Equestrian Tailgating Tips

January 23, 2023

When it comes to equestrian events, there are few disciplines that have the opportunity for tailgating. Polo, steeplechase, and cross-country are a few equestrian competitions where tailgating is not only welcome, but a great way to enjoy the event while having a fabulous time! If you’ve never been tailgating at a horse event, we highly recommend it, but how does it all work? What do you do? What do you bring? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with equestrian tailgating tips that will help you plan your legendary tailgate at the Kentucky Three-Day Event or any other equestrian event you plan on attending.

Choosing Your Tailgate Spot

Not all tailgate locations are created equal. How do we know? The tailgate spots at LRK3DE are split up into several types based on location, views, and placement along the course. For example, platinum locations have the best views at some of the most popular jumps along the course while premium tailgates are up front in other locations near jumps. Standard tailgate spots are usually a bit farther out along the course or possibly behind premium locations meaning you may have to walk a little to get closer to the action.


Regardless of where you end up on the course, getting your tickets is the first step. Next up…what to bring!

A group of people are sitting under a tent in a field.

What to Bring to an Equestrian Tailgate

You’ve got your equestrian tailgate tickets, your location has been selected, and it’s time to pack the vehicle and get ready for the event. How exciting! Depending on your setup and how crazy you want to get, you can go from the basics of snacks and drinks to all-out-fabulous with gourmet hors d’oeuvres and craft cocktails complete with silver candlestick holders and maybe even a chandelier?! Yup, we’ve seen it all!


The Essentials

Whatever your goal, there’s a few key essentials you’ll want to bring. For starters, a 10 x 10 foot non-logo pop-up tent is a great way to keep you out of the weather, whether it’s sunny or rainy you never know when it comes to cross-country day and many other equestrian events will go on rain or shine. Be prepared! Next, bring some coolers and plenty of ice. Pack those coolers with soft drinks, beers and other beverages, and of course bring plenty of water so you and your friends can stay hydrated. And don’t forget the snacks! Easy snacks such as chips, cheese and crackers, and anything that doesn’t need to be kept cool does best for equestrian tailgating especially so it doesn’t get soggy on ice.

A group of people are holding glasses of drinks in their hands

Going Gourmet

Looking to elevate your equestrian tailgating experience? Go full on gourmet! From themed tailgates to gourmet food and beverages, there’s a ton of options so go ahead and get creative. We mean full on craft cocktails, create a theme for your tailgate and go all-out with decorations and even couches and chairs or hey, how about everyone dressing in matching white with white flowers and a crystal vase on course? Sure, why not?! One of our favorites was smoked Bloody Mary cocktails complete with a hand-held smoker to make those Mary’s extra special. Your imagination is the limit (just make sure you stay within the guidelines of the event so that you are not breaking any rules).

Stay tuned for more information and tailgating tips in upcoming articles, including a Dos & Don’ts of Tailgating, Tailgating Traditions and more. In the meantime, share your photos of great equestrian tailgates and share your equestrian tailgating tips on our social and tag us @KentuckyThreeDayEvent on Facebook and Instagram and use hashtags #LRK3DE and #tailgatetips so we can follow along and maybe you’ll even be featured in an upcoming article. Happy tailgating!

A group of people posing for a picture in a grassy field
January 8, 2026
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.
October 2, 2025
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.
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