Masterson Equestrian Trust Named Official Charity of 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™
Lexington, Kentucky – February 29, 2024 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) has selected the
Masterson Equestrian Trust, a nonprofit foundation that advocates for the conservation and preservation of equestrian green space for public use at Masterson Station Park in Lexington, KY, as the
Official Charity of the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™.
Organized by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) features one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. 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. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
Established in 2004, the Masterson Equestrian Trust (MET) Foundation works to advocate, enhance and protect Masterson Station Equestrian Facility for horse-related activities and events that serves the entire community. An open equestrian municipal park is rare, and like all valuable assets must be protected for the use of present and future generations. All proceeds from MET-hosted events and generous donations go directly back to the Park, and the MET Board ensures grounds are maintained to meet the standards equestrians need and expect.
“Over the last 20 years, EEI has donated over $1.1 million to support multiple charities serving the local community and the equestrian industry, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition of giving back with the Masterson Equestrian Trust,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “For decades, they have committed to preserving Masterson Station Park’s open beauty and ensuring its continued use for the equestrian community. We look forward to supporting their work in protecting this amazing facility for generations to come.”
“MET’s leadership has volunteered for and attended the Kentucky Three-Day Event since its inception, so we are especially honored by this significant and meaningful recognition and gift. We are grateful for EEI’s generosity and partnership, and as we celebrate our 20th anniversary look forward to continuing our work to keep Masterson Station Equestrian Facility free and open to the public for generations to come,” said Shelley Ryan, MET Board President.
More information can be found at https://mastersonequestrian.org/.
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™
The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping – for $400,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*-L level. K3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner.
Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S
Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L competition, featuring the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping. The Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S offers $50,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing the K3DE tickets.
Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
The $225,000 Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will take place on Saturday afternoon, April 27, after the cross-country portion of the K3DE. As part of the competition, there will also be a $35,000 Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday in the Rolex Stadium, after the day’s K3DE dressage competition. In addition to the new 4* level for the 2024 Grand Prix, there will be a new $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase during the lunch hour on Saturday, April 27. No stadium seat ticket is required for Friday’s Ranking Class. For more Grand Prix information, please visit https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/grand-prix/.
Further information about the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S, and the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is available at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/.
About Equestrian Events, Inc.
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI supports several local and equine charities and over the last 20 years has donated more than $1.1 million to various charities. For more information, please visit www.eq-events.com.
