WELCOME TO THE

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

APRIL 24-27, 2025

About

The Best Weekend All Year

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the world’s premier equestrian 5* events showcasing the world’s highest level of equestrian eventing. Held the last weekend in April in Lexington, Kentucky, this internationally renowned event draws the best horse and rider combinations worldwide. The weekend attracts people from around the globe to witness leading riders compete in addition to shopping, attractions, and sponsor experiences you can only find here. The Cosequin® Lexington CCI4* and The Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are hosted over the same weekend for even more opportunities to see exceptional equestrian competitions.

2025 Event Dates are April 24 - 27, 2025.

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The Latest

News & Updates

Behind the Barn 2025: Jessica Phoenix

April 19, 2025
The smiling assassin is back! In episode 10 of Behind the Barn, Jessica Phoenix joins us in the hot seat for a few more laughs and a few tough questions too. Continuing to break records for Team Canada, Jessica is a fierce competitor but is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Behind the Barn 2025: Phillip Dutton

April 19, 2025
What food does 7x Olympian Phillip Dutton eat during the day while he trains? What do his closest friends still want to know about him? In episode 9 of Behind the Barn, we surprise Phillip with some special viewer submitted questions that were sure to elicit some interesting (+ funny) responses. Even after 30+ years at the top of the sport, Phillip can and will still surprise you.

Inside Kentucky: Boyd Martin on Bringing His Best to the Bluegrass

April 18, 2025
He’s got 65 international wins, three powerhouse horses, and unfinished business at Defender Kentucky. In this episode of Inside Kentucky, Boyd Martin joins the show to talk about his road to the 2025 five-star — from early wins Down Under to the lessons of a career comeback after hip surgery. With Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 all peaking at the right time, Boyd shares what it’s like chasing the dream, building the horsepower, and why Kentucky still feels like home. Plus, hear his unfiltered take on what makes the American eventing crowds the best in the world. Highlights: 65 wins and counting: Boyd’s road from Werribee to the world stage Inside the stable: How Commando 3, Fedarman B, and Luke 140 are shaping up for Kentucky Why five-star wins mean more than ever in today’s sport Honest talk: injuries, setbacks, and chasing world number one What makes Defender Kentucky so special — and how US fans steal the show Guests: Boyd Martin – US Olympic rider and 65-time international winner Hosted by Nicole Brown Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.  Catch up on all of our Inside Kentucky episodes wherever you get your podcasts, and stay in the loop by following Defender Kentucky on Instagram and Facebook !

new for 2025

Defender to Showcase The Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Located in the K3DE Sponsor Village the Vehicles of HM Queen Elizabeth II will be available for viewing to all ticket purchasers and will feature vehicles used by the Royal Family either in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Five historic models will be on display at the event, including two of the earliest Royal vehicles.

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The Disciplines

An Equestrian Triathlon

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. It combines dressage, cross-country, and show jumping phases, and the winner of the three-day event is the pair with the lowest combined score.

A woman is riding a brown horse on a dirt track.
A person is riding a horse through a puddle in front of a sign that says defender
A man is riding a horse over a jump in front of a crowd.

The Competition is Heating Up

See the Current Standings & Latest Results

Results of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, and The Kentucky International CSI5* will be posted as soon as possible concluding each event.

download the cross-country app

Explore the Cross-Country Courses

If Cross-Country day is your favorite, you need the Cross Country App! From the app you can explore the 2024 Cross-Country course with photos and video guides. Plus, spectators can find their location on the interactive course and turn on the Venue Guide to see food, arenas, big screens, restrooms and more.

Download the App View the Courses

Premium Experiences

Clubs & Hospitality

Reserve your spot in one of our four private clubs with spectacular views, food and beverage service, and other benefits that can make your experience more relaxed, comfortable, and memorable. 

Explore Hospitality
  • A stadium filled with people watching a horse race
  • Three women are standing next to each other holding shopping bags.
  • A table topped with plates of food and a bottle of bourbon
  • A horse is jumping over a wooden fence that says defender
  • A woman is riding a black horse over a hurdle

    • Stay Connected

    Stay connected to what’s happening at the Kentucky Three-Day Event by following us on social media. If you would like more information or to be added to our email list, click here.