It’s hard to believe that in just a couple months’ time, we’ll be in the midst of spring at the Kentucky Horse Park for the start of this year’s Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event — especially given the current state of the grounds as they sit encased in this winter’s latest snowstorm. The work to prepare the cross country course begins much earlier than you might think — nearly the day after the previous year’s event finishes, truthfully. One reason for this is because the course building and designing team has to factor in variables like this time of year, when work days become fewer and farther between.
See some updates from head course builder Mick Costello from a previous work day:
And some thoughts from builder Levi Ryckewaert:
We’re eager for spring — and 5* season — to get underway in earnest, and if you’re just as excited you can start planning your trip to Kentucky here.
US Events This Weekend
Ocala Winter I (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Pine Top Intermediate HT (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Links & Reading
- Have you entered our contest with Five Star Eventing Tours yet? You could win an all-inclusive trip to this year’s Defender Burghley (August 31-September 7)! More information here.
- ‘That’s The Plan’: Maryland Officials Say CCI5* Will Happen Despite Woes
- Applying Dressage Basics to Eventing
- ‘She owes us nothing’: consistent five-star mare to miss the eventing season to injury
- Julia Krajewski is now represented in the 2026 Olympic squad with two horses
Training Tip of the Day
A good reminder that our body and how we carry ourselves in the saddle greatly affects our horses’ way of going:
Go Eventing
A peek at what it’s like to volunteer behind the scenes at the start box, brought to you from the hardworking crew at the Florida Horse Park this weekend. You can find volunteering opportunities near you here.
