Let the countdown to the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event officially begin! Entries for both the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-L went live today and showcase some of the world’s best horses and riders. In total, 47 pairs are entered in the five-star competition with the bulk of the entries being made up U.S. competitors with 30 entries in the field. Pairs from Great Britain (5), Germany (4), New Zealand (3), Australia (2), Ireland (1), and Canada (2) are also on the roster.
Of those 30 U.S. pairs, three are currently also cross-entered in the five-star at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials which take place May 8-May 12, in Gloucestershire, England. These pairs include Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent and Boyd Martin and his two entries On Cue and Tsetserleg TSF.
There are a couple of previous Kentucky celebrities in this year’s five-star lineup including the 2023 Reserve Champion pair Tom McEwen (GBR) and the 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding JL Dublin (Diarado x Zarinna) owned by Mr. and Mrs. J. Lambert and Mrs D. Johnston. We will also see the return of the 2022 Reserve Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund’s 13-year-old Selle Français gelding Banzai Du Loir (Nouma D’Auzay x Gerboise Du Cochet) as well as three-time Kentucky champion Oliver Townend (GBR) who will be bringing over Diane and Paul Ridgeon’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Cooley Rosalent (Valent x Bellaney Jewel) who Townend finished third with last year at the MARS Maryland 5 Star.
With the Paris Olympics nearing, the CCI4*-S at Kentucky is also brimming with top talent. Many riders who are seeking a coveted spot on the U.S. team and have already had successful performances at the five-star level with their horses have opted to enter the four-star this year in preparation including the 2023 Kentucky champions Tamie Smith and the 18-year-old German Sport Horse gelding Mai Baum (Loredano 2 x Ramiro), owned by Alexandra and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell. In addition, 2023 Pan American Games (Santiago, Chile) gold medalist Caroline Pamucku has her gold medal-winning mount HSH Blake (Tolan R x Doughiska Lass), the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline and Deniz Pamukcu, Mollie Hoff, and Sherrie Martin, is also set to compete in the four-star.
Check out the full list of entries for both the four- and five-star divisions here.
With 2025 just days away, we thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the top moments for the USEA across the 2024 season. Take a trip down memory lane with us and relive these high-performing moments from our online news, the USEA Podcast, and our Instagram account!
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.