BEST WEEKEND BLOG

How Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone Shapes Who You Become By Sydney Zaikov

With the pair's recent completion at Les Étoiles de Pau , Emily Hamel and Corvett have etched their names into 5* history, becoming only the second horse-and-rider combination to complete all six CCI5* events in the Northern Hemisphere. Having now successfully finished six of the seven CCI5* events worldwide, the milestone places them among an exceptionally small and elite group in the sport and stands as a testament to years of perseverance, trust, and an extraordinary partnership at the highest level of eventing. After years of experience under different trainers and working student positions, she established a successful lesson and training program in Kentucky, coaching riders from Starter through advanced FEI levels and producing horses to the upper tiers of the sport. A pivotal chapter came when Emily joined the program of Phillip Dutton; it was there that she met Corvett, a striking Holsteiner with immense talent, a bold jump, and plenty of personality. Their debut competing at the 5* level came right here, competing at the Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2021. The pair delivered a standout performance, finishing as the highest-placed 5* first-timers and thus launching a run of consistent results at the sport’s most demanding level. That debut marked the beginning of a remarkable streak, as Emily and Corvett have completed every competition at this level they have entered since. Over the following seasons, Emily and Corvett have methodically tackled the world’s most iconic 5* tracks. In addition to multiple appearances here in Kentucky - most recently finishing in 12th place this past April - the pair went on to complete the legendary Badminton Horse Trials and Burghley Horse Trials , further cementing their reputation for consistency, bravery, and reliability at the top of the sport. Their most recent 5* performance at Les Étoiles de Pau capped a historic achievement. Combining a personal-best dressage test with confident, scopey jumping across both jumping phases, Emily and Corvett climbed steadily up the leaderboard to secure a spot in the top twenty and complete their six-of-seven milestone. It was a performance that embodied everything their partnership represents: precision, grit, and trust built over time. Emily Hamel's story - with Corvett at her side - is one of long-term vision and unwavering commitment; proof that a dream sparked on a 4-H field trip can, with enough determination, lead all the way to the very top of the sport.

For Alabama native Jim Graham, eventing has been more than a sport — it’s been a lifelong journey shaped by resilience, opportunity, and a deep love for the horse. With over five decades in the saddle, Jim has worn nearly every hat: international competitor, trainer, FEI judge, mentor, and Technical Delegate. These diverse experiences have shaped him into one of eventing’s most respected voices, blending competitive success with an unwavering commitment to horsemanship.

Mary Fike’s name is synonymous with the soul of American eventing. Her fingerprints are found not just on score sheets and start boxes, but on the very fabric of the sport — especially where it matters most: the grassroots. With decades of experience spanning competitor, coach, secretary, organizer, and mentor, Mary has dedicated her life to building a sport that is inclusive, educational, and rooted in true horsemanship.

Karen Yates has never been one to follow the beaten path. A lifelong horsewoman and passionate amateur eventer, her story is one of grit, generosity, and an unwavering love for the sport. Though her introduction to eventing may not have been conventional, her contributions to the community have become nothing short of transformational. Raised on Air Force bases without the benefit of structured training, Yates’s entry into the world of eventing was entirely self-taught. “I didn’t have an instructor until I was 32,” she says—by which point she had already spent five years actively competing. Without jumping lessons or formal coaching, she would simply show up at events and learn by doing. Her survival in those early days came down to two things: the boldness she carried into the saddle and the athleticism of the horses she rode. She trained every one of them herself, driven more by determination than direction. Yates’s breakthrough came in 1993 when she first competed at the upper-levels at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. “I never schooled any cross-country at all,” she remembers. “My horses saw the course for the first time when I got there.” The experience was a defining moment. Though daunting, it was emblematic of her entire riding career—rooted in experience, experimentation, and an indomitable spirit. But as her ambitions grew, so did her awareness of the risks involved. She recalls the 1996 Olympic cycle, during which she competed with 45 pounds of lead on her horse—weight that ultimately contributed to a suspensory injury. That setback shifted her perspective. She began stepping back from the upper levels, prioritizing the safety and longevity of both her horses and herself. Even as she turned away from elite competition, her love for the sport never wavered. Instead, it found a new outlet. In 2017, Yates launched a unique initiative at Copper Top Farm: the “horse party.” Aimed at introducing newcomers to eventing, the horse party was her answer to what she saw as a troubling trend. “I was running into young people who had never ridden out of a ring,” she explains. “I thought, this is not a good way for this sport to grow.” Her horse parties were designed to be approachable and fun, offering small jumps and cross-country schooling in a low-pressure environment. It wasn’t just about teaching riders to jump—it was about giving them a taste of what makes eventing so thrilling. The concept took off. Riders of all ages and backgrounds began flocking to Copper Top Farm, not just to ride, but to become part of a welcoming, horse-loving community.

Each spring, the rolling hills of the Kentucky Horse Park come alive with world-class sport, vibrant crowds, and an undeniable electric energy. The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ delivered on every front, with fierce competition, unforgettable performances, and emotional victories. From eventing legends to Olympic athletes, this year’s champions delivered standout performances on one of the world’s most iconic eventing stages. Here’s a look back at the remarkable riders and horses, who topped the podium.

Introducing the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Fan Guide Whether you’re a seasoned spectator or a first-time fan, this guide is your go-to resource for navigating the biggest weekend in U.S. eventing. Inside, you’ll find: • Expert predictions and top contenders 🐎 • Phase-by-phase breakdowns 📝 • Past winners and historical highlights 🏅 • Everything you need to follow the weekend with confidence 📖 Flip through the Fan Guide and join us for an unforgettable ride at #K3DE!

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