After a rainy night, the footing for the FEI cross-country drained nicely and held up well throughout the morning. Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp held on to her overnight lead aboard Fernhill By Night and added 4.8 time faults to her double clear show jumping round to take home the win in the CCI4*-S. Not one rider was able to make it through the finish flags within the time allowed, but the top 28 had no jumping penalties.
CCI4*-S Results
1st: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Fernhill By Night (29.30)
2nd: Doug Payne & Vandiver (31.10)
3rd: Doug Payne & Quantum Leap (32.80)
4th: Clayton Frederick & FE Always In Time (35.10)
5th: Matthew Flynn & Wizzerd (35.50)
CCI3*-S overnight leader Alexander O'Neal withdrew before the start of cross-country, moving the winning pair Boyd Martin and Fernhill Prezley into the top position. Even with 1.2 time faults, they won the division and Boyd Martin also finished in fourth with Penhill Celtic. Kurt Martin and Elisa Wallace were the only two to make the tight time.
CCI3*-S
1st: Boyd Martin & Fernhill Prezley (30.60)
2nd: Hallie Coon & Cooley SOS (30.80)
3rd: Kurt Martin & Compromise Elsewhere (31.90)
4th: Boyd Martin & Penhill Celtic (35.60)
5th: Sydney Elliott & Commando D'Osthuy (35.80)
In the CCI2*-S, the top eight horse-and-rider combinations all finished within the time allowed on Captain Mark Phillips' cross-country course. Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp led the field from start to finish with Maryville Sir Henry.
CCI2*-S
1st: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp & Maryville Sir Henry (27.40)
2nd: Kelly Prather & Catch Me Cooley (28.90)
3rd: Kimberly Steinbuch & Classiro (32.30)
4th: Jacob Fletcher & 5o1 Hollywood Legend (32.60)
5th: Kurt Martin & Reloaded (34.00)
For full scores, click here. To view the event program, click here.
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!