Athlete Spotlight: Mia Farley

March 13, 2025

Mia Farley is quickly making a name for herself in the top levels of eventing, and the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS™ Equestrian has played a key role in her journey. With grit, determination, and undeniable talent, she’s proven she has what it takes to compete among the best.


Farley made her K3DE debut in 2023 aboard BGS Firecracker and showcased her skill in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S. Back in 2024, Mia entered the Kentucky Horse Park with Phelps, where she impressed with a strong, double-clear performance in her second CCI5*-L and a top-15 finish. 


Phelps, an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, owned by Olympic gold medalist David O'Connor, was originally acquired for just $1 after a brief racing career. Phelps has defied expectations, progressing through the levels under Farley’s guidance. Farley describes Phelps as having "the biggest heart," attributing their achievements to his determination and their strong partnership.


Her steady rise through the ranks hasn’t gone unnoticed. As a former USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete and NAJYRC bronze medalist, Mia has been developing her talent for years, earning respect and admiration along the way. With over a decade of involvement in the USEF Eventing Development programs, she made a statement in 2019 by securing top-15 finishes in eight of the twelve FEI competitions she entered. With each competition, she continues to gain experience at the top levels of the sport, and her performances at K3DE have solidified her as one to watch.


Will we see Mia Farley back at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2025? Stay tuned for athlete announcements as we get closer to The Best Weekend All Year!

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New Zealand’s Monica Spencer and her Thoroughbred gelding Artist showed grit, speed and poise as they hung on to the top spot at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) to sit in first in the CCI5*-L on a score of 22.3 after a double clear cross-country run. “‘Max’ was a champion today,” Spencer said of the 15-year-old. “He ran and jumped the whole way to the end, and gave me a great ride.” Will Coleman jumped up to second aboard Diabolo (27.3) after adding no additional penalties to his score, and Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (28.6) slid into third after adding just two time penalties.
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