Inside Kentucky: The Kentucky Review Show

April 29, 2025

The first five-star of the year is done and dusted — and Michael Jung has officially made history. In this episode, Nicole Brown is joined by Diarmuid Byrne and Annie Bishop to break down all the big stories from the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Mickey’s record fifth Kentucky title, Boyd Martin’s epic weekend with three in the top seven, Harry Meade’s masterclass across the country, and a few warm and fuzzy moments that reminded us why we love this sport.


From dressage dominance to that one early rail that gave us 15 seconds of jeopardy, they cover it all — plus, they take a look at the shifting US eventing landscape, future stars to watch, and why Kentucky just hits differently.


Whether you were there soaking it in or following from home, this is your full wrap-up of an unforgettable weekend.


Highlights:

  • Michael Jung's historic fifth Kentucky win with fischerChipmunk FRH
  • Boyd Martin's standout performance with three horses inside the top seven
  • Harry Meade’s cross-country masterclass and a big weekend for Et Hop du Matz and Graffenacht
  • Big moments for the US eventing team — and where the strength lies heading into a massive year
  • Future stars to watch (including a few who might just steal the show in 2026 and beyond)


Guests:

  • Nicole Brown — Our host for the show, keeping the conversation moving with expert insights and all the key moments you need to know.
  • Diarmuid Byrne — EquiRatings co-founder, bringing sharp analysis, big-picture context, and a look at what it all means for the world rankings.
  • Annie Bishop — US eventing insider and producer, offering standout stories, and plenty of inside scoop from the heart of the action.


EquiRatings Eventing Podcast:

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August 15, 2025
The newest addition to the 2025/2026 Major League Show Jumping event calendar is the Kentucky International CSI5*, hosted at the 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event.
August 5, 2025
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.”
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