Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
So before we get into the nitty gritty of what went down (literally) on Friday in the Defender Kentucky 5* dressage finale, I thought I’d just lead with a little Chat GPT-written diddy, which works the best if you sing it out loud to the tune of “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele:
He rode in, boots squishin’ down the lane,
Helmet brim drippin’, horse cussin’ the rain,
Commando’s eyes said, “Mate, you’re insane,”
But Boyd just laughed like, “That’s eventin’, babe!”
I threw my dreams into the muck and prayed, Set fire to the centerline and danced anyway, The heavens opened, the judges stayed, And somehow we strutted through the watery parade.
‘Cause we set fire to the rain, Half-passed like a runaway train, Splashed through puddles, still nailed the frame, And left the scoreboard callin’ our name —
The crowd wore ponchos, the judges wore frowns, His breeches looked like a Starbucks knockdown, Commando 3 said, “Bro, we’re goin’ down!” And Boyd just hollered, “Keep your head down, clown!”
Yeah, we set fire to the rain, Trotted bold through the soggy domain, Stayed on track while the world went insane, Now we’ll see who’s laughing after cross-country day.
ANYWAY. I digress.
As you can see by the photo above, we had quite the dramatic finale to dressage here at the always-weather-bipolar Kentucky, and it was the task of one Boyd Martin to get the job done in an absolute deluge aboard Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3 (Connor 48 – R-Adelgunde, by Amigo xx). There was one shot left to, well, maybe not topple Michael Jung from his 18.6 throne, but at least close the gap significantly. Several riders had given it as a shot, and the closest so far had been Great Britain’s Tom McEwen with Brookfield Quality, who went into second on a 26.2.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Not to be outdone, Boyd gritted his teeth and laid down an incredible effort with the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, earning a handful of 9s from the three judges (Christian Steiner at C, Anne-Mette Binder at E and Peter Gray at M), including one from Peter Gray for the Collective Mark judging harmony between horse and rider. The pair was also awarded a 10 on movement 16 of the test (Transition to collected canter left. Collected canter. Extended canter), all leading to an initial tie with Tom on a 26.2 that was later adjusted to a 26.0 to put Boyd alone in second heading into cross country tomorrow.
“He’s very good on the flat — flamboyant, good-looking, full of presence and enthusiasm,” Boyd commented after his test, water dripping from his tails. “He can be a bit spooky, so I’m glad we had arena familiarization. Strangely, the rain seemed to keep his head down! He was impeccably behaved. I was very pleased.”
Boyd was fairly non-plussed, as most event riders would be, about the monsoon. “I’ve been through it all,” he said. “There are always factors you can’t control — weather, footing, minor hiccups. You just adapt, stay positive, and focus on what you can influence.”
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Boyd hopes to get a first 5* done with this horse that he’s been quite keen on since he acquired the ride from Sweden’s Louise Romeike in 2022. He had “that look” of a real championship-type horse, Boyd mused in the early days of his partnership with “Connor”. While their initial debut at Maryland 5 Star last fall ended prematurely with a fall, it’s inarguable that this horse is one of Boyd’s top rides (and he’s got plenty of them, as he puts it: “I think this is the best group of five-star horses I’ve had.”) as we look ahead to the FEI World Equestrian Championships at Aachen next summer.
“To have three horses score in the 20s — it’s been a huge amount of work,” Boyd said. He also delivered a 27.9 with Luke 140 as the first ride of the afternoon, shaving several points off the 30.1 he scored in his 5* debut at Luhmühlen in 2023. Luke 140 went on to finish fourth, finishing on that score. “It’s sort of a relief when it all comes together. You stay up late at night wondering if something’s going to go wrong. Of course, there are things they could have done better, but generally speaking, I was just relieved that it wasn’t disastrous.”
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tom McEwen (GBR) then slides into third after Boyd’s score adjustment, and he was equally pleased with the work put in by “Nervous Norris”, as Brookfield Quality (OBOS Quality 004 – Bay Coffey Cavalier, by Cavalier Royale) is affectionately called due to his spooky nature. Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry’s 16-year-old Irish gelding was consistent in his marks for the most part, not quite earning the flashy 9s and 10 of Boyd’s score but staying competitive throughout all movements to earn his 26.2.
“He never lets anyone down,” Tom said. “He can be a bit nervous, but he’s an absolute legend. I’m so pleased with him — I really felt we got the most out of the test. We were on par with the scores at this level, but I was absolutely delighted. He handled the atmosphere like a trooper, even though he can be a bit spooky. I still can’t get him past that tent outside, so I’m really proud of him.”
Tom’s taken a somewhat unique approach to prepping for this run with this particular horse, noting that his pathway using mostly National-level competitions was slightly different from what he might do with other horses. “We began by doing an open Novice, then an open Intermediate, then another open Novice,” Tom commented, noting that he didn’t target any FEI events in the lead-up. “It’s a different pathway compared to most people heading to a five-star, but it’s worked for us.” Tom also takes advantage of galloping at British race trainer Nicki Henderson’s track, which allowed him to put on the finishing touches of fitness before hopping the plane to the U.S.
For Tom, the “non-traditional” path is all about confidence. Monica Spencer (NZL) takes a similar approach with Artist for her final event before a 5*, choosing often to run a lower level like a Prelim or an Intermediate to really boost the confidence of her horse before the big show. “It’s all about confidence for him,” Tom said. “Allowing him to run around smoothly and relaxed is key. The more relaxed he is, the better chance he has of producing his best test.”
Libussa Lübbeke and Carmia 34. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Germany’s Libussa Lübbeke, who is making her Kentucky debut and starting her second 5* this weekend, sits in fourth place overnight on a score of 27.1 with Caramia 34 (Comte – Floretta, by Fabriano). It’s a real family affair for the Lübbeke clan, who’ve all come over to the States to cheer Libussa on. In fact, Libussa’s brother, Frank, actually used to ride her horse and competed the now 14-year-old Hanoverian mare through the 3* level before she took over the reins.
“She’s been with my family since 2009,” Libussa explained. “My parents owned her originally, and my brother produced her through the lower levels. It’s really special for us to be here together. We’ve been enjoying every moment and making the most of the experience.”
“After completing Luhmühlen last year, we realized the opportunity was there,” she said of the decision to get on a plane and debut at Kentucky. “We thought, ‘We have the chance now, so let’s go for it.’ It’s been wonderful to make it happen.”
Libussa’s score bests her previous 5* score of 31.9 earned at Luhmühlen. A product of the Warendorf educational program for young German riders has made Libussa into an all-out competitor at the age of 24. She’s won three team medals at Junior Europeans, one of which was in 2022 with this horse, and so she’s certainly one to keep an eye on as she continues to gain experience at this top level.
Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tim Price (NZL) replaced himself in the top five after hitting the board with both Jarillo and Happy Boy yesterday, slotting now into fifth with his Olympic horse and Pau winner (2021), Sue Benson’s Falco (Cardenio 2 – Witta, by Weinberg), on a score of 27.8. It’s a score right on par for this horse’s typical performance, and Tim was pleased with his experienced partner, who finished sixth individually in Paris last summer.
“I thought he was phenomenal,” he said. “He was through, nicely connected, and really proving his quality. This morning in the warm-up he was quite buzzy, and I worried I might have overdone it, but I trusted our partnership and the fact he knows his job. He felt great in the ring, and I managed to carry that feeling right through my round. A couple of mistakes, of course, but at this level you have to execute almost perfectly — it’s not gifted, it’s earned through practice.”
Falco’s a strong shout to make a bit more of a climb over the next two days, having come second at Maryland last year, winning individual and team bronze at World Championships in Pratoni in 2022 and, of course, won Pau back in 2021, which was his 5* debut.
Meanwhile, Tim’s other two rides, Jarillo and Happy Boy, drop down slightly, into equal seventh and ninth, respectively.
Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re all pleased to see Luke 140 (Landos I – Omega VI, by Limbus) back at the level after a hiatus from various injuries since his last run and fourth-place finish at Luhmühlen in 2023. His 27.9 is good for sixth best on the board heading into cross country.
“He had two blips, but he’s a great dressage horse,” Boyd commented. “Being here for a couple of days to familiarize him with the arena made a big difference. In the warm-up I could tell he was in top form, and he performed really well out there. My favorite part of the test, though, was the walk. He really ‘walked the walk,’ which is our biggest challenge — anticipating the next movement — and he walked every step.” Boyd and Luke earned two 7s and a 6.5 for their extended walk work.
Luke has, famously, always been a bit of a cheeky boy, spinning Boyd off many times (“seven times this year, which sounds ridiculous!”), but the strategic pre-riding and hacking he’s done here at Kentucky has resulted in the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate feeling more settled, which really showed in his dressage work between the boards.
“He’s a high-energy horse and can struggle with particular exercises,” Boyd elaborated. “Because we work him so much here, he’s more settled; at home he’s quite a handful — bursting with enthusiasm.”
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
And so we’ll still have Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk to beat after the conclusion of dressage. He’s got 7.4 penalties, or 18.5 seconds of time, in hand tomorrow. We know Michael has no general trouble making the time, but Derek di Grazia has changed a bit up on his course this year, and some riders have mused that the track feels a bit more twisting than it typically does. It’s Kentucky, though, and there will be plenty of stretches to gallop and get back up on the markers if needed. We’ll have a full preview coming tomorrow morning on EN, but you can view the guided tour with Derek here on CrossCountryApp.
About 20 penalties separate first from 23rd place in the standings, so we will see a fair share of influence tomorrow. Cross country has been pushed back slightly to 9:30 a.m. (4*-S) to allow for some overnight weather to clear out, and the 5* will begin at 1:30 p.m. You can follow along live in Cheg’s live blog, which will publish in the morning for the 4*, and also using the live stream links in the list below.
In the meantime, dry off, pour a glass of wine, put on some Adele, and give the song at the start of this report a shot once you’re at least two glasses in. Go Eventing.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
In a sport of peaks and valleys, there’s no denying the feeling of elation you’d get from a personal best on a major stage. Will Coleman is basking in that light Friday in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S with his longtime partner Off The Record.
“What can you say about him? He’s [got] the heart of a lion. He just keeps trying to get better, even though he’s a year older. I just can’t say enough about him,” he said.
Riding for the Off The Record Syndicate, Will and “Timmy” rode an hour later than anticipated due to a weather delay, but despite that and the deluge, the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse rose to the occasion, laying down the best dressage score of his International career on 21.8 points. (His previous PB was 21.9 at Great Meadow in 2020)
Groom Erin Jarboe with Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
“He was really up this morning. I mean, he hasn’t really been out a whole lot this spring… but he’s an old, experienced horse. He remembers what he’s done here for so many years, and he was really excited this morning. And I actually think the rain kind of helped me,” Will said.
The first phase isn’t necessarily Timmy’s strength, though he is proficient and professional, so Will focuses on achieving relaxation above all else in warmup.
“I had a lot of great assistance from the Woodhead family—Ian and Amy—these last couple weeks. They’ve helped me a lot in understanding how to try to ride Timmy for those four minutes. We have to have him looking a certain way in the arena, getting him in there feeling confident in his body, and a little softer in his brain and in his frame,” he said.
“[I’m] not really riding for a test outline or a test frame until the horse is really soft and really available and feeling good about himself. And that might only be for a couple of minutes before you go down centerline, but I’m lucky that he’s experienced, and I know he’s going to be on his game in there. We relied on that. [I’m] kind of trying to be a yoga instructor for him—as sort of frustrating as that can feel at times—it worked.”
Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The 2024 season was one that was teed up to be monumental for Will, but ultimately ended up falling short of expectations. After narrowly missing out on the Paris Olympic Games, he opted for Timmy to have a crack at Pau CCI5*-L. Grueling conditions in a foot of mud left the pair settling for self preservation rather than speed, and their 24th place finish was respectable, but not the result he’d hoped for the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Because of that, he opted to ease Timmy into the 2025 season with four-stars rather than go pedal to the medal to get him five-star ready.
“You know, he had a long year last year. It ended up feeling like just a really kind of draining 2024, and Pau was just kind of a mess. It wasn’t at all what we had envisioned when we went over there,” Will said. “He’s 16. I didn’t want to start him back really that early this spring to have him as fit as he would need to be for Kentucky. The five-star level has always been kind of a stretch for him, and I think we wanted to just bring him out, do this 4*-S, maybe see how he feels after doing that—see what he feels like out there tomorrow. Then we can maybe pick and choose something, either like Luhmühlen, or maybe something else later in the year. But we just felt like the time frame was going to be a little quick. It felt like it would have been maybe a little taxing on him. He’s at a point where we don’t really want to tax him. I’ve always wanted to finish feeling like he’s got another run in him—not feeling like, ‘Oh, I wish I hadn’t done that.’”
Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Thursday’s dressage leader Phillip Dutton beat his own leading score, but couldn’t quite catch Will and Timmy. He moved his second ride, the the 12-year-old KWPN Possante into second place. Denim is now third on his score of 25.6.
Riding for the Possante Group, Phillip brought “Impy” to a new personal best not only at the level, but of his International career. His previous career-best was a 23.9 way back at the CCI2*-L level with former rider Emily King of Great Britain.
“I’m pretty pleased with Impy. It’s not the best conditions and there’s a lot of atmosphere in there and he kept listening to the all the way through,” Phillip said.
Phillip decided to enter both Possante and Denim in the four-star rather than the five-star this weekend, but he certainly won’t be bored on Saturday’s cross country.
“It’s bloody tough. Its a big course,” he said. “There’s six-and-a-half minutes and a lot to do in that time, so the time is going to be hard to get as well. I think you’ve got to ride pretty smart and have a plan, but you’ve got to be ready to adjust the plan as your horse is reacting.”
Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
Chris Talley takes fourth place with Allison Pratt’s FE Marco Polo. This the 9-year-old Oldenburg’s second four-star, and today they laid down a 26.8–their best International dressage score to date.
“He’s a remarkable horse. He’s quite emotional, but I think he and I are on the same kind of wavelength, so we’ve worked through some of his spooky issues. He’s really come to the horse park, and he felt like he wanted to play–like he knew it was a big deal. He’s been great all week, but my biggest concern was him being in there alone because he can go hero to zero really fast. But he believed me the whole way around. That’s what this sport is about–making a partnership with the horse, and today he rewarded me with that.”
Ariel Grald and Diara. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Ariel Grald moves into striking distance with Annie Eldridge’s adorably floppy-eared mare Diara. The 11-year-old Hanoverian (Diacontinus — Lady Revens, by Colon xx) has been challenging on the flat for Ariel in the last two seasons, posting uncharacteristic scores into the 40s, but today she was the picture of rideability, dancing to an easy 27.3 for third place.
Thursday’s second-placed Molly Duda and Disco Traveler have settled in sixth place (27.7), and Caroline Pamukcu moved from third to seventh with her Paris Olympics partner HSH Blake (27.9). Will Coleman’s Thursday ride, Very Dignified, moved from fourth down into eighth on a score of 28.
Canada’s Dana Cooke claimed ninth place with FE Quatro, an 11-year-old DSP (Quaterstern — Elina, by Coriograph B) owned by the FE Quattro Syndicate, on a score of 28.3. Aiken-based Sarah Kuhn wraps up the top ten aboard Deborah Kuhn’s 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Deauville van TL — Ishtar van de Start, by Toulon) Mr. Cash van de Start on a score of 28.4.
You’ll see the entire four-star class come forward for cross country Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. You can watch it all live on ClipMyHorse or follow along with our live updates on EN.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
This chipmunk will be hard to catch 🐿️ Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re back with the action at Defender Kentucky where the remaining 5* superstars are waiting in the wings to get their competition underway.
Yesterday we saw some quality dressage with scores to match – notably a new Kentucky record courtesy of Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH, who stamped down an 18.6 to storm into the lead overnight with a 9.8 point buffer over second place. A glance down the starting lineup for today suggests that we’re in for another exciting day’s sport. Will they topple King Michi? Um, probably perhaps not. But the big guns will be giving it a darned good go.
Boyd Martin will be bookending the day, heading into the ring with Luke 140 at 1:15pm EST / 7:15pm CEST before going Commando (3) 🫣 with EquiRatings’ third-best dressage horse in the field to wrap things up for the first phase of the 5* competition.
We’ll also see World No. 1 Tom McEwen bring forward Brookfield Quality, statistically the second-best dressage horse in the field, and Kiwi eventer extraordinaire, World No. 2 Tim Price will see what EquiRatings’ second-favorite for the win Falco can bring to the bluegrass.
Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you don’t have to miss a thing.
Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here – and keep up with the live leaderboard here.
Before we head out between the white boards, a further ‘refresher’ of the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog – refresh, refresh, refresh and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
As you know, here at EN we are very happy to type our fingers to the bone to bring our fellow eventing geeks all of the info, stories, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky throws our way. You’ll find all of our blood, sweat, tears and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because you can never have too much eventing, right? Go behind-the-scenes with us on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along and get involved here.
Before we press on with the serious business of live blogging, here’s some links for your perusal:
The weather in Lexington is not feeling quite so kind today as it was yesterday ☔ although I guess that depends on your approach to life. While we’re waiting for the bell, here’s a couple of songs for the situation:
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
UPDATE: Boyd Martin and Commando 3 are now safely situated alone in 2nd spot, after a slight amendment to the score. They are now on 26, which puts them 0.2 ahead of Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality in 3rd.
EN’s classic full round-up will be with you in whatever time it takes for our elusive mascot Chinch to get his furry ass along to the media tent to have his say in what went down in the dressage ring, and help with the mountainous task of cutting the whole thing down from epic doorstop novel to more of a novella – the struggle is real, guys, real. Eyes on the website for it dropping as soon as a team of superhumans and a chinchilla can make that possible.
Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what today’s dressage brought…
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Heading the charge as tomorrow’s cross country beckons is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who are sitting pretty 7.6 points ahead of their nearest competitors on a score of 18.6.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Hunting down the chipmunk in joint-second is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who are on a score of 26.2.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Sharing second spot is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.
4️⃣ 🇩🇪 In fourth is another German, making her 5* debut is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34, just 0.9 behind second place on a score of 27.1, in what was a very impressive test at their first time at the level.
But the scores aren’t everything, oh no. Yes, we’ve got big hitters gunning for the win, but eventing is about so much more than that. Here’s a quick run-down of some points of note from today’s competition:
🎇 Fireworks Avoided – Right from the off, Shannon Lilley had her hands full with Eindhoven Garette. He was kind of opinionated throughout the test but Shannon really did a great job of holding things together. He was really trying to do everything right but he’s so ready for tomorrow. He left the ring looking like he thought he’d done good. And he did. He could have really let loose in there. 10/10 for both horse and rider, really. They finished up on a score of 39.8.
🔔 Whoopsie – Today’s whoopsie was an unfortunate error of course for Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna, a real shame but this kind of 💩 happens to us all. Things started to unravel a bit after that and ‘Sid’ had a couple of moments, including into the final halt. A tricky day at the office for the pair. They scored 38.2.
👏 Bowed to the Crowd – Imperio Magic sure made the most of the applause at the end of his first 5* dressage test, bowing to the crowd as he gave his nose a scratch. Very cute. Mary Bess Davis had a solid start to her debut at the level with some convincing highlights and some things to go home and work on as her 5* career continues. They sit on a score of 39.8.
🤨 Grumpy Guy – The grumpy guy award definitely goes to Cooley Space Grey. Man, that guy is in this game for the cross country. He did everything Brooke Burchianti asked of him. But he wasn’t going to smile while he did it. He wasn’t upset by anything, he absolutely knows his job. He’s just a huge personality – fun, and fabulous when he’s galloping and jumping, but not so easy between the white boards. They scored 46.4. They may very well stay on that score though…
🌧️ Rain Men – Kentucky rain kept pouring down and we had a very wet trio of men as the competition got into the final stages. Someone better have snapped a photo because it would make for an interesting posterboy type thing. Maybe. The rain came down, and sideways, and down, and down. Tim Price and Falco bore the brunt of the early onslaught, but delivered a polished performance for a score of 27.8 and fifth place, a smidge better than his Maryland score when he finished runner-up. Harry Meade did not fare so well on new ride Grafennacht. The rain was dripping off ‘Lillie’s nose as she fought her way through the downpour and she struggled to focus on her work in the difficult conditions. They scored 35.2, a little way off her Maryland score of 26.1 with former rider William Fox-Pitt where she finished second. And boy(d) oh boy(d) did Boyd Martin need his love of being wet and cold to help him through today. Commando 3 was an absolute superstar as he performed his test in the pouring rain. He didn’t miss a beat. So polished. So professional. So good. The rain stopped just as they circled back to the center line for the final halt. A well-deserved joint-second spot for them, on a score of 26.2.
Over in the 4*, the second half of the competitors had their turn in the dressage ring. Here’s how things are looking in that formidable field:
1️⃣ 🇺🇸 Taking the lead in today’s session, sitting in top spot is Will Coleman and Off The Record with a score of 21.8.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 It’s a Dutton double for the rest of the rolling podium, with Phillip Dutton taking over his own lead this morning to sit in second place at this point in proceedings with Possante on a score of 23.1.
3️⃣ 🇺🇸 Phillip slid down two places after holding the overnight lead with Denim to finish up the final phase in third on a score of 25.6.
But the story of the dressage thus far has got to be Michael Jung’s enviable lead as he broke his own Kentucky record and pulled way ahead of the pack with fischerChipmunk FRH. If he finishes on his dressage score it’ll be the lowest-ever finishing score at 5*. And thus I’ll see myself out with a final musical offering 🧑🎤
Keep it locked onto EN for full reports coming your way and join me back with the live blog for ALL of the cross country tomorrow.
The 4* gets underway at 9am EST / 3pm CEST.
The 5* starts at 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST.
Dressage is done. It’s the best day tomorrow. Go eventing!
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
And so there we have it. Defender Kentucky 5* dressage is in the bag and we have ourselves a leaderboard going into tomorrow’s cross country.
1️⃣ 🇩🇪 Leading the pack is Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who laid it all down in the dressage ring to sit on a score of 18.6, 7.6 penalties ahead of the rest of the field.
2️⃣ 🇬🇧 Chasing the top spot is Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality who showed their mettle between the white boards for a score of 26.2.
2️⃣ 🇺🇸 Also hunting down the leader in joint-second is Boyd Martin and Commando 3 who are also leading the USEF National 5* Championship on a score of 26.2.
4️⃣ 🇩🇪 Just 0.9 behind second place, in fourth, is Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34 on a score of 27.1.
Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow, typing ‘til I can’t type no more as I bring you ALL of the cross country action – yep, we’ve got the 4* and the 5* coming your way. Don’t miss it!
The start box beckons for the 4* competitors at 9am EST / 3pm CEST when Lisa Barry and Rosie’s Aventadora get cross country day underway.
The 5* get to have their say from 1:30pm EST / 7:30pm CEST when trailblazers Tim Price and Jarillo will give us our first look at Derek’s 2025 offering.
Eyes on EN for what promises to be an awesome Saturday at The Best Weekend All Year.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
This is it, the final horse and rider to put their score on the board in the 2025 Kentucky 5*. ‘Connor’ is the third-best dressage horse in the field according to EquiRatings, so we could be in for a shake-up here. Eyes on ENers, Boyd’s going commando… 🫣
Oh bod(d), that rain! It’s pouring on poor Boyd and ‘Connor’. Although Boyd doesn’t mind being cold and wet…
They’re certainly not looking as though it’s bothering them. The early trot work is very smooth and fluent and there are lots of great marks coming in.
The halt at C is very strong and the reinback is very clean and easy. Scores are trending in the high 7s.
The walk is relaxed enough and the rain doesn’t seem to be affecting them, amazingly. It’s hammering. Oh my goodness. What an incredible horse this is. He’s just continuing on with his work. He obviously trusts Boyd implicitly.
The canter work is very soft and accurate to begin, although the first change is tricky. The second one comes through but is quite big – expensive mistakes. The third is great. Boyd is laser focused and Connor is being so impressively good in very difficult conditions.
Oh! The rain stops just as they circle back to the center line. The crowd goes wild. Boyd punches the air. Him and Connor are soaked through but smiling. What a super, super horse and what a pro Boyd is.
Great score incoming… They go into joint-second with Tom McEwen. Boyd’s in 1st, 2nd, 3rd in the USEF National 5* Championships.
Harry Meade and Grafennacht. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The penultimate combination of the day, and the dressage phase at Kentucky, Harry and ‘Lillie’ are over from the UK to take on the bluegrass. This mare is amongst the best dressage horses in the field. Where will she make her mark on the board with current World No. 4 Mr Meade? Incoming…
The weather seems to have settled now as Harry makes his way round the ring waiting for the bell. He looks very serious as he starts his test. Lillie has a look around in the halt and Harry just reminds her to save all that ’til after. She softens and they set off into trot.
This mare really has a lovely quality to her trot work. She’s light and expressive and the movements are flowing and look easy for her.
The rain’s back, it’s dripping off Lillie’s nose.
There’s an early mistake when Lillie breaks into canter in the trot work, but Harry brings everything back quickly. The halt at C is good and the reinback is accurate enough. Harry has to work to keep her attention in the walk but she’s relaxed enough and her quality’s clear. The pirouettes are clean. Lillie’s still looking around a little as she trots before the canter transition. She settles a bit more once she gets going though.
The scores have dropped slightly in the canter work. Harry obviously doesn’t feel he can push in the extended and things start to unravel a little. Things aren’t as smooth as Harry would have liked. Everything’s happening but it’s not as solid as we might have expected from this mare.
The weather is really, really difficult. The rain’s hitting them sideways. They both do a great job of holding things together as they come back to the center line and halts. Lillie looks up at the crowd as she finishes and there’s a big cheer for her efforts. He waves to the crowd as they walk out of the ring. A masterclass of riding, as always, in difficult conditions. They go into 17th just behind Harry’s other ride Et Hop Du Matz.
This Kiwi combination are the third-last to go. Falco is one of the best dressage horses in the field. Will he shake things up? EquiRatings have them down as second-favorite for the win. Eyes on 👀
Tim’s got his game face on as he canters straight down the center line in the pouring rain, which it seems is back to see us out today. They score a 7 for the halt and then set off into a very supple trot. Scores increase as we see just how extravagant this horse is in his extended. This is top quality work so far.
There’s lovely bend and flow in the lateral work as the rain really does start hammering down. Oh, poor Tim. People are taking cover in the crowd. Falco is being so good. He’s focused and concentrated on Tim and the marks are continuing to rise.
The walk is relaxed enough but the scores drop slightly. They get back into trot and the scores are on the up again. Falco’s canter is balanced and soft and Tim makes the changes happen. They’re clean but won’t get the really big marks. Trending scores are still in the 7s.
They come back around onto the center line and halt square to a big cheer and a “Go Tim!”. Those were not easy conditions for this pair, but Falco was so good and tried so hard. A nice sub-30 score incoming… Yup, and into 4th.
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’ve got some exciting tests ahead as we wrap-up the dressage at Kentucky 5*, and here’s one of them. Expect sub-30 for sure. EquiRatings has Dyri down as the fourth-best dressage horse in the field. The gelding celebrated being accepted at the first horse inspection with a few fireworks 🎇 Save it ‘til the end, buddy…
Things look to be well under wraps as they start their test with a very square, totally immobile halt. There’s a walk step into the trot but when they get going it’s nice and soft. The extended is lovely and then the horse comes back very easily.
There’s a lot of cadence in the lateral work and then another very good halt at C. The reinback isn’t quite straight but it’s accurate. They head off into the walk work and Dyri is relaxed and stepping through nicely. They’re smooth into the first pirouette and Dyri’s really listening to Lucienne. The second pirouette isn’t quite as smooth as the first, but it’s clean and accurate.
They go back into a confident trot and then set off into a balanced and rhythmical canter. The horse looks happy and comfortable in the work and is performing everything accurately. The changes are sound on the whole, the last one was a bit unfortunate. Nothing looks to be concerning in this test, you can just sit back and enjoy it. There’s a slight loss of balance round the turn back to the center line but overall this test has been solid and sound. Horse and rider clearly work well together and Lucienne’ll be very pleased with their efforts today.
Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Bronte’ scored a clear round in the first horse inspection, jumping over the flower decoration with room to spare 🌺 More dressage, less show jumping today though, please!
They make a seriously straight entry up the center line, really rhythmical and balanced. The halt isn’t super smooth but oh, when they get into the trot work we really see Bronte’s lightness and suppleness. Beautiful range in the extended, which is expressive and fluent. This is looking to be a very confident test so far.
Bronte looks around in the halt at C but gets the steps in the reinback. They set off into walk and Ema encourages Bronte to take the contact forward in the extended. The walk’s not quite as fluent as the trot work and a little tension creeps in on the turn into the line of pirouettes. Bronte’s anticipating the trot transition but there’s a pirouette to get done first. Ema’s patient though and makes it happen. Beautifully ridden.
They set out into a really rhythmical canter but there’s the feeling that there’s an awful lot of energy bubbling away underneath. Bronte’s being so good, listening and trying and happy in the work. Everything’s very clean and accurate and this is a picture of a horse and rider really working together.
There’s a tiny trot into the final halt. The quality’s definitely there but there were a couple of moments where things weren’t quite together, with expensive changes and some tension in the walk. Bronte looks relaxed walking out on the buckle. First phase done, the best one to go.
Matt Brown and Alderwood. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Just five more combinations to go after Matt and ‘Dan’. Matt had matched his sneakers to his tie for the first horse inspection, going for a bold yellow look. Suits you sir!
Alderwood’s making his 5* debut at Kentucky but he doesn’t seem to be letting the huge atmosphere bother him as he calmly works around the ring waiting for the bell.
They canter up the center line and start off with a square halt. Dan gets a bit upset after the halt as Matt asks for trot. There’s a very nervous moment. Dan’s spooking and won’t go forward. The wind’s picked up and he’s looking straight at a stand of flags. Matt encourages him though and they get going.
Dan starts to settle as he focuses on the work. Matt did a really great job to get his confidence back up. Things are going well until he comes round the corner before the halt at C, when Dan’s eye gets caught out of the ring again and there’s another moment. Matt’s so calm though, and they manage the halt and reinback nicely enough.
There’s the hint of a jig jog throughout the walk and Matt’s having to keep things together. The pirouettes are obviously going to be difficult but actually, they happen really well considering the horse isn’t as focused as Matt would like him to be.
Dan takes a breath in the trot work and things get back together. Unfortunately he taps the board which unsettles him a little, but then they head off into canter and can settle down a little.
The first change is nice and so is the second, they both come through and are accurate. The third is a smidge late behind. This is really impressive work on a horse that started off a little upset. But then there’s a break in the canter. Matt gets him quickly back. They finish up with a nice halt.
Matt gives Dan a lovely neck rub, really showing Dan that it’s OK. That was a tough ride for Matt but he really gave his horse confidence and Dan will have learned a lot and gained a bunch of experience in the ring today. He walks out happier and more relaxed than he came in, which is just what we want to see for these horses.
Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Rookie combo alert! Mary Bess vaulted competitively until she was 19. So galloping across country must be like a tame walk in the park to her, then.
Quick weather update – the rain has stopped.
Back to Mary Bess and Imperio Magic. They come into the ring and get their first 5* off to a solid start. There’s a hind off the center line in the halt. They set off into trot and look to be working nicely together. The steps are balanced and accurate on the whole. There could be a little more softness in the circles and lateral work for the big marks, but this is a sweet picture of a horse trying hard for his rider.
The halt is brief and the reinback is slightly sticky. They set off into walk and Imperio Magic is relaxed enough at the beginning, but begins to anticipate before the first pirouette and the tail swishes with a little jog step. The pirouette is quite tentative. The second happens well enough.
They go back into trot before transitioning to canter, when things seem to relax slightly. Mary Bess pushes for the extended but Imperio Magic offers a change at the end before changing back. He’s trying almost too hard, it seems. The changes are all there and the scores are trending on the whole just under 6. Solid and accurate.
Imperio Magic stops for a scratch on the way out of the ring, bowing to the crowd. He’s worked really hard. There’s a big cheer as they walk out and a huge pat for Imperio Magic. Overall, a very good 5* debut test, with some homework for next time.
Bec Braitling and Caravaggio. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oof, this is one gorgeous guy 🤩 ‘Ernie’ was my pick of the first horse inspection.
Bec gets a very steady entry up the center line, holding together all that power. An impressive picture to start. The trot work is soft and the horse really is trying hard. It’s not quite as fluid as some of the horses we’ve seen, but they’re clearly a partnership working together.
The halt at C isn’t quite as good as the first and the reinback is a little sticky. They set off into walk and Bec asks Ernie to stretch forward in the extended, but there’s a tiny jog at the end. He’s anticipating the tricky pirouettes. Bec navigates the first very carefully but she’s got to be tentative going into the second. There’s a lot of power and energy going on under the surface. She really helps him round the second.
They’re happy to get back into trot and then even happier to be in canter. The horse is really trying hard to do everything asked of him. The work is neat on the whole, until the first change. That’s tricky for this horse, he kind of jumps into it. He anticipates the second and there’s a bit of a moment. The tension’s really on the increase in these tricky movements.
Bec’s having to hold things together and does so really well into the third change, which is much better than the first two. They circle neatly enough back onto the center line and finish up with a nice halt.
This horse is so powerful and he’s obviously super fit and so ready for cross country. Bec did a great job holding all that together. There were some nice movements and some tricky moments.
🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 2:37pm EST when we’ll find out what the leaderboard will look like as we head into tomorrow’s cross country. Back in a bit! 🚜
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Gemma’ thought the jog at the first horse inspection was in fact the warm up for cross country and took off to jump the first. Will she be as keen for the dressage?
This pair get off to a solid start with the first movements coming up accurately and cleanly. Nothing’s big wow, but everything’s happening as it should. Scores in the 6s overall at the start of this test.
The trot work is very consistent and balanced. The halt at C is very good, but Gemma’s looking around a little. Caroline makes sure that she gets the instability. That was a brave move.
They set off into the walk work and Gemma is relaxed and happy enough. The first pirouette is very neat and tidy and the second one is too, maybe a tiny bit sticky in the first step. They go back into trot and then Gemma anticipates the canter transition and puts her nose up. Caroline pushes forward though and things quickly settle.
Caroline’s brave in the extended canter and we get to see Gemma’s power. Scores are still consistently mid-6s.
The changes are a little tricky, with a slight loss of rhythm, and there’s some tension creeping in. The canter isn’t as smooth as the trot work thus far.
They come round into an abrupt halt, but it’s square. The horse tried really hard in this test on her first time at the level. A very good showing overall.
Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Rookie combo alert! This guy’s affectionately known as ‘Gare Bear’ at home 🐻 which is just too cute!
They’re pretty straight on the entry but there’s quite a step sideways into the halt. The gelding picks his head up and it looks as though Shannon’s got her hands full here.
She really does a good job of settling this horse into the trot work. He’s started really listening to her and the scores improve as things go on. There’s a tail swish into the halt, but it’s square and then Eindhoven Garette is willing enough in the reinback.
They head off into walk and he tries to take the contact forward for the extended, but then there’s a little conversation going on as Shannon asks him to come back. This guy is not a fan of the pirouette. He shortens in his neck and his ears go back. This is not an easy ride for Shannon but she navigates the movements carefully and they get round. He’s happier once he gets going forwards again.
The canter work is a little tight, but the horse is listening to Shannon. He has a little to say about the changes. He stomps a bit into them. But he’s trying hard. They come back around to the center line and the final halt is much better than the last. Eindhoven Garette pokes his nose forward as he walks out the ring. He thinks he’s done good.
Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
World No. 1 Tom was runner-up in the Kentucky 5* last year, and the year before. Third time even luckier? The numbers guys at EquiRatings have this pair down as third-favorite for the win. It’s all to play for in the Horse Park and not a bad shout to be sitting on, statistically, the second-best dressage horse in the field.
‘Norris’ sure is showing his quality as he trots round the ring waiting for the bell. Ooo, this is going to be an exciting one…
Tom is serious as he comes dead straight up the center line and halts perfectly square. That looked like a flawless entry. They set off into a relaxed, flowing trot and then Tom pushes in the extended. It’s all so soft and light. The circle is flowing and the lateral work just looks so easy.
The halt at C is solid and the reinback no problem for this pair. Trending scores are exciting… Not quite at the same level as Michael’s though.
The walk is as excellent quality as the trot and the pirouettes are smooth. Oh, a tiny miscommunication happens in the transition to trot. Tiny. Tom gets Norris straight back.
They set off into canter, still soft and relaxed. The horse is confident and everything looks very easy for him. The push in the extended is impressive.
The flying changes are so accurate and true, not huge, but great. Scores are still trending for this pair to go into second place.
They finish up their test with another excellent halt and Tom gives Norris a big pat. More quality dressage at the Horse Park. That was a great test from this exciting pair. Into second they go, narrowing Michael’s gulf of a lead.
Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Astro’ took the opportunity to kick up his heels at the first horse inspection with a buck so perfect it looked choreographed. Let’s keep the dance moves a little more dressage today, hey?
They’re lovely and straight up the center line but there’s a bit of a step in the halt. Brooke puts that right behind her and goes into trot. Astro’s showing his readiness for cross country. There’s a tricky moment and Brooke’s having to sit tight. She gets him back on side and things improve. He’s just full of cross country dreams.
They halt at C and Astro lifts his head in the reinback. He’s not really working with Brooke right now. He’s not upset at all, totally comfortable, just this isn’t his favorite bit of eventing. They set off into walk and there are some jig jogs throughout but Brooke keeps things under wraps.
Astro’s playing with the contact in the short piece of trot between the walk and the canter. He looks happy to get going when they transition to the quicker pace. He’s performing all the movements but kind of on his own terms. This is a horse with a huge personality. Fun, but perhaps not so easy in the dressage.
They come back round and halt to a big cheer. The final halt is also done Astro style, kind of diagonal over the center line. He looks very pleased with himself. He’ll be even more delighted when he gets onto the cross country course. He’s one to watch tomorrow, for sure.
Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey score 46.4.
Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Rookie combo alert! At just 20 years old, Cassie’s the youngest rider in the field this year.
They get their Kentucky off to a sound start with a square halt, although there’s a little bobble going into the trot. Cassie settles Redfield Fyre quickly into his work though. The trot work is considered and clean on the whole and Cassie’s really riding well on her first time at the level.
There’s a step into the halt at C, which is kind of brief, but the reinback is clean. They continue on into walk and the horse stretches nicely into the contact in the extended. His head comes up as Cassie shortens the reins in preparation for the pirouette but is back very quickly. Cassie does a good job of keeping things under control there.
Redfield Fyre seems happier in the canter and Cassie’s brave in the extended. Scores are trending in the 6s overall. The changes aren’t quite there, they’ll be expensive. He’s not always got his hind underneath him, which made the changes really tough.
They circle back onto the center line and halt to finish their first 5* test. That was a great job on the whole, from both horse and rider. A very pleasing picture to begin with some unfortunate mistakes in the changes. Not bad for your first go out there.
Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Max’ was pretty as a picture and ready to run at the first horse inspection. Just a small matter of the dressage test first, please.
This pair look totally on the same page as they come up the center line. Max is so soft and supple, light on his feet and expressive. The extended trot in the early part of the test is particularly impressive. Early scores are trending in the 7s across the board.
They halt just past C which affects the score a little and then the reinback comes easy. Max settles into the walk but the scores are slightly lower than they were for the trot work. The second pirouette is a little wide. They set back off into trot and then go cleanly into canter. They really are working so beautifully together.
The extended canter is great. Max really showed off his power and extension. The changes are very clean and correct, not hugely expressive but very solid. Max tightens a little in his neck in the lateral work but Monica’s supporting him. He anticipates the final change and Monica does a great job getting that through clean.
They finish up back in the 7s for the final halt. This test has been a picture throughout. Really strong and accurate. A good score incoming…
Katherine Coleman and Monbeg Senna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
‘Sid’ gave the judges a wave at the first horse inspection 👋 Katherine’d quite like it if he kept the niceties to a minimum today.
Katherine and Sid get their Kentucky underway in the rain. Sid doesn’t look too bothered by it though and he’s being a good boy thus far, much more relaxed than at the horse inspection. He’s listening to Kathering and producing some strong trot work.
The halt secure and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a neat walk until there’s a little jig at the end of the change of rein. Sid settles quickly though. They navigate the pirouettes cleanly enough, although a little tight, and set off back into trot. Sids blowing out as he continues in trot, showing that tension that crept in over the pirouettes.
They get going into the canter work and Sid is looking a bit short in the neck, just that little bit of tension making itself known. And oh no, the bell’s rung. Ah, an error of course. That’s a shame.
OK, they’re back on track and things come undone a bit. Sid’s getting a bit excited in the first changes. Katherine’s doing a great job with him. They come back onto the center line and Katherine must be taking a huge sigh of relief as Sid has a little moment coming into the halt. Phew. He’ll be glad to get out onto cross country on Saturday.
Libussa Lubekke and Caramia 34. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Keeping it in the family, Libussa’s brother used to ride ‘Carla’ before Libussa took on the ride and brought the mare up to the 5* level, finishing top-10 on her debut at Luhmühlen last year.
They enter up the center line in the pouring rain and really do create an impressive picture. Libussa’s taking her time and they very quickly get into a really lovely rhythm.
The trot work is very smooth and the horse looks very comfortable in her work. They halt square at C and the reinback is accurate. Scores in the 7s coming in on the whole.
The mare is nice and relaxed in the walk work and navigates the pirouette neatly, albeit with a bit of tail swishing. Libussa takes a breath before asking for trot and Caramia responds softly.
They get into canter and the scores continue in the 7s. This pair look very comfortable together and very confident. The changes are accurate, helped by Libussa’s accurate riding – she gets perfectly straight on the center line before asking for the change. Lovely work.
They circle back onto the center line and halt square. There’s a squeal from the crowd and lots of support for what has been a very sweet and easy to watch test. Plenty of pats for Caramia who stretches her neck right down. They’re very relaxed as they leave the ring. There’s a delay in their scoring coming in. I’ll update it as soon as it comes up.
This cool guy just loves to roll, like, anywhere. (Luke, not Boyd, although who actually knows for sure?) Not in the dressage ring though please, not there…
There’s cheers in the crowd as Boyd canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Not sure if they’re for him, but this is Boyd, so perhaps.
He comes up the center line looking to mean business. They set off into a loose and supple trot and Luke seems like he’s right on his game, despite the heavy rain.
He’s very soft in the lateral work and is clearly listening to Boyd. There’s a bit of a tail swish going into the halt, but it’s very good nonetheless and the scores continue to trend in the 7s. The reinback is accurate and they set off into a relaxed walk.
Luke is settled and relaxed as he comes into the first pirouette. It could have been a little more fluid on the way round but the second one is more flowing.
They get going with the canter work and there’s more of the same quality. Everything looks so easy, it’s clean and accurate and they create a picture of a horse and rider working in partnership. The first flying change is very good but the second is a little late behind. The third is good. Scores are still in the 7s. The final change is great. The ones with the double coefficient were both very good.
There’s a huge cheer as they halt and salute to end their test and Boyd waves to the crowd as he walks out of the ring. Overall this test was soft and accurate – easy – and there’s a nice score coming in for them… They go into second, slotting in above Clarke Johnstone and Tim Price, the joint-second placers overnight.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
He’s only gone and done it again; set a brand new record. He did it back in 2022, when he and Chipmunk took the top spot AND set the record for the lowest ever finishing score at 5*, with a score of 20.1
Now they are back to reclaim the winning trophy, and their campaign has got off to a record breaking start; their score of 18.6 is now the lowest dressage score ever recorded at Kentucky, a record that previously belonged to another great German, Bettina Hoy, who scored 19.2 with Ringwood Cockatoo back in 2009.
Michi is streets ahead already of the rest of the pack already, will anyone catch him on this second day of dressage? Probs not is the short answer. But it ain’t over til the fat lady sings (or at least until the jumping phases have finished) so we could still see a very different leaderboard come Sunday night.
But no one can take that record from Michi and Chipmunk, that is for sure.
Hello and welcome to Day 3 of the Defender Kentucky Horse Trials, where our team on the ground will be bringing all of the action as it unfolds – and some more besides! Make sure that you are following us on either Instgram @goeventing and/or on Facebook – and sign up to our broadcast channel too, for the very best fun from behind the scenes!
Meanwhile, over in the UK, Cheg will be keeping you updated with all of the dancing and prancing taking place in the main arena, as the second day of dressage gets underway.
The Cosequin CCI4*-S will resume at 8AM EST/2PM CET, while the final 20 5* competitors will flick their toes between 1 PM and 3:50 PM EST/7-9.50PM CET. Follow along with Cheg’s live updates here (as with yesterday, this link WILL NOT go live until the first of our 5* competitiors enters the arena, so please bear this in mind!).
Official ride times and scoring can be found on the official Kentucky site, and you can watch the livestream over on USEF Network (free with your USEF membership or a free fan membership), or on ClipMyHorse if you are outside of the U.S.
If you have been living under a rock (or indeed, have another, perfectly reasonable excuse) and have yet to see all of the best – and worst – “lewks” from Wednesday’s jog, you can find out all that you need to know right here.
Both the 4* and 5* course maps are up to view on the CrossCountryApp, and there is also a guided 5* course preview on there too.
If you need anything else – including a comprehensive guide to all of this year’s competitors – you can find all of Kentucky coverage right here with links and guides to all the essential information. We will be updating the site regularly, so do keep checking in to see what’s new – now buckle up and let’s Go Eventing!
If you still have room in your brain for further facts and figures on all of the key players in the Defender Kentucky 5* this weekend, then you are in luck. Our friends over at EquiRatings have produced a comprehensive form guide with all of the stats that you could ever need – and some more besides. They’ve produced one for the Cosequin 4*-S, too, so you’re clued up on all of the action taking place at Kentucky Horse Park this weekend.
Speaking of EquiRatings – and Kentucky for that matter – they have done a deep dive into one of the key contenders for the 5* title, Mr Michi Jung, and his Paris Gold medal winner, fischerChipmunk FRH. He’s currently t== hands down favourite to win, according to the EquiRatings Prediction Centre, and Ali Barrett has broken down all the facts and figures, to explain exactly why that is – and what has to be done to beat the indomitable German, who is chasing down an incredible sixth Kentucky title.
It may be hard to look beyond this weekend, or think about anything other than 5* eventing, what with both Adelaide and Badminton just around the corner, too. But there is further excitement ahead – this time from the world of showjumping, with the upcoming premier of Big Star: The Nick Skelton Story documenting the fairytale partnership of the 2016 Olympic Champions, Nick Skelton and Big Star. Charting the highs and lows that culminated in that historic win, the documentary will premier in London on Friday 9th May, before being released in cinemas across the UK. There is no news yet as to when it will be available elsewhere, though it is only a matter of time before we can all take a trip down memory lane with Nick and Big Star.
For a little extra behind the scenes intel from Kentucky this week, take a look at the Team Price homepage. The superb Jacky Green keeps their blog updated regularly, and it is worth a follow at any time of the year – and especially so during a major event! From insider info on all of the Team Price horses, to silly stories and anecdotes, it will make you chuckle if nothing else.
Want to try something new this fall? Why not enter the Stable View Aiken Trailblazer race (no horse required!), happening October 25. Click here to view the full calendar of things coming up at this happening Aiken venue.
Video Break
He’s due to go up the centre line with Brookfield Quality today at 1.48PM EST/7.48PM CET, so what better time to find out a little more about “Norris,” and Tom’s hopes for this weekend?
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We were treated to yet another record set by German Olympic champion Michael Jung much earlier than usual in the drawn order on Thursday at Defender Kentucky. While his record-setting (again!) 18.6 earned with fischerChipmunk FRH (Contendro I – Havanna, by Heraldik, owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee für Reiterei e.V., Klaus & Sabine Fischer, & Joachim Jung) now might leave some of the competitors yet to come feeling like they’re riding for second, there is just something special about witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime combination — who really don’t campaign heavily and certainly don’t do a ton of 5*s, particularly during a major championship cycle.
Believe it or not, the test wasn’t the world record beater — the top two scores currently stand from the Paris Olympics, where Michael actually earned one of those with this horse (a 17.8). The record currently belongs to Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52, who also laid down a teens score in Paris with a stunning 17.3.
But back to Kentucky and today. This score will go down as the third lowest 5* score on record (since tracking begin in 2008) and also the new lowest score at Kentucky (beating, lol, himself), and for his part Michael was, naturally, pleased with the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding. This winter, he prepped a little differently than he ordinarily would, traveling to Italy to do some CSI1* show jumping competition rather than campaigning him at events.
“Normally I’d have more prep events, but there weren’t many good options near home, and we had a dry spring,” Michael elaborated. “So I focused on training and galloping at home. I trust Chipmunk — he doesn’t need a lot of competition to be ready. He had a longer break after Paris, and I started really focusing on his training again in February—building up his endurance and muscle. He’s in great shape now.”
Photo by Tilly Berendt.
At this point in their partnership, Michael and Chipmunk certainly know each other well, and that does shine through in these incredible scores they’re able to achieve together. “He’s the kind of horse you dream of having,” he said. “He’s lovely to ride in dressage, and at home he’s very uncomplicated — once you get to know him. He seems calm on the outside, but he’s actually quite sensitive inside. It took a while after I got him to build a real partnership. But once you understand him, he’s so easy and relaxed.”
That relaxation is key: among a total of five 10s earned from judges Christian Steiner at C, Anne-Mette Binder at E and Peter Gray at M, one of those came from Peter for the collective mark which judges the harmony between horse and rider. The pair also earned 10s, all from Christian Steiner at C, on the first movement (their entrance, halt, salute, and first collected trot), movement 14 (transition to collected trot, track right), movement 20 (serpentine of three loops with a flying change), and movement 24 (flying change). Interestingly, though, the judges were actually the most in “disagreement” on Michael’s score, to the tune of a spread of 12 percentage points between the highest and lowest total percentage score. Christian at C was the most generous with his marks, while Anne-Mette Binder was the lowest.
Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Paris Olympian Clarke Johnstone (NZL) makes his return to Kentucky for the first time since the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, where he earned a team bronze medal for the Kiwis. He brings forward his Paris horse, Menlo Park (Berlin – Faerie Queen, by Rock King) and currently sits equal second with Tim Price (NZL) on a score of 28.4, a tick or two higher than the 25.7 earned in Paris and the 26.3 earned in the horse’s first 5* at Pau last fall, but certainly still well within their competitive average on the flat.
“It was a really solid test,” Clarke said of Menlo Park, who is owned by the rider and Jean & Rob Johnstone. “A couple of little things could have been better, but overall, ‘Jacko’ was really rideable and focused. I always say the bigger the stadium, the better he goes — and this is about as big as stadiums get. So I’m really proud of him. He was a good boy. I think this test was pretty comparable to the one in Paris. I made one mistake there, too, but Jacko was maybe a bit more energetic in that atmosphere. It was actually raining during our test in Paris, and that seemed to freshen him up. Today, I felt like I had to encourage him a bit more, which may be where we lost a few marks. But it was still a tidy test — and there’s a long way to go in the weekend.”
“It’s been 15 years since I was last here — at the World Championships in 2010,” Clarke said later in the press conference. “I’ve wanted to come back ever since. As [Michael] said, it’s a stunning venue, and everyone is so welcoming. It’s a real privilege to return after all these years.”
Clarke has also changed up his prep a little this year, having been pleased with the 15-year-old British Sport Horse’s performance at Paris. Like Michael, he also spent some time show jumping in the off-season, traveling to Spain to compete on the Sunshine Tour (a path often taken by Tim and Jonelle Price, as well as others). “I was pleased with Paris overall — great dressage and cross country, though I had a rail in show jumping,” Clarke mused. “Since then, I did a month of show jumping in Spain and had a couple of Intermediate runs and a four-short in England. It’s been a dry spring, which suits my horse; he prefers firm ground. He’s not the fastest but has good stamina, so I’ve focused on getting him as fit as possible for Saturday’s long, hilly cross country.”
Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Tim Price is well-sat to make a strong run this week with three horses, two of which sit in the top five after today’s competition. The 11-year-old KWPN Jarillo (Dantos – Fiorilla, by Alicante), owned by Lucy Allison, Francis Stead, and James and Rachel Good, is the highest-placed today, sitting equal second on a score of 28.4. It’s a little above the 27.2 this horse earned in his 5* debut at Pau, where he went on to finish ninth despite the horrendous weather conditions, but Tim was pleased with the horse’s development as he steps up to an arguably tougher, in some ways, second 5*.
“That day was really tough,” Tim said. “But I was impressed with how well he coped. He did feel tired at the end, but sometimes horses need to experience that to build stamina. He’s come out this year stronger and more established. I just need to feel my way around and give him a smart ride — hopefully Pau set him up well for this weekend.”
“This is a young horse — green and unpredictable — but super talented,” Tim said of his test today with Jarillo. “For him to go in there, focus on me, stay on the job, and even have an element of relaxation — I was really happy with that. He can be easily distracted. I stopped to take his boots off and he was staring off at a golf cart way in the distance. He’s a bit of a skylark, but in the arena today, he really tuned in.”
Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Happy Boy (Indoctro – W. Amelusina 17, by Odermus R), a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Tim alongside Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, is seeking his first 5* completion after withdrawing from competition at his two starts in 2023 (Luhmühlen and Pau). He’s had another year of experience in the time since, culminating in a win at the Blenheim 4*-L, which is a truly challenging 4*-L that really sets the mark of whether a horse shows the mettle for the 5* level. He squeaked in under the 30 mark with a 29.1, an improvement over his Pau score of 32.9, to sit fourth overnight.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Boyd Martin will be the best-placed U.S. rider going into Friday, riding his first of three rides, the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor), early in the day to the tune of a 29.8 to round out the early top five. It’s not quite a personal best for “Bruno”, who’s starting his fourth 5* this week and first one at Kentucky, but just a hair-breadth over the 29.5 he earned at Pau last fall and also a shade lower than his Paris Olympics score of 30.5.
“Bruno went really well,” Boyd said. “I was really pleased with him. He’s such a nice, quiet, laid-back horse, and I thought the energy in the ring today was just right. It was one of our better tests. Still a few little things to tidy up, but overall I was really happy. He’s a pretty laid-back character, and he’s a bit of a veteran now, so he knows the drill. He understands when to hold it together and when he can breathe a bit. He kind of knows the test at this point, so he’s a pleasure to ride.”
We’ll now look ahead to the second half of the field tomorrow, which for the 5* will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET with Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Other “ones to watch” tomorrow (though no one is highly likely to threaten Michael’s record today) include Monica Spencer and Artist, potentials to at least take over the second spot, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri, Harry Meade and Graffenacht, and Boyd again with Commando 3. You can see who goes when here. Stay tuned for our live blog coming at the start of the 5*, and catch up on today’s blog here.
Don’t forget to look for our utterly ridiculous Chinch in a backpack starting tomorrow for our Chase the Chinch challenge if you’re here on site! Learn more about it here.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton has prioritized the heavily contested Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S with his two top horses and it’s already paying off with Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran and Neill Sites’ Denim taking the Thursday dressage lead.
Anyone who had a keen eye on this class shouldn’t be surprised to see this 10-year-old Holsteiner (Dinken – Celia II,by Ibisco) earn a 25.6 from judges Bea di Grazia (USA) and Andrew Bennie (NZL). It’s a personal best for Denim’s entire FEI career, but it’s only a breath away from their 25.9 earned at Blenheim CCI4*-S last autumn.
Both Bea at C and Andrew at E were synchronized in their impressions from the test, giving Phillip nearly identical scores of 74.33% and 74.5%, respectively.
Denim celebrates his dressage lead. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
“Let’s not get too carried away—it’s only day one. There’s a long way to go and strong competition ahead,” Phillip said. “I couldn’t be more proud of Denim. He’s 10 now, relatively experienced, and has been to Boekelo, Blenheim and le Lion, but we still call him ‘the baby’ of the family, but he’s a great competitor.”
This is Demin’s fourth season under Phillip’s tutelage. He was produced through the two-star level by The Netherland’s Merel Blom. “He’s an athlete, but not naturally the strongest horse. He really has to try hard in all three phases, especially the dressage. He doesn’t have the natural strength to carry himself easily, so I have to manage the warm up carefully to keep him supple without overworking him.”
The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S is one of 19 qualifying events on the US Equestrian Open series, of which Phillip is currently the highest-ranked rider by a 30-point margin. In addition to chasing that leaderboard, Phillip wants to use this four-star as a preparation on a major stage for “possibly Luhmühlen or Aachen” over the summer.
Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Representing the west coast, 21-year-old Molly Duda staked her claim on second place with her own Disco Traveler. She and the 15-year-old Oldenburg (Donatelli – Cadence) busted into sub-30 territory for the first time at this 4* level with their new personal best of 27.7.
“I’m just so incredibly proud of ‘Disco.’ Flatwork hasn’t always been his strongest phase, but today he really tried his heart out,” Molly said. “He doesn’t have the flashiest talent, but he has the biggest heart, and I’ve always felt safe and confident on him.”
Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Molly and “Disco” moved up to Advanced only last season, but the past year has given them a wealth of information between training with Tamie Smith and being chosen for the USEF European Development Tour. This is their second appearance in the four-star here in Kentucky, and though last year saw an early end after Molly fell on cross country, she’s feeling wholly optimistic this time around.
“Last year was ambitious. I had only done one four-star before I came here and, honestly, I was a bit overconfident. I ended up in the ditch at the coffin. It was humbling. But Disco bounced back immediately, like nothing ever happened. We went to Europe, had great runs, including a strong finish at Millstreet and a win in our first CCI4*-L. He just keeps getting better, and I’ve learned so much. I feel ready now and I’m excited to have another crack at it,” she said.
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
Paris Olympians Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake made an early bid for the “Little Kentucky” division before being usurped by Thursday’s leaders. “Blake,” who is owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, and Caroline and Deniz Pamukcu, and Caroline were right on the money of what we’d expect from this seasoned pair, posting a 27.9. This is just the second time we’ve seen the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass, by Kannan) this season since they completed the Olympic Games last summer.
“Blake was fabulous today—I couldn’t be prouder. He’s been a bit on the back burner this year, taking it easy after a busy 2023. And with me having a baby, we’ve just been easing back into the spring with an eye on Aachen,” she said.
In addition to Blake, Caroline also has two entries contesting their first five-star: HSH Double Sixteen and She’s The One.
Will Coleman and Very Dignified. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The budding partnership of Will Coleman and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Very Dignified (Dignified van’t Zorgvliet – Kateys Gem, by Ricardo) is fourth in their first International appearance together. Owned by Jerome Broussard, Gloria Callen and Elizabeth Lendrum, “Nora” landed in Will’s string this year from Ireland, where she was produced to the Advanced level by Robbie Kearns. They carry 28 points into the cross country phase.
“She’s a really nice mare. I have high hopes for her, but it’s still early days. We’re just getting to know each other. This whole weekend was about giving her a good experience and building a foundation,” Will said.
So far this season, these two have tackled two Intermediate horse trials together, so this weekend is a big test in an electric atmosphere for the green partnership.
“She’s a quality horse with a really good brain – that makes a big difference. But even with experience, it still takes time for a horse to get to know you, your program – and vice versa. It’s challenging, sure, but I’ve enjoyed it. She’s exciting to have in the barn. We’ll need a bit more time, but today was a great start – something we can build on, “Will said.
Robin Walker was the final rider to earn a sub-30 score from the four-star judges, and he did so for fifth place with Alston Kerr, Roger Schramm and his own SBT Barolo. Their 29.8 is a personal best for the pair at the level.
Lexington local Allie Knowles is sixth with Katherine O’Brien’s Morswood. The 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Ricardo – Princess In Arms, by Present Arms) sits on a 30.3. Buck Davidson and Cooley Candyman are 7th on a score of 31.3, and Hannah Sue Hollberg is 8th on a 31.7 with Carsonstown. On a score of 32.8, Allison Springer and Olivia Dutton tied for ninth with No May Moon and Sea of Clouds, respectively.
There’s still more heavy hitters to come in Friday morning’s dressage session, so this leaderboard could take a different shape before we look toward Saturday’s mammoth cross country challenge. Dressage continues at 8:00 a.m.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
It is happening. The Best Weekend All Year is upon us and I’ll be bringing you all of the action, as it happens, from Kentucky Horse Park where the 5* competition is about to get underway.
The field is hot, hot, hot 🌶️ that’s for sure, and we are in for one heck of a long weekend of sport. Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you won’t miss a thing.
Going today we have the reigning Olympic champions (incidentally, they’re also previous Kentucky champs), stalwart 5* campaigners – including a trio of winners – and rookies alike, all vying to get their name at the top of the leaderboard as they head into Saturday’s cross country. It’s going to be a good one, you know it! Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here.
Before we head out between the white boards, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.
If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.
As you know, here at EN we are ridiculously happy to wear our fingers down to tiny stumps in order to feed eventing nerdsters such as yourselves every scrap of info, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky so kindly throws up. You’ll find all of our blood-soaked content and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.
With all that said, it’s time to kick on and go eventing! Let’s do this thing…
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
EN’s classic full round-up will be along as soon as our ground team have wrangled the riders for their reactions, consulted with Chinch, and edited the whole thing down from 6 million words to a more digestible 5.5 million – eyes on the website for that dropping as soon as super-humanly possible.
Until then, here’s a quick re-cap of what went down between the white boards today…
It’s an international domination at the top of the leaderboard thus far at Kentucky, with the Kiwis coming in large. Somewhat expectedly, the reigning Olympic champions are way out in front – if Germany’s Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH finish on their dressage score of 18.6 they’ll smash their own record for the best ever finishing score at 5*. They’ve got an enormous 9.8 penalty lead as things stand. Nothing, however, separates New Zealand compatriots Jesse Campbell and Tim Price, riding Menlo Park and Jarillo respectively, in joint-second place on a score of 28.4. Tim’s right behind himself with Happy Boy on 29.1 in fourth. The best of the US comes courtesy of Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, who sit in fifth on a score of 29.8.
❓ Trivia Time: What do Kentucky competitors Harry Meade, Buck Davidson and Olivia Dutton (who goes in the 4*) have in common? Answer at the end of this summary…
Whilst the scores are obviously important in the grand scheme of like, winning the whole dang thing, we all know that eventing is about so much more than just numbers. So here’s a run-down of some of the other goings on in the dressage ring at the Horse Park this afternoon:
🌟 Twinkle Toes – First to go Jarillo kicked up the sand and Sinead Halpin Maynard in the commentary box wondered whether he’d kicked off a shoe. It didn’t distract him from pulling a solid sub-30 test out of the bag with Tim Price to sit in joint-second place on a score of 28.4 though, in what was a neat and tidy performance overall.
📸 Say Cheese – This one’s surely shared between Clarke Johnstone and Jennie Brannigan. Clarke had every reason to grin as he made his way through his test with his Paris ride Menlo Park. He’s 7 for 7 in terms of the world’s 5* starts now and on top of that, both he and his horse performed with ease in the dressage ring this afternoon. Flowing, smooth, and straight into joint-second on the leaderboard. Jennie isn’t often without her trademark smile in the ring and there were plenty of reasons for her to be happy with recent Carolina 4*-S winner FE Lifestyle today. There were some lovely highlights where he showed how supple and strong he is, with a little tension creeping into the later stages as he started thinking about cross country. He forgot all about that as he stopped for a scratch on the way out of the ring. What a cute guy. Overall, they presented a picture of a horse and rider who know each other inside out – real partnership and harmony – and scored 34.
💩 Bathroom Break – Claus 63 punctuated his early trot work with a lil’ poop, but he didn’t miss a beat in what was sweet test that showed him to be happy and confident in his work. He’s sitting on a score of 32.3 with Sharon White.
🤝 Nice Guy Alert – He may be a total eventing superstar, but Boyd Martin remains a nice guy, stopping to shake hands with the Pony Clubbers assisting in the arena, which earned him a huge clap from the crowd. He’s currently best of the US in 5th spot with Fedarman B, who worked really hard for Boyd today. There was just the one bobble in an otherwise smooth and accurate test, when ‘Bruno’ anticipated the cue for the pirouette and thought it was the signal to trot. But Boyd’s a pro and they were quickly back together, finishing up on a sub-30 score of 29.8.
💃 Dancing Queen – Jonelle Price’s mare Hiarado looked fit and impressive as she strutted round the ring to finish up in 6th spot on a score of 30. They had a tiny mistake early on in the walk, when ‘Jools’ looked to lose a little balance, but the relaxation was consistent and, although she may be a feisty kinda gal, she’s a fierce competitor and remained calm and focused throughout her test. An exciting one to watch.
🎇 Fireworks Alert – Not quite, but almost… Lauren Nicholson did a great job of holding things together with her 5* debutant I’ll Have Another. He started up with a very swishy tail and broke into canter in the early trot work. Lauren of course rode like a total pro. There was a little jog step in the corner before the first pirouette, which actually came up nicely, but he was rather cross about having to do a second – the first was good enough, thank you very much! Lauren kept a lid on things though and they ended up on a score of 44.6. She must’ve breathed a sigh of relief when she halted at the end.
😬 Eek – Another eek moment came via Harry Meade and his first of two rides at Kentucky, Et Hop Du Matz. There was tension from the outset and the second pirouette in particular was sticky. There was a fair bit of tail swishing going on in the canter work and ‘Hoppy’ really did seem like he was living up to his name. But Harry was just, well Harry. Cool, calm, collected as ever and just very sympathetically riding the horse that was underneath him today. They finished up on a score of 34.2.
But the biggest story of the day is certainly sitting at the top of the leaderboard, and looking likely to stay there for the foreseeable future:
🔨 Record Breaker – Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk have put down a record-breaking dressage score at Kentucky are on track to break their own record for the lowest-ever 5* finishing score. Quite, quite possibly. If all goes to plan cross country that is. And the poles stay up in the show jumping. There’s a long way to go but there’s no denying the utter talent of this pair who deserve to be as far up there as they are after that brilliant dressage test.
Meanwhile, the first half of the 4* competitors got their Kentucky underway. Here’s how things are looking in that equally super-competitive field:
1️⃣ 🇺🇲 Sitting in top spot overnight is Phillip Dutton and Denim with a score of 25.6.
2️⃣ 🇺🇲 In second place at this point in proceedings is Molly Duda and Disco Traveler on a score of 27.7.
3️⃣ 🇺🇲 Rounding out the top three is Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake on a score of 27.9.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Stay tuned (and don’t forget to hit refresh) for a summary of the day’s sport headed your way right here on the live blog and keep it locked onto the website for EN’s classic full report – coming soon.
I’ll be back live blogging tomorrow, typing ‘til my fingers fall off. Thanks for joining.
It all kicks off at 1pm EST / 7pm CEST when Boyd Martin and Luke 140 will get the second day of Kentucky 5* underway.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Harry Meade and Et Hop du Matz. Photo by Eventing Nation.
Harry’s rounding things off for the first day of dressage in the Kentucky 5*. Who’ll be leading overnight? We’ll soon see…
This striking gelding is known as ‘Hoppy’ at home 🐸 Less hop more flow today though, please. You can hop to your heart’s content after the dressage is in the bag.
They’re beautifully straight up the center line and have a solid enough halt to start. They set off into trot and the horse doesn’t look super relaxed at the start of his test. The extended trot is light and strong.
The halt at C is similar to the first, steady, and the reinback is accurate. The horse seems a little more relaxed in the walk and steps out nicely for Harry. There’s some tentativeness coming into the pirouette and Harry pushes forward. The first pirouette is better than the second, which is a little sticky. They didn’t look like easy movements for this horse.
There’s quite a bit of anticipation coming into the canter work and a fair bit of tail swishing. Harry’s such a pro though and he’s riding very sympathetically, as ever. The canter isn’t so free and easy as it could be. Hoppy by name and hoppy by nature. Harry’s riding brilliantly, this doesn’t look like an easy ride. He’s better in the lateral work and the scores improve slightly for that. They turn back onto the center line and halt square, but not quite securely. This horse is looking forward to the cross country.
Overall this didn’t look easy to ride, but of course, Harry did a great job. There or thereabouts for what would be expected for this horse in terms of the score.
Will Tim be a happy boy at the end of his test? All three of Tim’s horses looked super fit and ready at the horse inspection yesterday. Eyes on…
They come dead straight up the center line and halt securely for a 7. The trot work is elegant and light and the extended is very nice.
Tim’s such a master of riding a dressage test. Everything is very accurate and he’s eking every mark out of this horse. Another good halt at C and a very clean and tidy reinback.
The walk work is easy and relaxed, very obedient and calm. Happy Boy picks his head up a little on the aid for the first pirouette, just anticipating slightly. But it’s less than a second before he’s totally back on Tim’s side.
This is shaping up to be a very accomplished test. It looks so easy for both the horse and the rider. Scores are trending in the 7s and it’s looking to be another sub-30 score.
Unfortunately the second change is a smidge late behind and the score drops a touch. Will that affect the score?
They come back around to the center line and halt quietly. A very nice, easy test overall from a master dressage rider with his willing partner. Sub-30…? Yes, and into the top-5.
Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
There’s only two others to go after I’ll Have Another, who, incidentally, is known as ‘Hendrick’ in the barn. Don’t mind if I do! 🍸
Hendrick’s swishing his tail as he comes up the center line and we see all of that cross country excitement as he breaks into canter in the corner. Lauren’s a total pro though and quickly settles him. As the trot progresses he seems to settle a little better.
He works in a nice rhythm in the lateral work and scores improve slightly. The halt is quiet, but not square, and the reinback is accurate enough.
They head out into walk and Lauren does a great job of relaxing the horse. He has a little jog step in the corner but then navigates the first pirouette very calmly. There’s a tail swish into the second though and he shows he’s getting a little cross. They go into the trot work and Hendrick would much rather be cantering. Lauren stays calm and convinces him to trot.
The go into the canter work and Hendrick seems happier at first. The head comes up as they go along the short side at C though. Lauren’s keeping a lid on things. This looks like a difficult ride.
There are times when the horse looks relaxed but then he seems to remember the occasion. They turn back onto the center line and Lauren must be breathing a sigh of relief as she halts.
They walk out of a long rein. Some tricky stuff going on, but also some very nice moments.
Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another score 44.6.
Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Rookie combo alert! ‘Mumbles’ is making his 5* debut aged 18. What a cool achievement 🌟
They come quietly into the ring and get their test off to a very solid start. There’s something so special about watching a longtime partnership working together. Mumbles is trying really hard. He’s not the flashiest or biggest mover in the field, but he’s clean and accurate and is clearly confident in his work.
Mumbles is so relaxed in there. His ears are flopping back and to as he listens to Arden. Very cute. The halt at C is secure and the reinback is accurate. Scores in the 6s on the whole so far for this test.
The walk is very relaxed. Mumbles is being so obedient and trying so hard for Arden. The pirouettes happen and they set back off into trot. He’s thinking about the canter work though. There’s quite a bit of anticipation and he almost sets off on the wrong lead but Arden puts him right.
The extended canter is a little tentative for such a fast horse – Arden obviously couldn’t let him go. Things are getting a little more tense as this test goes on. The first change is late. The scores are dropping slightly. But Arden’s calmly riding the horse that’s underneath her and she’s done a great job of holding her horse together. She knows him so well.
A nice test on the whole, with some very good work at the beginning. It’s so great to see these older guys really showing what they can do, and truly lovely to watch such a solid partnership in action.
Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’re down to the final five combinations of the day.
‘Phantom’ is owned by no fewer than five Böckmanns. That’s a whole lotta Böckmanns.
They get their test off to a very fine start with a solid halt for a 7. They set off into the trot work and the horse looks to be rideable and listening to Calvin. Everything’s very precise and accurate and Phantom’s soft and relaxed.
The halt at C isn’t as good as the first but the reinback is very neat and tidy. Phantom stretches into the contact in the extended and is very relaxed. Scores are creeping up.
The first pirouette is neat and tidy and so is the second. This is a very nice picture of a horse and rider in harmony with one another. Phantom looks to be very happy and confident in his work.
They set off into canter and it’s more of the same. This test has been very consistent throughout.
Oh, the first change is unlucky, and then the second one doesn’t quite happen either. They’re expensive. But Calvin doesn’t miss a beat. The third change is better. They come back round onto the center line and finish up with a square halt.
Loose reins and a big pat for Phantom. Overall this really was an easy test to watch. Horse and rider trying hard together. Unlucky with those changes. There’s ladies in the crowd screaming ‘Go Calvin!’. Indeed. The score’s slow coming in, but here it is…
Calvin Böckmann and The Phantom of the Opera score 30.2.
Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Sally Spickard.
‘Cam’ had a successful career on the track before turning his hoof to eventing with Buck 🏇 Less gallop more dancing today though, hey Cam? Save the speed for cross country.
Cam picks his head up as he halts at the beginning of his test, just to check we’re watching him. He sets off into trot and is doing everything Buck asks of him.
Scores are in the 6s for the initial part of the trot work. They lose a little rhythm in the half pass. Cam is kind of tight and that tension really shows up in the reinback. His head comes up and it looks a little tricky.
There’s clearly a lot of excitement bubbling under the surface in the walk work but he’s keeping a lid on it.
There’s more fractiousness in the first pirouette and Cam’s really got the bend a little off. The second is slightly better. Scores drop a little in this part of the test.
They get off into canter and the mistakes continue to creep in. There’s a fair bit of tension here but the horse is fit for cross country, that’s for sure. They continue on performing each movement but things don’t look easy. The turn back onto the center line is sticky. They halt at the end of their test and Buck looks a little disappointed. Cam gets a pat for his efforts today. Just wait ’til cross country day and we’ll see what this Thoroughbred can really do.
Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.
FE Lifestyle is, understandably, known as ‘Foxy’ in the barn 🦊 Just look at that gleaming orange coat. Foooxxxxyyyyy.
Jennie’s wearing her characteristic grin as she comes up the center line. They make a good halt and set off into a bouncy trot. This really looks like a horse and rider in total harmony. Foxy is soft and beautiful and balanced. It’s lovely to watch.
Foxy is supple in the lateral work and is pulling in 7s on the whole.
The halt at C isn’t quite square behind and the score drops a little. They set off into a relaxed enough walk, not quite as relaxed the trot work though.
They navigate the first pirouette but it’s a little tentative. It’s the same for the second. But they’re both very neat and tidy. They go back into a stunning trot. It’s a real highlight for this horse.
They set off into canter and Foxy isn’t quite as smooth as in the trot work. There’s a little tension creeping in but Jennie’s doing a masterful job in keeping a lid on everything. The scores drop a little for the first changes but the last one is neat.
The come back around onto the center line and finish up with a square halt. Foxy shakes his head and stops for a scratch on his knee as he walks around the ring. Lots of lovely pats from Jennie and a very relaxed horse at the end of his test – really great to see.
Jonelle Price and Hiarado. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
‘Jools’ finished 7th on her 5* debut at Pau in 2023 and Jonelle’s a 5* winner. A pair of feisty mares – I wouldn’t bet against ‘em!
They’re dead straight up the center line. Jools looks super fit and so powerful. They get off to a solid start with 7 for the halt. They set off into the trot work and Jools is so impressive. The extension is strong and the transition at the end is so smooth. The mare’s showing good suppleness in the lateral work.
The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is accurate. There’s a little mistake early in the walk as Jools breaks into trot a little, she’s a bit unbalanced on the turn. She’s relaxed though and walks out nicely for Jonelle.
The first pirouette is very neat and Jonelle rides perfectly into the second on this long horse. A really nice job for both of those movements.
The get off into canter and everything looks easy and accurate. They lengthen down the long side and then show a neat half pass into the first change, which is very good. The second and third are equally as good. There’s a little tension in the serpentine which shows up as a lack of straightness, things are bubbling up as the test nears the end.
They’re sudden into the final halt. Hiarado looks to have been working hard for Jonelle. A really solid test overall.
Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
When he’s chillin’ at home,‘Six’ has been spotted sitting in the field, literally sitting like a dog 🐕 You do you, Six!
They come up the center line and aren’t the neatest into the first halt, but it’s correct when it happens. The early trot work is clean enough, but there’s not much extension going on. The horse looks quick – a bit rushed really.
The halt at C is better than the first and they set off into walk. The walk is accurate and the scores improve slightly on the trot. They navigate the pirouettes but they’re a little sticky. A tough move for this horse. They go back into trot and it’s more relaxed than at the beginning of the test.
The canter work looks to come easier to this horse than the trot. Unfortunately the first change doesn’t really happen for her and the second is late behind. Six picks his head up as he canters along the top of the arena but Caroline gets him back. They come back onto the center line and come to an abrupt halt. Sinead in the commentary box jokes that this is the fastest round so far.
There were some nice things going on in this test, and some mistakes.
🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 3pm EST when the second session will see us out. Back in a bit! 🚜
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
This pair were 12th in the 5* last year. Can they break into the top-10 this time around? The mare’s a beast out on cross country, so don’t write her off if she’s not hassling the leaders after this phase. We all know eventing’s not a dressage competition…
They make their way up the center line and we can see a little of that sauciness bubbling away under the surface. She’s listening but James is having to ride sensibly.
She looks to be relaxing a bit as the trot work progresses and the halt at C is secure. The reinback is a little rushed. Scores in the 6s so far for this pair.
The walk is actually quite relaxed on the whole. Karma’s staying with James and the scores improve a little. He holds her quiet for the first pirouette and navigates the second. That was good riding of the horse that’s underneath him.
They strike off into canter and we can clearly see this mare’s spirit – she looks like a fun cross country horse. James is managing this really well. She’s so active that it’s tricky to hold her back in the movements a little. The changes are all really clean and accurate.
They turn back onto the center line and halt square. Big smile from James and a big pat for Karma. He looks really pleased with her. Overall, a good test from them.
Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL). Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Clarke’s checking off the elusive box of competing at all seven of the world’s 5*s with his Kentucky start 🌟
Clarke’s grinning as he comes up the center line. They have a great first halt and set off into their trot work.
Menlo Park looks relaxed and happy in the ring and is showing some really smooth trot movements. Scores are consistently in the 7s so far.
The halt at C isn’t quite square behind but the reinback is accurate. The extended walk is relaxed. This test is a real easy watch. It all looks easy and calm.
The first pirouette is very good and accurate, so is the second. 7s for them. Menlo Park gets off into his canter work and it’s the same, lovely picture. The horse is happy, they’re working as a partnership and everything looks easy.
The first change is very good and so is the second. Very clean and accurate. This test has been trending in the 7s throughout.
They halt to end their test and Clarke gives Menlo Park a big pat and a little hug. He looks delighted with his horse and their performance. He’s so relaxed, what a cool guy.
Very nice overall. Sub-30? Yes. Into =2nd with teammate Tim Price.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Olympic Champions, Kentucky winners, EquiRatings’ favorite for the crown this time around… Here’s Michi and ‘Chip’. Michael’s actually won Kentucky four times already, will he make it five this week? Quite possibly… He’s sat on the best dressage horse in the field, so that’s a pretty sound start.
OK, here we go…
They, of course, come dead straight up the center line and halt square for an 8. Chip is soft and relaxed and impressive. The early trot work is pulling in 8s across the board. He’s not flashy in the extended but it’s just so balanced and fluid and Michael is so, so accurate in every single cue.
The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is good enough for another 8. They’ve not been under 8 yet. The walk isn’t massive but it’s relaxed and accurate. Ooo, the first pirouette is the best we’ve seen so far by a little margin – 8 for that.
The canter is more of the same quality. The extended is so easy and Chip is so responsive when Michael asks him to come back. The flying changes aren’t flashy, but they’ve very correct for 8s. This test has been so very accurate – every single step. Not extravagant, but so accurate. The harmony mark is also 8.
Beautiful work from a beautifully produced horse ridden by a beautiful rider. Into the lead they go… Wow! It’s sub-20 by some margin… If this is his finishing score he’ll break his own record…
Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
This guy’s known as ‘Claus the Mouse’ at home because of his super-cute tiny ears 🐭
Sharon and Claus get off to a great start with a square halt. The sun’s out in Kentucky now and Claus is sparkling.
Ooo, he takes a little bathroom break as he gets going in the early trot work. He doesn’t miss a beat though. The extended trot is lovely. Claus looks very supple and happy in his work.
The halt at C is good and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a relaxed walk. Their trending score is looking like one of their best.
Oh, Claus shows some anticipation before the first pirouette and goes to trot. Sharon brings him back though and they navigate the two pirouettes fine. Into the canter work now and Claus looks happier.
The canter work isn’t quite pulling in the same scores as the trot work. The first change is clean but the second wasn’t quite as good. He’s quite bouncy in the canter but he gets the final change really nicely.
There’s a big cheer as they come a little suddenly into the final halt. Claus looks like he’s worked really hard for Sharon. A good score coming in for this pair, surely. Yup, solid. A good start to their competition.
Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Let’s hear it for the spotty ponies! ‘Lacey’ is one fancy lady 💃
The raincoats are starting to come out in the stadium as Jessie and Lacey come up the center line. The early trot work is neat and tidy. This horse doesn’t have the biggest movement but she’s accurate and the scores are around 6.5 so far.
The halt at C is steady and the reinback similar really – everything’s accurate but nothing’s flashy. Lacey has a little look around in the walk but Jessie’s supporting her. She gets a little upset after the first pirouette and breaks into trot but Jessie brings her back and they complete the second. There was some anticipation going into the first, it seemed.
They set off into the canter work, which is a similar style to the trot. When she extends the canter improves but the collected work is a little more tricky for her. The first change is tense and tight, but happens, the second more-so. Lacey’s building up more tension as this test nears the end. The third change is better.
The final halt is square once Lacey steps sideways into it. She looks very pleased with herself as she walks on a long rein out of the ring. Big pats from Jessie.
Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent score 36.8.
Next up we have ‘Barry’ AKA ‘Corvett Airlines’ 🛫 Hopefully we’ll have to wait ‘til Saturday to see Barry fly high though.
Barry’s the joint-oldest horse in the field at 18. It’s such a testament to the program at home to have these older guys looking so great and still competing right at the top of their game.
Barry makes his way round the ring looking relatively relaxed. He’s doing everything Emily asks but you can see a little something something bubbling away, but Barry’s trying really hard.
The halt at C is square but they come off the rail in the reinback – it’s accurate though.
Barry sets off in a calm enough walk but his head comes up a little. Emily brings him back though. They navigate the two pirouettes accurately and then set back off into trot.
Barry’s taken to swishing his tail a little as he anticipates the canter work. He gets a clean transition and seems happier. Emily’s having to motivate Barry in every step of this test. She’s doing a lovely job of riding the horse that’s underneath her, an old friend who she knows inside out.
They halt for the end of their test and Barry’s done a good job overall. It’s not their best test but this is Barry’s ninth start at the level. He’s got eight completions behind him. What a huge achievement. There’s a big cheer as they leave the ring – well-deserved.
Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Oh boy(d), ‘Bruno’ looks beautiful as he canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Boyd’s got his game face on.
They’re dead straight up the center line and halt super square for an 8. Bruno’s very settled and accurate in his trot work at the start of his test. He’s really working hard for Boyd and looks like a total pro.
The halt at C isn’t quite as good as his first halt. Bruno’s not quite straight in the reinback and swishes his tail a bit. Boyd cajoles him back though and they set off into a relaxed walk, on the whole.
There’s a little mistake coming into the first pirouette when Bruno thinks he’s going into trot. Boyd’s on it though and they navigate the tight turn round. The second one’s better.
Bruno’s very relaxed in his canter work. He powers down the ring in the extended and then comes back to Boyd softly. The changes come through but they’re not accurate enough for the big marks. The average scores drop a little.
The final halt isn’t as good as the first. Bruno looks tired at the end of that test, he really did work hard for Boyd. A good enough score coming in for them… Yup, sub-30! Big cheers for Boyd and Bruno. Boyd stops to shake hands with the Pony Clubbers assisting in the arena. Good guy.
‘Milo’ was looky, looky, bouncy, bouncy at the horse inspection yesterday. Less of the looky today please.
The competition begins with potential drama… thunderstorms are forecast ⛈️ C’mon Kentucky weather, be kind to us.
And we’re off! Tim and Jarillo enter the ring up the center line and get their competition off to a stylish start with a square halt. Jarillo is so soft, so supple, ‘the definition of elasticity’ Sinead in the commentary box says.
Tim’s really showing us how to ride a dressage test, of course. They have another square halt at C. Jarillo obviously finds the walk work a little more difficult. Tim’s encouraging him to take his nose forward as he’s got a little tight. He relaxes into it as things go on though.
Jarillo navigates the tricky pirouettes. He could have been a little smoother but he does a neat job.
The canter work is very tidy, until there’s a slight bobble and Sinead wonders if he’s kicked a shoe off. The flying changes come up for them, with Tim really giving us a masterclass in helping a horse within a movement.
They come back up the center line and produce another neat halt.
A very nice test to start us off. Sub-30. In the mix, surely.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
Here at Eventing Nation, we’re known for being a little unhinged. After a week of long days and minimal sleep while reporting at the Kentucky Three Day Event, the level of unhinged-ness (that’s a word, right?) increases from mild to moderate. This year, we’re going to start the week strong by bringing fans of Eventing Nation one of our most off-the-wall activations yet.
It all rests on five words: DJ Chinch. Go Eventing Podcast.
In honor of our brand new Go Eventing Podcast, we’ve decided to build our mascot, Chinch the Chinchilla, a roving DJ booth. Throughout the Kentucky Three Day Event, he’s going to be roving around the Kentucky Horse Park blasting his favorite tunes and giving away a set of exclusive stickers. To receive your sticker pack and add your favorite song to his playlist, snap a photo with Chinch and share it to social media, using #ChasetheChinch and tag @goeventing.
Since the Kentucky Horse Park is a pretty big place, we’ve decided to give you a helping hand. We’ll be sharing clues to Chinch’s location on our Instagram and Facebook stories.
If you’d like to listen in to the group playlist we’ll be compiling while at Kentucky, you can find it here or by searching for Chase the Chinch on Spotify.
If you see Chinch while you’re out and about, stop us and ask to snap a picture with Chinch!
It’s very nearly time to get the party started in earnest at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian! Before we get too in the weeds, there is a LOT of information to keep track of this week, so we’ve gathered as much of it as we can for you so you can make the most of your trip or virtual follow-along!
Keep this Ultimate Guide bookmarked as we’ll be adding things to it as the week progresses. Have fun, and Go Eventing!
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to watch live! If you’re in the U.S., you can either use your USEF membership or grab a FREE Fan membership that will give you access to the live stream all week. You can see both options here.
For everyone else, ClipMyHorse.TV will be your host for the live stream. A membership is required to access the live feed and on demand replays. You can click here to see more on the CMH live feed (note: the link we’ve used is a U.S.-based link; you may just need to search for Kentucky Three-Day from your own browser if you’re outside of the U.S.).
Social Media Channels and Hashtags
The official Defender Kentucky pages are linked below:
You can follow along with EN on Facebook here and on Instagram here. We’ll also be making use of our Instagram Broadcast Channel, Go Eventing, for more on the ground updates, so be sure to join the channel here.
If you want to join the conversation on social media, you can use the following official hashtags:
#TheBestWeekendAllYear #Eventing #2025K3DE
What’s Happening On Site?
Great question! You can view the event’s Official Schedule here as well as our unofficial guide to other happenings here.
EN’s Coverage
Below, we’ll keep a list updated of our coverage both leading up to and during Defender Kentucky. Our all-new Form Guide can also be found here. You can view all horses in drawn order on the first tab, and all horses in alphabetical order on the second. Tap or click on a horse’s profile to open their full card of recent form, fun facts and more.
EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.
The horses and their riders have arrived from both near and far to contend this year’s Defender Kentucky Horse Trials – as have their supporters, in all shapes and forms!
Can you guess which mascot belongs to which of the Team Price horses? Nope, me neither, but as long as they help them all to get round, who are we to judge?! Wishing ALL of the competitors this weekend – both human and equine – a safe and successful Kentucky! Who’s ready to GO EVENTING?!
Aaaaand we’re off! Following yesterday’s jog, Defender Kentucky Horse Trails is finally underway, with the first of the CCI4*-S dressage taking place at 8 a.m. ET, followed by the first half of the 5* dressage at 1:20 p.m. ET. The live stream will be available over on USEF Network (free with your USEF membership or a free fan membership here or, outside of the U.S. ClipMyHorse and you can find specific ride times – as well as the daily schedule and results over at the official Kentucky site here.
The cross country course was officially opened to riders yesterday, following the final Ground Jury inspection, and our very own team here at Eventing Nation have all been busy out on course, preparing an exciting course preview video, which will be landing across our social channels VERY SOON – make sure that that you are following us over on @goeventing and/or on Facebook so that you don’t miss a thing! A guided course preview is also available to view on the CrossCountryApp too, along with maps of both the CCI5* and CCI4*-S courses.
The indefatigable Cheg Darlington will be bringing you live updates ALL weekend – you can follow along with all of today’s action here once the 5* dressage gets underway (BUT PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS LINK WON’T BE LIVE UNTIL THE 5* DRESSAGE STARTS!)
As if all of this wasn’t enough, we will be bringing you a boat load of exclusive behind the scenes footage all week over on our Instagram broadcast channel so make sure that you are signed up to see it all as it happens, and catch some exclusive content with all of your favourite riders!
Finally, make sure that you set aside some time to get to know all of the 5* competitors in depth, thanks to our shiny new Form Guide, which you can find right here, and catch up on ALL of our Kentucky coverage here, as well as all of our pre-event coverage too, which includes all of the 5* rookie profiles, and all of the essential info you need for this year’s event.
Keep it locked and loaded here at Eventing Nation for all the very best coverage of the Best Weekend All Year – LET’S GO EVENTING!
If you haven’t fallen into a Kentucky content induced coma yet, then here is a little more to tip you over the edge! This time, in podcast form, with not one but TWO excellent preview shows. First up, we have Sam Watson and Nicole Brown from the EquiRatings Podcast making their very well informed predictions on all of this year’s movers and shakers, and once you’re done with that, go give the US Equestrian Podcast a listen, where our very own Sally Spickard will be sharing her thoughts on the top contenders in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, alongside Diarmuid Byrne, Annie Bishop and Sinead Maynard.
Speaking of podcasts, we know we don’t need to remind you, BUT our latest podcast dropped this week, too! This week, Sharon White was chatting to Sally about EVERYTHING, including what it’s really like to prepare for Kentucky, the Olympics and well, everything else in between. Plus, you can find out just what Team EN will be getting up to at Kentucky this weekend – including Chase the Chinch! (You’ll have to listen to find out what the hell we’re talking about there…) On that note…Don’t miss Sharon’s dressage test today – she and Claus 63 go at 2.10PM (EST)/7.10PM (CET) in the 5*.
All eyes may be on Kentucky this weekend, but we bring yet more 5* news from across the Atlantic! The Mars Badminton drawn order has finally been revealed – find out when all of your favourite riders will take centre stage here – something to look forward to when the Kentucky hang over inevitably kicks in!
From one 5* to another! The Defender Burghley Box Office is officially open, meaning that you can secure your tickets to yet another top class event, even if it is still 5 whole months away. Still, everyone loves a plan – especially when it involves horses and eventing, right?!
