Photoset: A High-Fashion Horse Inspection at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Boyd Martin (USA) will ride two horses this weekend: Cracker Jack (pictured here) and Master Frisky.

Competition at the 2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event begins on Thursday, April 23 with the first day of dressage. But the initial horse inspection on Wednesday afternoon has increasingly become a spectator draw.

This year, 75 horses were presented for inspection, and all 75 horses passed. Kyle Carter of Canada had been on the schedule, but made the last-minute decision to pull his horse, Madison Park, from the event.

Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles (USA) is making a return to Rolex after a hiatus from top level competition as she searched for the perfect equine partner. So far, she and S.V.R. Ron look pretty great together.

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The initial horse inspection is a serious part of eventing. The ground jury observes each horse individually to look for signs of any unsoundness that could compromise its ability to complete the grueling competition ahead. Eliminations prior to the start of competition are rare, but they do happen when the ground jury determines that it’s in the best interest of the horse.

Even with that somber backdrop, the jog is a fun opportunity for spectators to see these top horses and riders groomed to their very best. As has become tradition here at HorseChannel, we’ve picked some of our favorite horse-and-rider pairs to showcase. Tell us who you think deserves to win best dressed—and who you’re hoping wins the big prize on Sunday—in the comments at the end.

Kentucky-based Allie Knowles appears to be testing out her duds for a Derby party as she presents Sound Prospect.

If you can’t join us here in Lexington, follow along with our news and photo coverage from Rolex here on HorseChannel.com. You can also watch the full event live and for free on USEFNetwork.com.

What’s the saying? “The best accessory you can wear is a smile.” Allie Blyskal Sacksen (USA) and Sparrow’s Nio appear to have taken this advice to heart.

Rolex can’t officially start until Buck Davidson (USA) shows up with his lucky red polka dot socks. Davidson has three horses scheduled to compete this weekend, including longtime partner Ballynoe Castle RM, shown here.

Dana Widstrand (USA) makes a bold statement as she presents her 18-year-old OTTB, Relentless Pursuit, in their Rolex debut.

You know Elisa Wallace (USA) from her Extreme Mustang Makeover victory. This week, she’s making her four-star debut with a Thoroughbred, Simply Priceless.

Francis Whittington (GBR) turned heads with the striking Easy Target.

Sweden’s Jennie Jarnstrom donned a patriotic ensemble and a fantastic pair of boots as she presented Cape Town.

Jordan Linstedt (USA) shows that eventers can rock western style, even with a horse as sporty as Revitavet Capato.

Jimmie Schramm (USA) of Evention TV fame is making her Rolex debut this week with longtime partner Belamy. I’d ask Jimmie for her secret to fabulously toned arms, but I think we all already know.

You’ve got to love the subtle and sophisticated horse head print on Laine Ashker’s (USA) wrap dress. She and her OTTB Anthony Patch are Rolex veterans, undoubtedly hoping to add to their impressive resume this weekend.

Prince Charming doesn’t ride a white horse. He IS a white horse. F.I.S. Prince Charming and his princess/rider, Lisa Barry (USA), are making their Rolex debut this week.

Lauren Kieffer (USA) and Veronica were the highest-placed Americans at last year’s Rolex, finishing 2nd behind William Fox-Pitt. We’re expecting big things from them this year. No pressure, Lauren!

Another first-timer, Leah Lang-Glusic (USA) is here with her OTTB, AP Prime, looking poised and professional for the ground jury.

Lynn Symansky (USA) and her OTTB, Donner, have had a long and successful partnership. But just because he’s been around the world a few times doesn’t mean Donner can’t get a bit puffed up when he knows the crowd is looking at him.

The last time Michael Jung (GER) competed in Kentucky was the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where he took the individual gold. He’s teaming up again with his WEG partner, La Biosthetique – Sam FBW, shown here. He’s also brought Fischerrocana FST, the horse he rode to the individual silver medal at the 2014 WEG. That’s an impressive lineup!

22-year-old Mackenna Shea (USA) is the youngest competitor in the field this year. She and her Landioso are making their four-star debut.

While the women tend to have more options for jogwear than the dudes, 2008 Rolex champ Phillip Dutton (USA) shows that there is more to life than black and navy. He’s shown here with Mighty Nice, one of three horses he’ll ride this weekend.

Selena O’Hanlon (CAN) looks like she’s ready to have a great weekend with Foxwood High.

You can’t miss this pair. Sharon White’s (USA) bright jacket stands out, but it still isn’t quite as flashy as the markings on her Wundermaske.

Will Faudree (USA), Andromaque, and Will Faudree’s glasses were scrutinized by the ground jury. All three passed.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Bay My Hero are the reigning 2014 Rolex champions. Bay My Hero is pretty sure they can win again. In fact, he was ready to jump out of the inspection area and attack the cross-country course today.

A practical jacket on a cool windy day. Lots of pockets for carrying necessities. Zara Phillips (GBR) is doing it right. The 2006 WEG individual gold medalist and 2014 WEG team silver medalist is making her Kentucky debut this week with High Kingdom.

9 years ago

Leslie Potter

Leslie Potter is a graduate of William Woods University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science with a concentration in saddle seat riding and a minor in Journalism/Mass Communications. She is currently a writer and photographer in Lexington, Ky.Potter worked as a barn manager and riding instructor and was a freelance reporter and photographer for the Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar and Saddle Horse Report before moving to Lexington to join Horse Illustrated as Web Editor from 2008 to 2019. Her current equestrian pursuits include being a grown-up lesson kid at an eventing barn and trail riding with her senior Morgan gelding, Snoopy.

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View Comments

PKL says:
April 23, 2015 at 6:37 am
Beautiful Pictures.
louise says:
April 23, 2015 at 9:54 am
never mind practical didn't anyone tell Zara we dress for the jog over this side of the pond?
Kylie says:
April 24, 2015 at 5:13 pm
Wish i was there
Galadriel says:
April 24, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Cool