The third annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the“Heart of the Carolinas” takes place May 2-5 in Chesterfield, SC. Now’s your chance to see what this event is about by reliving all the action thanks to a creative video produced by nFocus Pictures and visible on Southern 8ths’ YouTube channel.
This video showcases Long Format Eventing at the amateur level but with the aplomb of a professional level event. If you are a horse lover, have a passion for Eventing or are simply curious to peek behind-the-scenes at the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event then settle into your seats and fasten your seatbelts for an amazing 4-minute ride by going to So8ths_YouTube_Video.
You’ll get a chance to watch not just the competition but see who is teaching the educational clinics and how up close and personal the competitors are with the clinicians. These clinics are taught by some of the top horsemen in the Eventing community. Well-known riders and trainers Charlie Plumb, Will Faudree, Holly Hudspeth, Rebecca Howard and Susan Beebee are joined by “R” Dressage judge Sue Simpson and FEI course designer Tremaine Cooper educating the competitors on all aspects of the Long Format. FEI veterinarian Dr. Debbie Williamson and local vet Dr. Marsha Severt ensure the horses are fit to compete. Groom Natalie Varcoe Cox covers caring for the horses. Marc Donovan walks his show jumping course with the competitors.
There’s also a gala Saturday night barbeque, Nikon hat and photo contest, Kentucky Derby screening and much more. Combine that all in one video photographed on the amazing Southern 8ths Farm facilities and this will be an action-packed ride you don’t want to miss. And it just might inspire you to compete, volunteer or even become a sponsor; all supporting the amateur level riders who are truly the bulk of the sport.
The So8ths/Nikon Three-Day is part of the SmartPak USEA Classic Series. Southern 8ths Farm is also available for equestrian get away weekends where small groups can experience a “tailored training” approach. The Farm also allows other organizations to host their events at this venue. For more information about attending the event, using the facilities, competing, or becoming a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.So8ths.com, call (843) 623-5005 or email [email protected].
The CCI5*-L field was narrowed by one this afternoon following the first horse inspection on High Hope Inspection Lane at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Horse and rider pairs were looking their best, with a few horses demonstrating their readiness for the upcoming competition through their flamboyant behavior (we're looking at you Bronte Beach Z and Dyri).
The man, the myth, the legend himself, Derek di Grazia is back in his typical fashion at this year's Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and he has designed some beautiful tracks for both the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S competitions this year. You can get a first look at these amazing courses as well as some insider interviews with di Grazia himself thanks to our friends at the CrossCountry App!
It's the most wonderful time of the year—and we aren't talking about the holiday season. Welcome to 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) week! This week the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, will be crawling with eventing lovers from all across the globe for the first five-star of the 2025 season and the USEA is excited to once again be onsite for all of the action.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr. Timothy “Tim” Holekamp on April 19. He was 79.