2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Set to Showcase Top Equestrian Talent
April 24–27 | Kentucky Horse Park |
April 15, 2025 at 3:11 PMBy b.wehner
Eventing enthusiasts are preparing for an exciting weekend as the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian™, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park.
The World’s Best Riders Are Coming to Kentucky!
This event promises to highlight some of the finest talent in the sport, with live and on-demand streaming provided by ClipMyHorse.TV for audiences around the world. The competition features one of the most formidable lineups to date, with riders from seven different nations participating, including eleven Olympians. They will take on the challenging phases of cross-country, dressage, and show jumping. Notable competitors include Olympic gold medalist Michael Jung from Germany, who aims for his fifth victory at this prestigious venue aboard fischerChipmunk FRH. In the running against him is World #1 Tom McEwen from Great Britain, riding JL Dublin, seeking redemption after previous near wins.
Additional contenders include Tim Price of New Zealand, Harry Meade from Great Britain, and Boyd Martin from the USA, who will ride Commando 3. The event will also spotlight emerging U.S. talent like Caroline Pamukcu and Hallie Coon with their respective mounts. Beyond the highlight event, the weekend will feature the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4-S and the Kentucky CSI5*, presenting opportunities to see both seasoned champions and newcomers in action. With nearly 90,000 fans flocking to the event each year, it is known as “The Best Weekend All Year” due to its combination of top-tier competition, vibrant vendor areas, and educational experiences for attendees and viewers alike.
Live commentary and behind-the-scenes content will be accessible on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV to enhance the viewing experience.
Related Articles
USEF Offers Members the Chance To Help Horses in Need
New in 2026, the U.S. Equestrian Federation unveiled a new feature called Lifetime Care Contacts, allowing USEF members to add themselves to a horse’s digital USEF record signifying that if the horse should someday be in need of financial assistance or a home, they would like to be contacted.
Other11 hours ago
Gallop the Globe: Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington
Welcome to Wellington, Florida — the undisputed winter equestrian capital of the world. Every year, this sun-soaked destination transforms into a dazzling hub where elite riders, world-class horses, and passionate fans converge for a season of unparalleled competition.
OtherJanuary 22, 2026
Latest News
A Second Win for Bertram Allen at WEF Week Three, This Time in a Speed Class
It was more like zero gravity for Ireland's Bertram Allen and Zero K, the 12-year-old Danish Warmblood mare, as the duo flew to victory in the CSI4* $32,000 Defiant Whisky Speed class on Friday. Allen also placed fifth, with Kadans, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, among the 36 entries.Ansgar Holtgers Jr and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Kantibes finished second.
Jumping33 minutes agoWilton Porter Wins the CSI2* $32,000 Qualifier at WEF
Riding for the U.S., Wilton Porter steered the 12-year-old Hanoverian gelding Sternmarke 3 to victory in the CSI2* $32,000 Florida Coast Equipment Qualifier on Friday. The top 12 of 51 trips returned for the jump-off in the 1.45 meter class during week three of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida. Of the 12 in the jump-off, six jumped double clear.
Jumping3 hours agoKent Farrington Races to Victory in $117,000 FEI CSI5* Welcome 1.50m
Kent Farrington topped a competitive international field in the $117,000 FEI CSI5* Welcome 1.50m, delivering a fast and fault-free round aboard Orafina to stop the clock at 33.88 seconds. Farrington’s precise turns and forward pace made all the difference in the high-stakes class.
Jumping9 hours ago