Appreciating Those Who Saved Kentucky in 2021

Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shelby Allen.

As we finish out a weekend that’s felt, dare I say, “normal” here at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, I wanted to take a moment to reflect back on 2021.

It almost feels like eons ago at this point, but the event nearly did not run at all in 2021 due to concerns over funding after it was decided there would be no spectators allowed if the event did go forward. But thanks to the dogged determination of Dorothy Crowell, Sara Kozumplik, and Lynn Symansky, a massive fundraising effort supported not only by large donations but also by the dollars and cents of an equally massive grassroots contingent was pulled off to eventually raise enough money to save the 2021 event.

2021 was a special year from the perspective of those who attended — it was eerie to be in a mostly empty Horse Park, but the event was intimate, well-run, and the relief at being here was palpable from all present. And this would never have happened were it not for the efforts of the thousands who donated.

This weekend, the larger sponsors who helped support the event last year were given VIP treatment in the Hospitality Tent, but we wanted to also take a moment to thank the fans who pitched in, too. Here’s a note from Sara Kozumplik:

“This post is to say thank you, the grassroots that made 2021 happen because that also made this year happen,” Sara said.

And we couldn’t agree more: THANK YOU for helping to make the #BestWeekendAllYear happen once more. Eventing is a community and a family, and we’re proud to be a part of it.

Go Eventing.