

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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 interactive map of the 2023 Cross-Country course with photos and video guides. Plus, spectators can find their location on the 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

Let’s be friends!

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.

The Latest

News & Updates

a man riding in the middle of an arena
18 Mar, 2024
In the heart-pounding world of equestrian sports, where precision, agility, and sheer determination reign supreme, there exists an unspoken partnership that transcends the boundaries of mere competition. It's a bond forged on the dusty trails, in the thundering hooves, and amid the adrenaline-fueled moments of triumph and challenge. So how do you build the relationship you need with your horse to succeed? Read on to find out how bonds are built between riders and horses.
an equestrian horse and rider jumping over a log in a green forest
29 Feb, 2024
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) has selected the Masterson Equestrian Trust, a nonprofit foundation that advocates for the conservation and preservation of equestrian green space for public use at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY, as the Official Charity of the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™.
23 Feb, 2024
If the mere thought of majestic horses, powerful jumps, and the thundering sound of hooves gets your camera clicking, you're in for a wild ride. But how do you become the best of the best in the world of horse photos? We have the information you need, whether you are bringing a camera or relying on your smartphone to capture your favorite moments. Keep reading for our top tips about equestrian photography, and even get the insider scoop from our professional photographers Anthony Trollope with Red Bay Group, LLC and Michelle Dunn who are two of our incredible professional photographers at the K3DE 
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