Lexington, Ky.—April 26—The five-star riders were dressed to their best, and their horses were braided and groomed to present before the ground jury on a beautiful Wednesday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington ahead of the start of competition at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event.
The 38 horses that jogged at High Hope Inspection Lane all passed. However, announcer Brian O’Connor informed the crowd that Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello (Chello III VDL x Karelza), set to make their five-star debut, withdrew from the competition.
The weather in Lexington for Wednesday’s jog was clear with temperatures in the 60s. However, rain is in the forecast for Thursday and Friday. The dressage tests for the CCI5*-L are scheduled to begin in Rolex Stadium at 1:30 p.m. EST on Thursday with the first 20 horses in the field, followed by the final 18 starting at 1 p.m. EST on Friday.
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And they're off! The first official day of competition at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) begins today and we have a schedule jam-packed with dressage for both the four- and five-star fields.
The CCI5*-L field was narrowed by one this afternoon following the first horse inspection on High Hope Inspection Lane at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Horse and rider pairs were looking their best, with a few horses demonstrating their readiness for the upcoming competition through their flamboyant behavior (we're looking at you Bronte Beach Z and Dyri).
The man, the myth, the legend himself, Derek di Grazia is back in his typical fashion at this year's Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and he has designed some beautiful tracks for both the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S competitions this year. You can get a first look at these amazing courses as well as some insider interviews with di Grazia himself thanks to our friends at the CrossCountry App!
It's the most wonderful time of the year—and we aren't talking about the holiday season. Welcome to 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) week! This week the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, will be crawling with eventing lovers from all across the globe for the first five-star of the 2025 season and the USEA is excited to once again be onsite for all of the action.