Kentucky skies were finally blessed with bright sunshine all day for the conclusion of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L. With two rails in hand for the show jumping phase, Michael Jung (GER) and Fischerchipmunk FRH dropped only one to finish on a score of 25.0, granting Jung a record fifth Kentucky 5* win—the others came in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.

Always modest and soft-spoken, Jung refused to tout his obvious and spectacular talent.

“It’s definitely luck,” he said afterward. “So many things can go wrong. I believe in my horse and this place, and I always have a lot of luck here. We had a pole down very early and had a long way to go. I gave him more balance it worked very well.”

Asked about his 17-year-old horse’s future, Jung was very positive.

“He’s looking super strong and getting better and better. Hopefully he stays like this, ears in front when cross-country starts. He loves jumping, and you can feel the horse is motivated in what he’s doing. Hopefully a few more years!”

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Finishing in second after a double-clear round on a score of 32.8 was Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3. His other two 5* mounts, Fedarman B and Luke 140, finished in sixth and seventh, respectively. As the highest-place rider for the U.S., Martin was named USEF 5* National Champion for a fourth time.

“I’m very blessed at the moment to have a group of incredible horses,”said Martin. “Michael [Jung] is an inspiration to my riding; I watch videos and try to copy him in my riding. He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest-ever eventing riders. I was just hoping for second place.”

For a little background on Commando 3, Martin told an interesting story of how he found him.

“I tried him when I went to a friend of [Jung’s] in Germany to try another horse and liked the other horse, who turned out to be a lemon! Six months later, [Commando] was still for sale. He hasn’t been easy—he’s spooky and sharp, but he has amazing quality and plenty of Thoroughbred and I knew right from the get-go that he was a special horse. He took a while to get there, but he’s arrived now.”

Finishing in third and fourth was Harry Meade of Great Britain, finishing on a 34.2 with Et Hop du Matz and 39.6 on Grafennacht.

“The horses here have been brilliant,” said Mead. “It’s a wonderful feeling when they go well. It’s really about the pride you feel in the horses.”

He wrapped the press conference with some very kind words about Jung, calling him the greatest eventing rider that ever lived—a statement that is indeed hard to refute for someone with four Olympic gold medals (three as an individual), three World Championship gold medals, and seven European Championship gold medals.

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

In the 4* division, Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record dropped one rail but stayed in the lead, finishing on a score of 33.0. He won the 4* here last year, too.

“[The rail down] made me think a little more about the time allowed, but I stuck to my plan,” said Coleman. “He kept the last three jumps up—I got a bit lucky there. He’s always displayed a real knack for cross-country; that’s why we kept going with him. He’s not the most natural in the other two phases. He has his own style; his character is what makes him a good horse. He has a conscience about him, trying to do the right thing, especially in competition.”

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Finishing in second place was Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante, who wrapped the day on a score of 33.9. Dutton also finished in fourth with Denim on a 38.8.

“We all earmark this event early in the year,” said Dutton. “It’s a relief to be sitting up here and have a good result. It’s ironic, my best jumper is Denim!”

Rounding out the top three was Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS, her Paris 2024 Olympic mount. The pair went double clear around the tricky show jumping course and finished on a 38.0.

“It’s been an amazing spring season,” she said. “I came away from Paris feeling I needed to get the horses stronger and get more confident with where I need to sit with my body type. [Freedom] has always been strong in the jumping phases, but I’ve had to work more with her dressage. It’s pure joy to go out with her and see the fruits of our hard work all winter.”

Join us again next year for more coverage of “The Best Weekend All Year!”

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Final Results

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (25.0)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (32.8)
3. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)
4. Harry Meade (GBR) and Grafennacht (39.6)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (40.6)
6. Boyd Martin (USA) and Fedarman B (40.6)
7. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (44.7)
8. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (50.9)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Karma (50.9)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Karma (50.9)
10. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (53.1)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Final Results

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (33.0)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (33.9)
3. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS (38.0)
4. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (38.8)
5. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (40.4)
6. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (42.9)
7. James Alliston (USA) and Nemesis (44.3)
8. Tamie Smith (USA) and Kynan (46.0)
9. Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz (48.2)
9. Jan Byyny (USA) and Beautiful Storm (49.9)

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap and Results appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Stay up to date on the action from the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Find information about the event, including a recap from each day of the competition below, and follow links to the full stories.

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Recap & Results

Kentucky skies were finally blessed with bright sunshine all day for the conclusion of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L. With two rails in hand for the show jumping phase, Michael Jung (GER) and Fischerchipmunk FRH dropped only one to finish on a score of 25.0, granting Jung a record fifth Kentucky 5* win—the others came in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2022.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day

After a day of deluges on Friday, cross-country day dawned dry, gray, and very cold for late April, with a “feels like” temperature of 45 degrees that persisted all day. The ground was still holding a lot of water, which turned out to be very deep and tiring for the horses, with scads of time penalties in both the 4* and 5* divisions.

Reigning Paris Olympic Champion and four-time winner of this event, Michael Jung (GER) rode his Paris mount, FischerChipmunk FRH, to an exceptionally fast round, with just 2.4 time penalties to stay in a comfortable lead. In fact, he has now set a 5* record for biggest lead margins after dressage and cross-country.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two

Under threatening skies that provided on and off downpours and even some lightning, nobody could catch Germany’s Michael Jung on the second day of dressage at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.

It was the last rider to go, Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3 who bore the brunt of a downpour that had held off for the rest of the 5* riders—yet he scored the best mark of the day from the judges, a 26.0, putting them into second place going into cross-country day.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One

Day one of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park in picturesque Lexington, Ky. with the first day of dressage tests. Under mostly cloudy skies—apart from a handful of short-lived, light rain showers—many of the top horses and riders in the world took to Rolex Stadium for the first phase of the event.

A Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event dressage record was broken when reigning Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH effortlessly danced across the ring to score a remarkably low 18.6.

Read more >>

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: An Impressive List of Entries

Six of the world’s top 12 eventing riders, including World #1 Tom McEwen (GBR) and World #2 Tim Price (NZL), head an impressive list of entries for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event will feature 11 Olympians and athletes from seven countries when it returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Read more >>

Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ to Serve as US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier

This year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S will serve as a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier when the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-renowned event, is thrilled to welcome back Cosequin® as the Title Sponsor of the Four Star competition.

Read more >>

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

After a day of deluges on Friday, cross-country day dawned dry, gray, and very cold for late April, with a “feels like” temperature of 45 degrees that persisted all day. The ground was still holding a lot of water, which turned out to be very deep and tiring for the horses, with scads of time penalties in both the 4* and 5* divisions.

Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L

Reigning Paris Olympic Champion and four-time winner of this event, Michael Jung (GER) rode his Paris mount, FischerChipmunk FRH, to an exceptionally fast round, with just 2.4 time penalties to stay in a comfortable lead. In fact, he has now set a 5* record for biggest lead margins after dressage and cross-country.

“I had a super ride,” said Jung at the press conference after cross-country. “He’s an amazing horse in the cross-country—he’s full of energy with very big strides, very honest. I can trust him. We get better together. We’re still learning, but a great partnership is very important for the cross-country. He felt a bit tired some places. I knew I was behind the time, but he kept galloping to the end of the course. He was really fit.”

Holding on to second place with 6.8 time penalties was Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3, one of his three mounts in the 5* division. Always one to provide entertainment, Martin spoke at the press conference with his baby on his lap (who didn’t want to stay in the back with Mom), and his older son briefly joined them on the stage as well.

“It was a bloody tiring day, every ride I was huffing and puffing!” said Martin. “I went quick on [Commando]—he’s young and fit and gave me a great round, but the ground was a bit tiring.”

Harry Meade of Great Britain made an eye-popping climb up the leaderboard with the day’s only two double-clear rides (no jumping or time penalties), moving from 17th to third with ET Hop du Matz and 18th to fourth with Grafennacht. Meade is ranked No. 4 in the world eventing standings.

“I was confident they were fit,” he said. “I thought I’d get out there and see how they felt. The first horse [ET Hop du Matz] I know really well, and hoped he’d be a good 5* horse. He’s very adjustable and has a long stride. The mare, Grafennacht, I don’t know as well; I had this spring to get to know her and wasn’t thinking about coming here. Then she won an event by 24 points, so it was a no-brainer to bring her here. I was disappointed with her dressage test; she got a bit tight in the atmosphere—it was her first time in [a big crowd]. I was questioning whether to run her [cross-country] at 11:30 or 12 today, then thought I’d just start out and see how she goes.” Apparently, the answer was VERY well!

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Course designer Derek di Grazia was pleased with the safety of the course this year.

“You never know at the beginning the day what’s going to happen,” he said. “You hope it’s going to provide a good competition. I’m happy every horse walked home—there were only two rider falls in the 4* and one in the 5* class—beyond that, there were some great rides that were really enjoyable to watch. Their time management is so good; at the end they are right where they need to be. We had lots of little runouts here and there all over the course, but it provided a good competition.”

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

Holding first place aboard Off the Record with the least time penalties in the division (7.2) was Olympic veteran and defending Kentucky 4* champion, Will Coleman (USA). Optimum time was 6 minutes and 37 seconds, compared to the 5*-L division at 11 minutes and 20 seconds.

“The roping and way the [jumps] were strung together made it tough to get the speed needed for time allowed,” he said. “It wasn’t surprising at all that nobody got close to it.”

As far as how his mount handled the course, he gives him all the credit it the world.

“When you have an older horse and they come out inspired to do it, it’s a rewarding feeling. I have nothing but admiration for that horse.”

Remaining in second and third with Possante (10.4 time penalties) and Denim (11.6 time penalties), respectively, was Phillip Dutton (USA).

“I feel a bit relieved,” he laughed. “It was a lot of hard work. I tried to have a crack at it. They both tried hard and will come out of it better.”

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Climbing from 14th to fourth with just 8 time penalties was Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix.

“Freedom GS is pure class,” she said of her mount. “She’s a fun horse to ride cross-country. She looks for the flags. The way they roped it, she was fast and efficient. She was pretty green when we took her to the Olympics. The first time she did the 4* was last season, but she was unaffected by the crowds. At Paris [2024 Olympic Games] it would’ve been nice to have one more year of experience under her belt, because this year she feels so confident.”

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s show jumping phase to see who takes tops the final standings in both prestigious divisions.

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Cross-Country

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (21.0)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (32.8)
3. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)
4. Harry Meade (GBR) and Grafennacht (35.2)
5. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (36.6)
6. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (40.0)
7. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (41.7)
8. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (44.7)
9. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (49.1)
10. Emily Hamel (USA) and Corvett (49.4)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Cross-Country

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (29.0)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (33.5)
3. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (37.2)
4. Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Freedom GS (38.0)
5. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (40.4)
6. Mia Farley (USA) and Invictus (42.9)
=7. Alexander O’Neal (USA) and Redtail Penumbra (43.4)
=7. Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz (43.4)
9. James Alliston (USA) and Nemesis (44.3)
10. Dana Cooke (CAN) and FE Quatro (45.1)

For complete dressage scores and updates about the event, visit www.kentuckythreedayevent.com.

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Under threatening skies that provided on and off downpours and even some lightning, nobody could catch Germany’s Michael Jung on the second day of dressage at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.

Jung has four Olympic gold medals and four Kentucky 5* titles. He continued his almost super-human roll by breaking his own record yesterday with an all-time event low score of 18.6 in the dressage aboard FischerChipmunk FRH, his individual gold medal-winning 2024 Paris Olympics mount.

It was the last rider to go, Boyd Martin (USA) on Commando 3 who bore the brunt of a downpour that had held off for the rest of the 5* riders—yet he scored the best mark of the day from the judges, a 26.0, putting them into second place going into cross-country day.

“I glanced up at the skies in the warmup, and it wasn’t looking good,” said Martin at the press conference after his ride. “It was like a Louisiana typhoon!”

Admitting weather is something eventers have no control over, he thought the rain may have actually helped the horse keep his head low, even if it was an added distraction. When asked how he felt after his ride, he said, “Relieved that I could put some dry underwear on!”

All three of Martin’s 5* mounts had excellent scores below 30 (Luke 140 with 27.9 for sixth place, and Fedarman B with 29.8 for eleventh).

“I’ve been working hard with their dressage,” he said. “To have three horses in the 20s been a huge amount of work—not just for me, but my wife [dressage rider Silva Martin], who rides them when I’m away.”

In third place after a strong ride today going into cross-country was Great Britain’s Tom McEwen, who rode Brookfield Quality to a 26.2. McEwen won Olympic team gold medals at both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.

Kentucky first-timer Libussa Lübbeke (GER) finished fourth after dressage on Caramia 34 with a score of 27.1 on Friday.

“The horse is bred by my parents,” she said. “It was wonderful to ride in that arena. She was listening and trying her best.”

Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S

Sitting in the lead in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S after dressage is Will Coleman (USA) riding Off the Record, who scored a 21.8—a new Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S record.

“He’s at the tail end of his career at 16 years old,” said Coleman after the day wrapped. “He’s kind of like me—he thrives on progress and trying to get a little bit better. He still has remarkable work ethic and has proven to be a very trainable horse, even at this ‘old dog’ age.”

Coleman plans to see how he feels after this weekend with the possibility of targeting a 5* in the future.

In both second and third place after two days of dressage is Phillip Dutton (USA), who rode Possante today to a 23.1 and Denim yesterday to a 25.6.

“[Possante is] a pretty stunning horse to have,” said Dutton. “There’s not too much to do in the dressage; he does it all for me. I was pleased with the way he settled during the last few minutes of the warmup. He took a deep breath and held it all together. He has tons of potential for years to come.”

In fourth place going into cross-country is Chris Talley (USA) riding FE Marco Polo. The pair scored a 26.8, placing them above dozens of more experienced riders. Talley gives all the credit to this special horse.

“My horse is 9,” said Talley. “His owner sent him to me just over two years ago. He went from Training to 4* in just over a year. He’s incredibly special, [and also] kind of emotional like me. This is his first time at Kentucky, [although] I came in 2019. There’s a little bit of pressure with him being young. I was hoping he’d reward me, and he did. I wasn’t expecting to be sitting up here!”

2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (18.6)
2. Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 (26.0)
3. Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality (26.2)
4. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 (27.1)
5. Tim Price (NZL) and Falco (27.8 )
6. Boyd Martin (USA) and Luke 140 (27.9)
=7. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Menlo Park (28.4)
=7. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (28.4)
9. Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy (29.1)
10. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist (29.3)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage

1. Will Coleman (USA) and Off The Record (21.8)
2. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante (23.1)
3. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (25.6)
4. Chris Talley (USA) and FE Marco Polo (26.8)
5. Ariel Grald (USA) and Diara (27.3)
6. Molly Duda (USA) and Disco Traveler (27.7)
7. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (27.9)
8. Will Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (28.0)
9. Dana Cooke (CAN) and FE Quatro (28.3)
10. Sarah Kuhn (USA) and Mr. Cash van de Start (28.4)

For complete dressage scores and updates about the event, visit www.kentuckythreedayevent.com.

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Day one of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L kicked off today at the Kentucky Horse Park in picturesque Lexington, Ky. with the first day of dressage tests. Under mostly cloudy skies—apart from a handful of short-lived, light rain showers—many of the top horses and riders in the world took to Rolex Stadium for the first phase of the event.

A Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event dressage record was broken when reigning Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH effortlessly danced across the ring to score a remarkably low 18.6. In doing so, Jung eclipsed his own standing record from 2022.

“I’m very happy to be here again,” Jung said. “I really love this place, this show. . . I had a great feeling with FischerChipmunk. Everything went well; I’m super happy.”

New Zealand riders rounded out the rest of the top four. Tied for second after the first dressage session are Clarke Johnstone (NZL) aboard Menlo Park, and Tim Price (NZL) aboard Jarillo. Both scored a 28.4.

“It’s been a very long time that I was here at the World Championships in 2010 and I’ve really wanted to come back,” Johnstone said. “It’s really the most beautiful setting and people are all so welcoming and wonderful. It’s great to be back here after all these years.”

Price, currently second in the world, also sits fourth with 13-year-old KWPN gelding Happy Boy. One of the last horses to go Thursday, Happy Boy and Price landed a 29.1 to give Price two horses in the top four so far.

“It was a good day with my two horses,” Price said. “Happy Boy tried really hard; same for [Jarillo]. We really want them to come and do their best and show what they’re capable of doing.”

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2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Standings After Dressage Day One

1. Michael Jung (GER) and FischerChipmunk FRH (18.6)
=2. Clarke Johnstone (NZL) and Menlo Park (28.4)
=2. Tim Price (NZL) and Jarillo (28.4)
4. Tim Price (NZL) and Happy Boy (29.1)
5. Boyd Martin (USA) and Fedarman B (29.8)
6. Jonelle Price (NZL) and Hiarado (30.0)
7. Calvin Böckmann (GER) and Phantom of the Opera (30.2)
8. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63 (32.3)
9. Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle (34.0)
10. Harry Meade (GBR) and Et Hop du Matz (34.2)

2025 Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Standings After Dressage Day One

During the first half of the day, Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S competitors took to the dressage ring under beautiful, sunny morning skies. The competitive field of horses and riders, featuring several Olympians, did not disappoint. After the first day of dressage, these are the current standings in the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S:

1. Phillip Dutton (USA) and Denim (25.6)
2. Molly Duda (USA) and Disco Traveler (27.7)
3. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Blake (27.9)
4. William Coleman (USA) and Very Dignified (28.0)
5. Robin Walker (USA) and SBT Barolo (29.8)
6. Alexandra Knowles (USA) and Morswood (30.3)
7. Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr (USA) and Cooley Candyman (31.3)
8. Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) and Carsonstown (31.7)
=9. Allison Springer (USA) and No May Moon (32.8)
=9. Olivia Dutton (USA) and Sea of Clouds (32.8)

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Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day One appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Lexington, Ky. —

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

McEwen, a two-time British Olympic team gold medalist and current World #1, has his sights set on the top of the Kentucky podium after finishing second in both 2023 and 2024 with his talented mount, JL Dublin. “Dubs” will be making his return for the third consecutive year alongside McEwen’s other entry, Brookfield Quality.

Also vying for the win are international veterans Tim Price, World #2, and his wife, Jonelle Price, who were the first husband-and-wife team to represent New Zealand at the Olympics. They were teammates on three consecutive teams (2016, 2021, 2024). Jonelle also rode on the Olympic team in 2012. They are joined at Kentucky by World #7 Harry Meade (GBR); World #10 Boyd Martin (USA), a four-time Olympian; World #11 Lara De Liedekerke-Meier (BEL), a two-time Olympian; and World #12 Michael Jung (GER), a four-time Olympian and four-time Kentucky champion. Jung is entered with his 2024 Olympic Gold Medal partner, fischerChipmunk FRH, who helped him secure his fourth victory in Kentucky in 2022. Jung also won at Kentucky in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

In addition to Martin, the star-studded U.S. contingent includes 2016 Olympian Lauren Nicholson, 2024 Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, and seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, whose horses are entered in the Cosequin® Lexington 4*. Dutton won the Kentucky title in 2008.

Other Olympians entered to compete include two-time Olympic veteran Clarke Johnstone of New Zealand and three-time Olympic veteran Jessica Phoenix of Canada.

The full list of CCI5*-L entries can be found here.

Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S Entries Are In: Top Riders Set to Compete

A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Heading the list of entries are defending champion and U.S. Olympic veteran Will Coleman, 2024 U.S. Olympian Caroline Pamukcu, 2023 Kentucky 5* champion Tamie Smith, and seven-time Olympic veteran Phillip Dutton, whose daughter Olivia is also entered. Coleman placed first and third in last year’s event, Smith placed second in both 2021 and 2023, and Dutton placed second in 2022.

Other U.S. veterans who are entered include Jennie Brannigan, Jan Byyny, Buck Davidson, Ali Knowles, Allison Springer, Lynn Symansky, Alyssa Phillips, who won the inaugural Cosequin ® Lexington 4*-S in 2021, and James Alliston, who placed third in 2022.

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 9-12.

The Series awards $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available here.

“The Cosequin® Lexington 4* couples with our traditional CCI5* competition to give eventing fans a full day of world-class competition,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “As part of the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, the Cosequin® Lexington 4* has more meaning than ever before, assuring us an even more thrilling competition.”

The full list of Cosequin® Lexington 4* entries can be found here.

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4* are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

— Edited Press Release

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

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Lexington, Ky. — This year’s Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S will serve as a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier when the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-renowned event, is thrilled to welcome back Cosequin® as the Title Sponsor of the Four Star competition.

Introduced in 2021, the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” K3DE annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. The event also features the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

This year, the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier. The inaugural US Equestrian Open Eventing Series consists of 20 qualifying events around the country leading into the Series Final, to be hosted as a CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International in Leesburg, VA, October 9-12. The Series will award $50,000 in prize money to the three highest-placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period, as well as $200,000 in prize money at the Final in October. The Series was created to further invest in future eventing athletes and showcase the sport to a broader audience. Additional information is available here.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cosequin^® back as a cherished partner of our event and as Title Sponsor of the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*,” said Molly Day, Executive Director of EEI. “Without the generous support of our sponsors, we would not be able to produce our incredible event. We are excited about being part of the new US Equestrian Open Eventing Series and look forward to another great year of world-class competition.”

“As the #1 veterinarian recommended joint health supplement brand, Cosequin® is committed to supporting the well-being of equine athletes. We are thrilled that the Cosequin® Lexington 4* will serve as a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open Eventing Series, further strengthening the future of eventing in the United States,” said Dr. Ethan Sutherland of Cosequin^®.

Tickets for viewing the Cosequin^® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing K3DE tickets and can be purchased at kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets.

Find all of our coverage on our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

— Edited Press Release

Thanks to CareCredit for our 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event coverage.

The post Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ to Serve as US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a clean trip over the show jumps bumped Oliver Townend (GBR) to the ultimate win at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L. Jumping in reverse order of standing, Townend’s clear trip aboard the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse Mare Cooley Rosalent left him in prime position as the final two to jump had rails down.

This was Townend’s fourth win at the Kentucky 5*, tying him with Michael Jung of Germany. Only Bruce Davidson, Sr., has more wins, with five between 1983 and1993.

Overnight 2^nd, reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham of Great Britain riding the 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Banzai Du Loir, had one rail down, dropping them to 3^rd.

Everything’s Coming Up Oli

Believe it or not, Townend figured right off the bat this was not to be their weekend.

“I was fairly upset with myself after the dressage,” he said at the final press conference. “I thought it was going to be a bit depressing going home on that plane not having won. But I gave myself a kick into gear and said, ‘She’s an incredible galloper, there’s no excuse for being too slow.’

“After that, I had a very clear picture in my mind of what I wanted to do,” he said. “I was going to do my job and try to be competitive.”

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The mare is clearly in the right sport, with personality plus.

“She’s definitely female,” he smiled. “She knows what she wants, is pretty feisty and needs managing, but she feels like she loves her job in all three phases. I don’t think there’s any weakness. She’s one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden.”

When asked what drew him to buy the green and scrawny mare as a 4-year-old, it seems her pedigree sealed the deal.

“It’s rare you see one trot and move like she did. I found out her father was jumping a meter 60,” and her dam was an accomplished steeplechase racer, boding well for the cross-country and show jumping phases of eventing.

Also, he joked, “I like gray horses.”

Second Place … Again

Although he was surely disappointed to come in 2^nd two years in a row, Tom McEwen of Great Britain always has a great attitude.

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“Dubs has been amazing this weekend. We’ve cemented our partnership; he’s a really quiet, kind character. He did the most amazing dressage, and I was gutted the mark was not as good as I thought [it would be]. He was absolutely flying on cross-country—he’s crazy special. He showed half of what he can produce in the dressage test. I know in his day he will wipe floors clean, [but I] put myself in a great position in an Olympic year.”

Close But Not Quite for Yas

After finishing 2^nd in 2022, this year young up-and-comer Yasmin Ingham (GBR) had another solid podium finish in 3^rd.

“We had an unlucky rub on an oxer. Our day will come. I’m absolutely delighted with him, from the beginning of the week until today. He feels amazing, and we’ll go work even harder.”

Top Finisher for the U.S.

After Mia Farley had four rails down with 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Phelps (she mentioned yesterday he struggles in the show jumping phase), Lauren Nicholson moved into 5^th place after one rail aboard 17-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding Vermiculus to become the highest-placed American at the Kentucky CCI5*. This is her third time earning that honor, behind only Phillip Dutton, who has done it five times.

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“We came feeling a touch rusty,” she said. “He hasn’t had a big outing since Pratoni [FEI World Eventing Championships in 2022]. He came here to be competitive, and I would’ve liked to beat this lot! He has such a fan following and is such a character anyway.”

USA goes 1-2-3 in the CCI4*-S

Winning the CCI4*-S division was William Coleman (USA) aboard the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Diabolo; Coleman also came in 3^rd on 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Off the Record.

“I’m surprised but not shocked,” he said. “At home, [Diabolo] gave me the feeling he was on the verge of doing something big. We’ve been biding our time until he was ready to show it to the rest of the world.”

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The horse had to make the Southern-Northern Hemisphere adjustment after being imported from Australia.

“We couldn’t do a whole lot with him last year, so we laid low and got to know him. That served us well. It did feel like this spring there were some good results around the corner.”

In 2^nd place was two-time Olympian Boyd Martin (USA) with 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3, and 4^th place with 14-year-old KWPN gelding Fedarman B.

“I’m very blessed with the two horses,” he said. “They’re hard to split; both are very good in all three phases. It’s a wonderful position to be in with a couple of favorites—like your children, you shouldn’t have one more favorite than the other.”

The third rider to finish in the top five (with a 5^th place finish) was 2023 Pan American Games individual gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu, who rode her Pan Am mount, the 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding HSH Blake.

Of her young string, she said, “He’s the oldest horse I have. My other four-star horses are heading to Europe in May for the European tour. If all goes well, hopefully we’ll be looking toward the [2024 Paris] Olympics.”

Attendance for the CCI5* and CCI4* eventing combined with the Grand Prix show jumping held two nights during the event produced a new attendance record of 101,239.

2024 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L Final Top 10

1. Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent
2. Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin
3. Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Banzai Du Loir
4. Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) and Carlitos Quidditch K
5. Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Vermiculus
6. Bruce Davidson Jr. (USA) and Sorocaima
7. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist
8. Elisabeth Halliday (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker
9. Christoph Wahler (GER) and D’Accord FRH
10. Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle

Find all of our coverage on our 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

The post 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Recap appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders as they claimed the top three spots after cross-country at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L.

Tom McEwen (GBR) and 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin had 4 time faults, but enough of a head start to maintain their overnight lead. Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and 13-year-old Selle Francais gelding Banzai Du Loir had 5.6 time faults but maintained 2^nd place. Oliver Townend (GBR) and 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Cooley Rosalent moved up from 8^th into 3^rd with just 0.4 time faults.

Lauren Nicholson and Elisabeth Halliday of the USA, who were tied for third going into this phase, each had a few time faults that bumped them down to 7^th and 8^th, respectively.

Mia Farley is now the leading U.S. rider after a fast and clear round aboard her 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Phelps. She sits in 5^th place going into Sunday’s show jumping.

A Banner Performance for Brits

Having finished 2^nd here last year in the CCI5*-L, Tom McEwen also holds team gold and individual silver from the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021.

“The pressure was performing up to what I know the horse can do,” he said after his ride. “Obviously this year we’ve all come here for a place on the [2024] Olympic team. It was really a rider’s track today. It rode really well and was a great place to be.”

When asked how he feels going into the show jumping phase tomorrow, he said, “Dubs is a great jumper. He’s done it plenty of times before, it’s just down to me.”

Reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) had a smooth round with one lucky bobble.

“He was brilliant today,” she said. “Everything pretty much went to plan—sometimes it doesn’t. He had one small moment at the Head of the Lake, where he got close to the corner. He was super honest and stayed on his line.”

Riding in his 100^th five-star and ranked the No. 1 eventer in world, Oliver Townend (GBR) made the trip to Kentucky in order to go all-out and get a highly competitive slot on the British Olympic eventing team this summer in Paris.

“I’d like to think [Cooley Rosalent] is in the mix [as a Paris horse],” he said. “She’s been to [the 5*] at Maryland and here. She’s proved she copes with the crowd and quick tracks.”

When asked why he’s prepping for Olympic selection in a 5* versus the 4* that many American riders are using as their final prep, Townend said that the talent pool in Great Britain is so vast that you want to prove yourself against the toughest competition.

“And if the selectors could listen to that, that would be great, thank you,” he joked.

Top U.S. Rider

Sitting in 5^th overall but the highest-placed American is Mia Farley, whose Kentucky-bred Thoroughbred, Phelps, is owned by Olympic gold medalist David O’Connor.

Having ridden him at two five-stars with no time faults—a feat only done 37 times out of 1,000 horses to attempt it—Farley and Phelps are clearly ones to watch.

“With Phelps and a lot of Thoroughbreds, you set a pace at the beginning of the course, and at the end you can ask them to go, and they have it.”

Going into his weakest phase, Farley hopes recent training will be just the ticket.

“He’s been working hard at show jumping.  Sunday is his weaker phase, and I hope his training at home has been working.”

USA Tops the CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Elisabeth Halliday (USA) and Miks Master C sit on top of the CCI4*-S leaderboard going into the final day.

“He was very keen today,” she said after cross-country. “He’s a very good jumper and he’s very careful. Although he was strong between the fences, he jumped great.”

Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo sit in second place currently.

“I was thrilled with him,” said Coleman. I have a lot of belief in the horse. We’re still getting to know each other. This was a step in that direction, and he enjoyed the Kentucky atmosphere and ate it up.”

Boyd Martin (USA) and Commando 3 also held their spot, sitting in third on the leaderboard.

“We’re all on very good show jumpers,” said Martin of Sunday’s jumping test. “The goal would be to give horses a good night’s sleep, school on the flat tomorrow, and do our best.”

Defender Kentucky CCI5* Top 10 going into Show Jumping

1. Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin
2. Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Banzai Du Loir
3. Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent
4. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist
5. Mia Farley (USA) and Phelps
6. Christoph Wahler (GER) and D’Accord FRH
7. Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Vermiculus
8. Elisabeth Halliday (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker
9. Jennie Brannigan (USA) and FE Lifestyle
10. Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) and Carlitos Quidditch K

Find all of our coverage on our 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page. Catch the livestream here.

Visit kentuckythreedayevent.com for a complete list of scores.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

This article about cross-country at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Cross-Country Day appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., nailing the dressage test at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L.

McEwen rode a steady and accurate test aboard the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin for a score of 24.6, bumping fellow countryman Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Banzai Du Loir’s leading score of 26.1 from yesterday down to 2nd place going into Saturday’s cross-country phase.

McEwen’s story of a 2nd-place finish at this event last year was overshadowed, as Tamra Smith was busy becoming the first American to win since 2008. But McEwen rides for the most competitive nation in the world in eventing, yet was good enough to win team gold and individual silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games (held in 2021).

“I’m just lucky to be back here,” said McEwen after his ride. “Dubs has been on amazing form, and today’s test really showed that. Yes, we were hoping to do a little bit better, but if you can perform on your not-so-great days, that’s pretty good.”

When asked why he makes the journey all the way across the Atlantic to compete in Kentucky when there is a 5* at Badminton in the UK right around the corner, he had nothing but praise for the locale.

“This is one of the best venues in the world,” he said. “We’d all like to be going to the Olympics [this summer], and this has got the terrain, the ground is amazing, and it’s designed beautifully. I came here to try for the British team—at every show they’re so strong. Everyone’s got different ideas [of how best to make the team], exposing [the horses] to something like that is perfect really.”

USA in Position

Tied for 3rd place after today’s ride is the co-highest-placed U.S. rider, Elisabeth Halliday. Riding the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooley Nutcracker, Halliday put in one of her usual dazzling rides for a score of 30.6.

She describes the horse as quite a powerhouse throughout the three phases of eventing.

“He’s very careful and powerful; he has a big engine, and he’s very brave.”

Tied for 3rd with Halliday is Lauren Nicholson (USA), who rode long-time partner Vermiculus, a 17-year-old Anglo-Arabian gelding.

“He was extremely excited to be back at the party [after missing last year],” Nicholson said after her ride. “He was the wildest I’ve ever had him. It’s been a collaborative effort keeping him happy and taking him out all the time for grass. We do a lot of groundwork with him as it works his mind without drilling under saddle.”

Asked about her exuberant mount, she laughed.

“He’s an Arab cross. You’re never going to wear him out. He felt extremely fresh in the ring, and it’s a fine line between being impressive and [performing] airs above the ground. The whole test I was just trying to keep that balance, and I was relieved we did it without any exciting moments.”

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s exciting cross-country phase. This year’s designer is once again Derek di Grazia, who is known for tough but fair challenges that allow the horses an “out” if they get into any trouble. One of the last selection trials for the 2024 U.S. Olympic eventing team, riders are sure to give it their all over the 27 obstacles on this 4+ mile course over undulating bluegrass terrain.

2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L Top 10 After Dressage

1. Tom McEwen (GBR) and JL Dublin, 24.6
2. Yasmin Ingham (GBR) and Banzai Du Louir, 26.0
=3. Elisabeth Halliday (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker, 30.6
=3. Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Vermiculus, 30.6
5. Sharon White (USA) and Claus 63, 30.7
6. Kirsty Chabert (GBR) and Classic VI, 31.0
7. Malin Hansen-Hotopp (GER) and Carlitos Quidditch K, 31.1
=8. Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent, 31.4
=8. Calvin Böckmann (GER) and The Phantom of the Opera, 31.4
10. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist, 31.9

Visit kentuckythreedayevent.com for a complete list of scores.

Find all of our coverage on our 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event landing page. Catch the livestream here.

Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.

This article about dressage at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is a web exclusive for Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!

The post 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Dressage Day Two appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.