Equestrian Events, Inc. Donates $20,000 to Justin’s Place Following the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™
Lexington, Kentucky – August 5, 2025 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), has donated $20,000 to Justin’s Place, a therapeutic horse farm in Wilmore, KY, dedicated to helping children with disabilities and disorders and their families. Justin’s Place was previously named the Official Charity of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™.
EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.
Committed to being a pillar of the equestrian community, both in Kentucky and throughout the world, EEI also works in collaboration with other events and organizations throughout the year to promote and elevate equestrian sports throughout the U.S. and internationally. Over the last 20 years, EEI has donated more than $1.1 million to the local and equestrian communities through its support of various charities.
“EEI is committed to supporting charities that serve the local community and the equine industry,” said Molly Day, Executive Director of EEI. “It’s truly an honor to make this donation to Justin’s Place, which does so much to share the healing power of horses and give back to children with disabilities and disorders and their families.”
The core mission of Justin’s Place is to create a nurturing space where children with disabilities and disorders can connect with horses and experience emotional and physical benefits. Established in memory of Justin King, a compassionate young man who had a deep affection for children with different abilities, the farm provides a serene environment where extraordinary children can find peace and joy through equine-assisted services.
Programs include Barn Buddies, a weekly session for children aged 3-12 that features therapeutic horseback riding, sensory petting zoo interactions and educational games. Another program, Stable Moments, pairs adoptive or foster children with trauma-informed mentors and horses for one-on-one sessions that foster healing and personal growth. The Vaulting Club introduces participants to gymnastics and dance on horseback, improving confidence, body awareness and teamwork. In addition to these structured programs, Justin’s Place offers community programs such as field trips, special education experiences and professional development workshops for educators.
More information can be found at https://www.justinsplaceky.com/.
