CSI5* Show Jumping to Run Alongside Defender Kentucky CCI5* in 2025

Santiago Lambre of Mexico, winner of the inaugural $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2018. Photo by Michelle Dunn Photo courtesy of LRK3DE.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports through the staging of events at the highest level, is thrilled to announce a new name and elevated 5* status for the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute!

EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the recently upgraded Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.

Early Bird Ticket Pricing opens Thursday, October 10, for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27, 2025. The best deals on tickets are only available until December, so don’t miss out on your chance to watch the world’s premier three-day event!

Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International CSI made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024. As a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event will make EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. As has been the case since the start of the CSI, Derek Braun and his Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT) team will produce and manage the event for EEI.

“We’re thrilled at Hagyard to be the Presenting Sponsor once again at this prestigious event, and we are excited for the changes announced for 2025,” said Dr. Laura Werner, Surgeon, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. “EEI and Hagyard are two of the premier brands in the equine industry, so it seems like a natural partnership.”

Starting on October 10, Single-Day and Multi-Day tickets will be available at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets. All grounds admission tickets to the K3DE include general parking and admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair, but do not include access to the competition in the Rolex Stadium. Reserved grandstand seating is sold separately from grounds admission, and traditionally the best seats sell out fast, so everyone is encouraged to place their orders early. Grounds admission is free for children 12 years and under with adult ticket purchases.

For eventing fans looking to enjoy the ultimate curated Kentucky experience, there will be several Hospitality Packages available including the Five-Star Club, the Kentucky Club and a new hospitality offering, The Start Box Club. Details will be available on the website beginning October 10.

Reserved spaces for Saturday’s Defender Tailgate will also be available when ticket sales open. This is the best way to experience the excitement of Cross-Country Day. Platinum and premium spaces tend to sell out fast, so be sure to book early!

Further details on all ticket options and information on the K3DE and elevated Kentucky International can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/.

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