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.