As we eagerly anticipate the gathering of riders and their horses, we want to shine a spotlight on what sets our event apart—the unyielding dedication to safety. Here at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, safety isn't just a box to check; it's our top priority, woven into the very fabric of our planning and execution. We want to give you a glimpse into the extraordinary efforts that make safety the cornerstone of The Best Weekend All Year! One of the ways we ensure safety during the cross-country competition is by teaming up with Mike Boekholder of Boekholder & Associates to execute grounds testing. 

Mike has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and optimal performance of horses and riders in equestrian eventing through grounds testing for the last couple of years. Using a specialized diagnostic tool called a VST unit and a soil moisture probe, Mike meticulously assesses crucial ground conditions. This testing gathers data for aspects of the course like moisture levels, cushioning, firmness, and more. This process isn’t just a one-time deal, with the grounds ever-changing with weather and other environmental conditions, we have Mike and his team conduct this procedure 30 days before the event, seven to 10 days prior, and on the day before the cross-country competition. This is done for the entire course, every 125 meters for the first two tests, then every 250 meters the day before the cross-country competition. 

Once all the data, referred to as the Going and Course Variability is collected, it’s then shared with our team and the venue operators, fostering a collaborative effort to address specific areas of the course as needed. This proactive approach allows for adjustments in ground conditions, ensuring consistent footing throughout the competition. We are grateful for Mike and his team’s commitment to expanding testing and consulting services. 

The Going and Course Variability ratings were developed by a team of equine health and safety experts primarily located in England over the past five years. That work, spearheaded by the Research and Consultancy in Equine Surfaces (R.A.C.E.S.) team, a cooperative effort of Nottingham Trent University, The University of Central Lancashire, and Myerscough College, along with retired equine veterinarian Mark Lucey (former vet for the British National Eventing Team) has been critical in establishing the data utilized to analyze eventing courses.

The Kentucky Three-Day Event has implemented these testing protocols, setting a standard for safety and excellence to ensure horses, riders, and patrons have The Best Weekend All Year!

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