A total of 45 out of 47 horses were presented at the first horse inspection of the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L on Wednesday, April 27. Prior to the inspection Tamra Smith withdrew Alexandra and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell's 16-year-old German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum (Loredano x Ramira) as he is headed to Badminton next week. The second withdrawal came from Buck Davidson when he opted not to present Cassie Segal, Lisa Darden, and Natalie Sandler's 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Errol Gobey (Cassini II x Ulla II). Only two pairs were sent to the holding box but, after representing, they were both accepted. Therefore, all 45 horses presented will move forward in the CCI5*-L.
The CCI5*-L horses were presented in front of the ground jury of Nick Burton (GBR), Gretchen Butts (USA), Christian Steiner (AUT), and the FEI Veterinary Delegate, Karen Nyrop, DVM (USA).
Pippa Funnell was first to present with her two horses, the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Majas Hope (Porter Rhodes x Brown Sue) who she co-owns with Marek Sebestak and the 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Maybach (Jaguar Mail x Lady Micra) owned by S.H.E Eventing. Michael Jung and the 14-year-old Hannoverian gelding Fischerchipmunk FRH (Contendro I x Havanna) owned by Sabine and Klaus Fischer, Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, and DOKR presented shortly after. This means the only two Rolex Grand Slam winners will compete head-to-head for the first time in the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L. Although they both competed at WEG in 2010, the last time Funnell competed at the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L was in 2003, and the last time Jung competed was in 2018.
The first horse sent to the holding box was the 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Millfield Lancando co-owned by rider Booli Selmayr, Kelly Morgan, and Jacqueline Thorne. The second horse sent to the holding box was Alexandra and Carla MacLeod's 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse Gelding Newmarket Jack (Newmarket Jewel x Newmarket Chantepie). After representing, both horses were accepted.
The CCI5*-L dressage will start on Thursday afternoon with William Coleman and Team Rebecca LLC's 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Dondante (by Pachio) being the first pair to go down the centerline in the five-star at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Helpful Links
Don't forget to follow the USEA event coverage on social media!
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Happy Kentucky week eventing fans! The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event kicks off with the first formal horse inspection for the five-star field this Wednesday, April 23. With so much excitement building up for the competition this year, we compiled all the facts you might want to know about this year's five-star lineup. Get to know each of the horses and riders entered this year a little bit better below!
Horse trials, from local grassroots competitions to FEI-level events, are the heartbeat of the eventing world. These trials are more than just a test of skill for riders and horses; they are essential to the growth and sustainability of the entire equestrian community.
Whether you've brought your horse up from Novice or took on the ride later in their career, getting to your first five-star on a special partner is a huge accomplishment.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!