6 Things You Must Do at Kentucky

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The #BestWeekendAllYear is finally here! We’re gearing up for a jam-packed, high intensity, thrilling week of competition, demonstrations, course walks, parties and general ridiculousness at Western Hemisphere’s only CCI4* event. If you’re joining us at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park, here are six things you must be sure to do this year.

Stay for the CSI3* Grand Prix

For the first time, the Kentucky Horse Park welcomes show jumpers to compete in a CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix in conjunction with the CCI4*. A $35,000 1.45m Ranking Class will take place Friday, April 27 at 6 p.m. and Saturday you can go straight from the cross country course to the Rolex Stadium to watch the $225,000 1.6m Grand Prix at 4:30 p.m.

The Friday and Saturday show jumping competition is free for anyone who is already on grounds for the four-star, but stadium seating may be limited on Saturday so be sure to reserve your seats online. Click here for more info on how to do that. Click here for the entry list!

Meet Your Idols

Hitting every course walk and autograph signing with the stars will keep you busy. We have a full line-up of opportunities to meet your favorite riders organized into a tidy document for your planning purposes here. While you’re at it, put that tax return to good use and shop the endless bargains in the trade fair. Click here to see what vendors will be at the KHP and where you can find them on grounds.

Run (or Walk) for Charity

This year’s charity 5K takes place Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds goes to the 2018 Land Rover Kentucky official charity, Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass, the “world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.”

Choose between running the 5K or cruising through a 1 mile fun run/walk. All participants will receive a t-shirt and kids under 12 will get a cool completion medal. Can’t be there in person but still want to contribute? Sign up as a “Virtual Runner/Walker” and they’ll mail you your race shirt.

To register for the race, click here: Head Up Heels Down 5K Race Registration.

Eat for Charity

OK. I’m no runner (you might find me doing the 1 mile fun walk with a cup of wine in hand), but I’m all about eating good food for a good cause. The Barley, Barrels and Bluegrass Dinner also benefits Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass and is quintessentially “Lexington” oriented. Enjoy an amazing meal complete with local food and drink, cooked by local chefs, and backed by local musicians. The party takes place at The Livery in downtown Lexington, which was in the 19th century the city’s largest stable for horses and carriages traveling through town. The event is the night of Thursday, April 26. Tickets are $95 a person and they will sell out fast. Click here to purchase yours.

Watch Demonstrations

Between rides in the four-star, check out the demonstrations and exhibitions in the Walnut Arena. From breed presentations to the Prince Philip Cup Games to a performance by Elisa Wallace and her mustangs, the line-up is always a good one! Check out the schedule here.

Party with EN

Of course, the one thing you won’t want to miss is EN’s 6th Annual ‘Insanity in the Middle’ Tailgate, presented by Amerigo. We’re talking snacks, booze, EN swag, games and photo ops with Chinch. This is our way of saying THANKS to our readers for all your support (and tolerance) throughout the year. Stop by tailgating spaces S294 and S295, near the jog strip and announcer’s tower overlooking the infield, and join the party.

What is your Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event must-do? Let us and your friends know in the comments. Want more ideas? Check out our must-do lists from years past (201420152016, 2017).

#LRK3DE Links: WebsiteRide TimesScheduleLive StreamLive ScoresEN’s CoverageEN’s InstagramEN’s Twitter