Apr 24, 2024

The 2024 K3DE Daily: First Horse Inspection

By Meagan DeLisle - USEA Staff
Boyd Martin and four-star ride Fedarman B had a dressage school on Tuesday. USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

Lights, cameras, action! The first formal horse inspection (which some might informally refer to as "the jog") at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE) takes place this afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. While this part of the event is a fan-favorite historically based on the impeccable turnout of the horses and the stylish and forward fashion choices of the riders (we are looking at you Boyd Martin in hopes that you bring back the American flag suit circa 2022), it serves a very important purpose: ensuring that each horse is fit, sound, and ready to compete at the five-star level.

This year's five-star Ground Jury consists of President Robert Stevenson (USA), Xavier Le Sauce (FRA), and Judy Hancock (GBR), as well as the FEI Veterinary Delegate Debbie Williamson (USA), and Assistant Veterinary Delegate Anne Baskett, DVM (USA).

All 36 pairs entered in the five-star at Kentucky will present before the Ground Jury and Veterinary Delegates for an assessment. Horses will either pass, be sent to the hold box for further evaluation and then potentially representation or be "spun," which means that they did not pass the inspection and cannot compete.

Want to know more about the process of a horse inspection? Check out this handy video featuring former USEA President Max Corcoran from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.

The CCI4*-S will only have one horse inspection throughout the duration of the competition which will take place on Sunday, April 28, prior to show jumping. The five-star field will also present again on Sunday morning before the final phase to assess their soundness after the first two phases of the competition.

Today's horse inspection takes place at 2:00 p.m. EST at High Hopes Inspection Lane at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Here is what you need to know to follow along today:

  • Follow along with the live scores for both the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S here.
  • Dressage ride times for the CCI5*-L can be found here.
  • Dressage ride times for the CCI4*-S can be found here.
  • The USEA will be posting updates throughout the day on Instagram and Threads. Follow @useventing to keep up with the action.
  • Don’t forget to stop by the USEA booth on the hill behind the Rolex Stadium to shop our exclusive new USEA apparel!
  • Get to know all of the USEA Young Event Horse graduates competing in the LRK3DE here.
  • Want more facts? Read through the USEA’s Fast Facts of the DK3DE!
  • Want to get early eyes on the cross-country course? Check out our course walk here!

​Helpful Links

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May 09, 2025 Convention

Experience the Spirit of New Orleans at this Year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”

May 08, 2025 Competitions

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin are Stars of the Show at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials

The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.

May 08, 2025 Education

Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Reframing Isn't About Hanging Pictures

At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.

May 07, 2025 Interscholastic

Through the Lens: 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships

We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA