Cosequin® Returns as Title Sponsor; 4* Event Part of US Equestrian Open Eventing Series and Rising Lions Initiative 

Olympic veteran and World #20 Will Coleman (USA) is set to defend his title against a field of 51 total entries in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S during the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ (K3DE). Coleman, who won the 4* in 2024 and 2025 and also placed third in 2024, has two horses contesting the division this year. 

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™ returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 23-26. The Event is produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level. EEI is dedicated to creating opportunities for riders, horses, and equine organizations while advancing the United States’ strength and competitiveness on the international stage. 

K3DE features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. 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. Expanding its world-class offerings, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series qualifier, alongside the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Co-organized with Major League Show Jumping, the CSI5* brings an exciting team-based format to the week, culminating in a highlight Grand Prix. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” K3DE draws more than 90,000 attendees annually. 

Among those joining Coleman in the lineup for the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S are his fellow U.S. Olympians and 2022 World Championship Silver medal-winning teammates, Lauren Nicholson and Tamie Smith. Smith notably claimed victory in the CCI5*-L in 2023 and secured runner-up finishes in the CCI4*-S in both 2021 and 2023. 

Other familiar faces from the U.S. contingent include James Alliston, who placed third in the 4* in 2022; 2023 Pan American Games team Silver medalist Sydney Elliott, who placed third in 2023; 2011 Pan American Games team Gold and individual Silver medalist Hannah Sue Hollberg; Dan Kreitl, who placed fourth in 2022; Alyssa Phillips, who won the inaugural 4* event in 2021; three-time Pan American Games medalist Lynn Symansky; and 2023 Pan American Games team Silver medalist Sharon White. 

Three-time Canadian Olympian and five-time Pan American Games medalist Jessica Phoenix, who placed third in 2025, will also be looking to best her fellow competitors and earn her first victory in Lexington at the CCI4*-S level. 

Additionally, three young British riders will contest the 4* track this year, thanks to a support package provided by Rising Lions, a new initiative focused on giving rising stars in the sport of Eventing the opportunity to compete at some of the biggest events internationally. The three pairs are Elizabeth Barratt, 20, with Barratt Eventing’s Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau; Isabelle Cook, 21, on Tina Cook and Jim Cromiak’s Cymoon “F” Z; and Finn Healy, 21, with his own Greannanstown Monbeg Joe. 

All three athletes have had great success on the European circuit. One of the 2025 team Bronze medalists at the FEI Eventing European Championship for Juniors and Young Riders, Barratt currently sits at #1 in the FEI World Eventing Young Riders rankings and #5 in FEI World Eventing U25. Cook, who is #4 in Eventing Young Riders and #10 in Eventing U25, earned six medals during her four appearances at the European Youth Championship. Healy is a three-time Gold medalist at the European Youth Championship and World #32 in Eventing U25. 

Asked about traveling to the U.S. for this event, a spokesperson for Rising Lions said: “What a privilege it will be for these up-and-coming riders to compete in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S. The whole Rising Lions team is extremely excited about the trip and watching Isabelle, Finn and Elizabeth get the chance to develop their skills on the world stage. We can’t thank Kentucky enough for all their support in making this significant opportunity for these young athletes happen.” 

 
Additionally, EEI is thrilled to announce the return of Cosequin® as the Lexington CCI4*-S Title Sponsor. 

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 7-11. The Series awards $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available at https://www.usequestrianopen.org/categories/eventing. 

Cosequin® Joint Health Supplement is the #1 veterinarian-recommended joint health supplement brand^, developed by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc. Companion animal supplements include products for joint health, liver health, behavior, urinary tract health, digestive health, and skin/coat health plus overall wellness. To learn more, call (888) 886-6442 or visit NutramaxLabs.com. 

^ Source: Survey conducted among equine veterinarians who recommended oral joint health supplements. 

“We’re honored to return as the Title Sponsor of the Lexington CCI4*-S. This event highlights the incredible dedication of horses and riders, and Cosequin® is proud to support their continued well-being,” said Todd Henderson, DVM, President and CEO of Nutramax Laboratories. 

The full list of Cosequin® Lexington 4* entries can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/4-entries-and-ride-times. 

The list of CCI5*-L entries can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/5-entries-and-ride-times. 

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets. 

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. 

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 is a U.S. Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier and offers $50,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing the K3DE tickets. 

Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute 

Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational, the Kentucky International 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. After becoming a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event makes EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. More information on the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/the-kentucky-international-csi5. 

Tickets 

Single- and multi-day tickets are still available with various options to enhance the K3DE experience. Reserved seats in Rolex Stadium provide the best views of dressage and show jumping, while reserved tailgating spots make the most of Saturday’s cross-country phase. 

All-inclusive hospitality packages are also available to deliver an unforgettable, first-class experience. Enjoy the competition from elegantly appointed tents with prime views, watch every detail on closed-circuit monitors, and toast the day with premium beverages with three exclusive hospitality offerings, or secure a spot in the Members Pavilion, a brand-new premium experience. 

Further information and details on all ticket options on the K3DE, Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International can be found 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, which upgraded to the Kentucky International CSI5* for 2025, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI is also hosting the United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships in 2026-2028. 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.