2025 Preliminary Footing Report

April 22, 2025

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

At the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, safety and performance are always at the forefront—and that commitment starts from the ground up. This year, in partnership with Chief Course Builder Mick Costello, renowned footing expert Mike Boekholder has once again brought industry-leading testing protocols to the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L cross-country courses.


Footing is more than just what’s beneath the hoof—it plays a crucial role in the safety, stamina, and overall success of both horse and rider. That’s why, every 125 meters along the course, Boekholder conducts thorough testing to measure ground firmness, consistency, and moisture levels. These detailed assessments ensure that competitors encounter a surface that supports peak performance while minimizing the risk of injury.


We’re pleased to share that this year’s testing results are averaging a “Good” rating across the board for both levels of competition. Thanks to favorable weather conditions leading up to the event, the footing has not only met expectations, it continues to improve as we head into the most anticipated day of the week: cross-country.

This comprehensive approach to course preparation reinforces the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event’s ongoing dedication to excellence and rider safety. Whether you’re galloping across the Head of the Lake or watching from the sidelines, you can be confident that every detail has been carefully considered to deliver The Best Weekend All Year.


Stay tuned for more updates as we approach cross-country day, and don’t forget to download the Cross-Country App to explore the course in real time with photos, video guides, and interactive features designed to enhance the spectator experience.

What the Sport of Eventing Has Taught Me & Continues to Teach Me

July 7, 2026
Next Generation Spotlight Piece Written by Sarah Staples

Athlete Spotlight: Tommy Greengard

June 29, 2026
Tommy Greengard has steadily established himself as one of the rising names in the sport, with a growing résumé of competitive results at the CCI4* level and beyond. A member of the USEF Eventing Emerging Athletes Program from 2022 through 2024, Greengard has progressed through the eventing pathway while building an impressive string of horses capable of competing on both the national and international stage. That depth was on full display at the 2025 Cosequin Lexington CCI4*, where Greengard brought two horses to compete: That's Me Z and Joshuay MBF. Aboard That's Me Z, he produced a strong performance throughout the competition, finishing inside the top 20 and continuing the partnership's upward trajectory at the level. Greengard returned to the Cosequin Lexington CCI4* in 2026 with another two-horse campaign, this time riding That's Me Z and Balladeer Kilbrackens Lad. He improved upon the previous year's result by guiding That's Me Z to a top-15 finish while also successfully completing the CCI4* aboard Balladeer Kilbrackens Lad. These performances reflected the continued development of Greengard's string and carried that momentum into a successful international campaign throughout the spring season.
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