United States Eventing Association

The 2024 K3DE Daily: First Horse Inspection

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

• LRK3DE Website
• USEA Prize List
• CCI5*-L Order of Go
• CCI4*-S Order of Go
• Schedule of Events
• Livestream
• Live Scores
• USEA’s Coverage
• Meet the Five-Star Field

Follow the USEA event coverage on social media!

Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok