DEFENDER KENTUCKY

THREE-DAY EVENT CCI5*-L

presented by MARS™ Equestrian

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Everything you need to know about

The Kentucky Three-Day Event

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is an eventing competition held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on the last weekend of April. Horse and rider duos compete at the highest level in the sport under the CCI5*-L designation. This is the same level as Olympic riders and the World Equestrian Games. Prize money of $400,000 is distributed among the top placings.


Although the event's name continues to reflect its roots as a three-day competition, the Kentucky Three-Day Event currently takes place over four days (Thursday through Sunday). Due to a large number of entries, both Thursday and Friday are devoted to Dressage. Cross-Country is on Saturday, and show jumping is on Sunday. Join us for this exciting weekend of world-class equestrian competition.

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An equestrian triathlon

The Disciplines

The ultimate test of horse and rider! One event, three disciplines, testing the resolve of the timeless partnership between horse and rider. The three disciplines include Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping.

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The Latest Results

Click here for the 2023 results and leaderboard positions during the competition.

The 2023 Champions

Previous Trophy Winners

Winners of the 2023 Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L are:


  • 1st Place and Kentucky Three-Day Event Trophy – Tamra Smith (USA) on Mai Baum
  • 2nd Place – Tom McEwen (GBR) on JL Dublin
  • 3rd Place – Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA) on Miks Master C
  • Owner of the Winning Horse – Alexandra Ahern, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell
  • Breeder of the Winning Horse – Gunter Gerling (GER)
  • Highest Place International Rider – Tom McEwen (GBR) on JL Dublin
  • Highest Place Sole Owner/Rider – Doug Payne (USA) on Quantum Leap
All Trophy Winners

EXPLORE THE

Cross-Country Course

The 2023 Cross-Country Course was designed by Derek di Grazia. To pinpoint your position on course, find food, arenas, big screens, parking and restrooms download the free CrossCountry app.

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Gallery

Scenes from the Kentucky Three-Day Event

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