Kentucky International CSI5* Joins Major League Show Jumping Competition Roster at Kentucky Three-Day Event

August 15, 2025

As Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) launches its fifth season, the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, running as part of the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™, has joined the list of celebrated North

American competitions to make up the 2025/2026 MLSJ season.


Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), The Kentucky International CSI5* runs April 23 through 26 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International CSI made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was

held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024 and a CSI5* in 2025. Returning as a five-star event within the MLSJ schedule in 2026, EEI remains the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week.


“At EEI, we are committed to delivering world-class equestrian sport, and partnering with Major League Show Jumping to run our CSI5* during the iconic Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event elevates that mission to new heights. Their expertise, innovation, and dedication to excellence will ensure an

unforgettable experience for both our athletes and spectators,” said Molly Day, Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Events, Inc.


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. 

MLSJ Kentucky International CSI5* is positioned as Leg 8 of the MLSJ Season 5 schedule. Featured in the storied Rolex Stadium, it will serve as the final stop before the tour heads to its season finals in Monterrey, Mexico. It joins a schedule that includes Traverse City Horse Shows in Michigan; Angelstone

Tournaments in Toronto; CSI Greenwich in Connecticut; Highlands Cup in New York; Tryon International in North Carolina; and Desert International Horse Park in California.


“From the beginning, Major League has been dedicated to showcasing the best events in North America,” said MLSJ co-founder Keean White. “The Kentucky International fits in perfectly with that goal, and we are very proud that Major League Show Jumping will continue to elevate and celebrate top horse sport in Canada, The U.S. and Mexico.”


For more information about Major League Show Jumping and to view and complete Season 5 schedule, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com, or download the MLSJ App.

The Hands that Build the Sport: Unsung Eventing Heroes, ft. Mary Fike

September 18, 2025
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.

Equestrian Events, Inc. Donates $20,000 to Justin’s Place Following the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

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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