This year’s Kentucky Three-Day Event kicked off with a new title sponsor in Land Rover, but it was the same anticipation and excitement that spectators are used to as horses were presented in the trot-up.
Kentucky-based Allie Knowles and Sound Prospect are back again to compete at the top level close to home. Photo by Leslie Potter
The first horse inspection is a chance for the veterinary crew to assess the equine athletes to determine if they’re sound for the tasks ahead of them. It was a bit of a roller coaster as the ground jury held a total of seven horses for re-inspection. Joe Meyer of New Zealand opted to withdraw his horse, Johnny Royale, after being held. Erin Sylvester’s horse, Mettraise, did not pass after the second inspection. Fortunately, both riders are still in the competition with other mounts.
The first horse inspection is always a unique opportunity for attendees to see horses and riders up close and looking their best. Here are a few of the horses and riders from today’s jog.
Ashley Johnson embraces the springtime look as she presents Tactical Maneuver. Photo by Leslie Potter
Expressive faces on Boyd Martin and Tseserleg as they trot for the ground jury. Martin will also be riding Steady Eddie this weekend. Photo by Leslie Potter
It’s not Kentucky without Buck Davidson and his lucky red socks. He’s here with Park Trader (pictured above), Copper Beach, and Carlevo. Photo by Leslie Potter
2016 Canadian Olympic Team member Colleen Loach coordinated colors with her Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Potter
Floral and fabulous, Kentucky Three-Day Event veteran Elinor McPhail-O’Neal and RF Eloquence shine at the jog. Photo by Leslie Potter
Ellen Doughty-Hume and Sir Oberon are total pros at the jog. Photo by Leslie Potter
Canada’s Holly Jacks Smither and her OTTB More Inspiration look bright and ready for their second shot at Kentucky. Photo by Leslie Potter
High Times and rider Jennifer McFall made the trip to Kentucky from their home base in California. Photo by Leslie Potter
Kim Severson has won the Kentucky Three-Day Event three times in the past, with her super horse, Winsome Adante. She’s back again this year with Cooley Cross Border, hoping to make it a fourth. Photo by Leslie Potter
Leah Lang Gluscic is representing the Kentucky Derby look with the best hat of the day as she presents her OTTB, AP Prime. Photo by Leslie Potter
Old-school style for Lillian Heard as she presents Share Option. Heard will also be competing with LCC Barnaby. Photo by Leslie Potter
Canada’s Lisa Marie Fergusson goes for bold florals and retro polka dots as she presents her Welsh Cob/Thoroughbred, Honor Me. Photo by Leslie Potter
American eventing legend Karen O’Connor presented RF Scandalous for rider Marilyn Little. Photo by Leslie Potter
The returning champions from 2015, 2016, and 2017: Michael Jung and fischerRocana FST are hoping for an unprecedented fourth Kentucky win. Photo by Leslie Potter
Oliver Townend (GBR) with Cooley Master Class, looks happy to be back in Kentucky for the first time since 2010. He’ll also be riding MHS King Joules. Photo by Leslie Potter
Banderas is making his Kentucky debut with Pawel Spisak, the only rider here representing Poland this year. Photo by Leslie Potter
It’s been 10 years since an American won at Kentucky, and that was Phillip Dutton and Connaught’s year to shine. Dutton is here with I’m Sew Ready (pictured above) and a bright new hope at the four-star level, a horse named Z. Photo by Leslie Potter
Wundermaske always stands out among the herd of Kentucky contenders. He’s competing this year with Ecuador’s Ronald Zabala Goetschel. Photo by Leslie Potter
Canada’s Waylon Roberts is rocking the bow tie as he presents Kelecyn Cognac. Photo by Leslie Potter
Leslie Potter is a writer and photographer based in Lexington, Kentucky. www.lesliepotterphoto.com
