Can I Bring My Dog to the Kentucky Three-Day Event?
Horses have played an important role in Kentucky's history, dating back to the 1700s when Kentucky residents settled arguments with horse races. Next to the Kentucky Derby, the 3 Day Event is one of the most popular and visited equestrian events in the state.
Unsurprisingly, many horse lovers also love dogs. These animals have a long history of friendship and have formed beautiful relationships with horses and their owners.
If you're attending the 3 Day Event this year and want to know if you can bring your canine companion, you're not alone!
Read on to learn everything you need to know about bringing your pup to our celebrated equestrian event.
Are Dogs Invited to the 3 Day Event?
First, let's cut right to the chase: anyone attending the 3 Day Event can bring their dog! That said, we do encourage you to practice discretion when deciding whether to bring your pup.
Horses and dogs often get along, but dogs that aren't used to these gentle giants may find them a little unsettling. If your dog struggles with large crowds, noises, or other animals, they may have a hard time at our event. We want to ensure that the event is enjoyable for everyone, including the animals in attendance!
A Note on Assistance and Service Dogs
Certified assistance and service dogs are more than welcome at our 3 Day Event. There are no location restrictions for certified assistance or service dogs anywhere in the Kentucky Horse Park.
We ask that other attendees be respectful of guests with certified assistance and service dogs. Please do not pet these dogs or allow your dogs to play with them unless you are given explicit permission. Remember, these dogs have a job to do!
Can Dogs Attend All Equestrian Events This Year?
While dogs are welcome in the Kentucky Horse Park and at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, there are a few areas dogs won't be able to visit. This includes:
- Rolex Stadium
- Alltech Arena
- All grandstands
- All museums
- All restaurants
- All hospitality tents
- The theater
If, for example, you're planning on attending the dressage competition, you'll need to find a plan for your furry friend while you're watching the event.
Is There Dog Day Care While I Attend an Event?
We do offer a dog day care between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM during the event. This makes it feasible to drop off your pup before heading to an event, checking out our shopping experiences, or getting a bite to eat.
Dog day care is provided by the Lexington Humane Society and costs $12 per hour with a maximum cost of $50 per day. Spots are limited to 50 pups at a time and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop your dog off early before heading to the cross country horse riding competition if you want to secure a spot! Click here to learn more about our current doggy day care options.
FAQs About Dogs at the Event
Before you plan to bring your dog to the 3 Day Event, we encourage you to read through our frequently asked questions. There are a few more things you should know before the last weekend in April.
Can My Dog Go Off-Leash?
Both the Kentucky Horse Park and Kentucky Three-Day Event abide by Lexington's leash laws. For the safety of our guests, your dogs, and the horses that are here to compete, we require dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash at all times during the event. No matter how well-behaved your dog is, we ask you to respect the law while you're with us.
Is Food and Water for Dogs Available?
Vendors often bring water bowls for the dogs in attendance and we provide a few staffed Dog Waystations where owners can find water, treats, and waste bags. We do not provide dog food at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and it's not a guarantee that any vendors will, either. We encourage you to bring extra water as well as any food and snacks your dog may need throughout the day.
Is Vet Care Available?
We do not provide any medical care for dogs at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. If your dog is dealing with a health emergency, you will need to find a local animal hospital to seek care. Many local animal hospitals and clinics have limited weekend hours, but Bluegrass Veterinary Specialists and Animal Hospital offers 24-hour emergency care.
Should I Clean Up After My Dog?
We do ask that you clean up after your dog while you're on enjoying the event and the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, even when you're out on the cross-country course. We get over 33,000 guests each year, including little ones, and it takes a group effort to keep the grounds clean and enjoyable for everyone. If you happen to forget waste bags, you can find some at one of the Dog Waystations located around the park.
Can I Leave My Dog in the Car?
What if you want to attend the jumping test but our on-site dog daycare is already booked for the next few hours? Can you pop out to the parking lot and leave your dog in the car? Please do not leave your dog unattended in your parked vehicle or we may have to ask Animal Control or our event security to remove them by any means necessary.
Are Any Other Pets Allowed?
As of right now, we do not allow pets besides dogs to attend our world-renowned equestrian event. Nothing against cats, hamsters, and lizards! They may not enjoy the spirit of the event quite as much as dogs do, anyhow!
Will We See Your Furry Friend at the 3 Day Event?
April may seem like it's far away but the 3 Day Event will be here before you know it! We hope this guide has answered any questions you may have about bringing your dog to the Kentucky Horse Park for that beloved weekend.
Ready to start making plans in advance? Tickets go fast so the earlier, the better! Book your tickets today and don't forget to consider bonuses like reserved seating.
