The CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions were able to complete their show jumping before the torrential rain interrupted the competition for the CCI2*-S division.
The show jumping course was designed by Chris Barnard. When asked how he felt about his courses, he remarked that the CCI4*-S "walked as tough as it rode." With only 14 clear rounds in the CCI4*-S, there were many changes to the leaderboard after dressage. Barnard designed his courses to be "fair for the level - the good ones have questions to answer, and the greener ones at each level are still quite comfortable to jump around. It's such a beautiful ring, and it's easy to design a nice, flowy course. It's good footing and the horses jump well off of it."
The outdoor arena drained nicely for CCI2*-S competition to resume. The cross-country footing is in excellent shape after the rain for the final phase of the FEI competition tomorrow.
The leaderboards going into the final phase tomorrow are as follows:
CCI4*-S
1st: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Fernhill By Night (24.50)
2nd: Matthew Flynn & Wizzerd (25.90)
3rd: Doug Payne & Quantum Leap (26.80)
4th: Will Faudree & Caeleste (27.40)
T-5th: Doug Payne & Vandiver (28.30)
T-5th: Clayton Frederick & FE Always In Time (28.30)
CCI3*-S
1st: Alexander O'Neal & Miss MoneyPenny V (29.00)
2nd: Boyd Martin & Fernhill Prezley (29.40)
3rd: Boyd Martin & Penhill Celtic (29.60)
4th: Hallie Coon & Cooley SOS (30.40)
T-5th: Sydney Elliott & Commando D'Osthuy (31.00)
T-5th: Kurt Martin & D.A. Lifetime (31.00)
CCI2*-S
1st: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Maryville Sir Henry (27.40)
2nd: Kelly Prather & Catch Me Cooley (28.90)
3rd: Leslie Law & Tout De Suite (30.50)
4th: Kimberly Steinbuch & Classiro (32.30)
5th: Dana Cooke & FE Whole Lotta Rosie (32.40)
For full scores, click here. To view the event program, click here.
Have your travels to Kentucky for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event begun yet? We've got the perfect podcast episode to help you make the time on the plane or in the car pass by as you prepare for all of the excitement of the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L that will take place this week. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown sits down with Will Coleman to talk all about this iconic week in U.S. eventing, his plans for the four-star this year (including an adorable homage to long-term partner Off the Record), his first ever time competing at Kentucky, and so much more!
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.