This week on the USEA Podcast we are joined by the new USEF CCI5*-L National Champion Boyd Martin, who rode Christine Turner's Tsetserleg to an overall second place finish at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and LRK3DE Rookie Ariel Grald, who finished in 12th place aboard Anne Eldridge's Leamore Master Plan.
Grald reviews her performance over the course of the weekend, discusses her takeaways as a newbie to the CCI5*-L level, how she handles the nerves of competing at the highest level, and what lies down the road for her and Leamore Master Plan.
Martin talks about how his partnership with "Thomas" has progressed since the World Equestrian Games last fall, how he has prepared this spring to compete at Kentucky, his cross-country round, and his plans for what the rest of the year might look like.
They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.
Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.
Can't make it to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Never fear! We've got all the details you need on how to access the livestream for both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L taking place this week.
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!