To ensure you go into show jumping today with all the stats in mind, here are EquiRatings’ predictions after cross country yesterday. We’re beyond excited to crown new Kentucky champions today — watch this space to celebrate with us!
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Today at Defender Kentucky
It all comes down to this — today we crown a new Kentucky Champion!
š Activities We’re Following Today
- Autograph Signing: Ema Klugman —Ā Ā Sun, Apr 26 @ 9:45 a.m. |Ā Kentucky Kids Club
- USEA Lunch & Learn:Ā Dr. Mark Hart, Rider Safety —Ā Sun, Apr 26 @ 12:15 p.m. |Ā Safety & Wellness Arena
- Autograph Signing: Bruce Davidson, Sr. —Ā Sun, Apr 26 @ 12:30 p.m. |Ā Bruce Davidson Statue, Rolex Arena
- Autograph Signing: Sharon White —Ā Sun, Apr 26 @ TBD |Ā Coat DefenseĀ Booth #219
š„ Follow Live
- CCI4* & 5* Horse Inspection at 8:00 a.m. ET
- CCI4*-SĀ stadium jumping starts at 10:45 a.m. ET
- CCI5* stadiumĀ jumping startsĀ at 2:00 p.m. ET
- Make sure to stick around for the awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m. ET
- Stream onĀ USEF NetworkĀ (free with USEF or fan membership)
- Daily schedule
- Entries & ride times —Ā CCI5*Ā |Ā Ā CCI4*-S
- Live scoring —Ā CCI5*Ā |Ā Ā CCI4*-S
š Live Updates
- BTS photos, polls, prompts, and links dropping all week on ourĀ Instagram broadcast channelĀ ā sign up to stay in the loop
š² Behind the Scenes
- Stay locked on Eventing Nation for the #BestWeekendAllYear atĀ @goeventingĀ for real-time stories and updates!
- If you’re on site, download the GooseChase app to take part in theĀ Kentucky Scavenger Hunt
š Know Your Competitors
- Full Kentucky coverageĀ here
- Meet all the 5* horses and riders in ourĀ 2026 KY3DEĀ Form Guide
- Find all pre-event coverage, updates, rookie profiles, & all other essential infoĀ in ourĀ Ultimate Guide
Go Eventing!
Major International Events This Weekend
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* (USA):Ā [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Venue Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [Support Our Sponsor: Kentucky Performance Products]
Ballindenisk International CCI4*-L (IRL):Ā [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Strzegom Spring Open II CCI4*-L (POL):Ā [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring HT (VA):Ā [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Horse Park of New Jersey Spring HT (NJ):Ā [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Other Links and Reading
- Harry Meade on dramatic Kentucky moment: āI saw the fishes and tried my hardest not to join themā
- What Happened Where? The 2026 Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L Cross-Country Rewind
- Why Horse Girls Feel Everything So Deeply (And Why Thatās a Strength)
- Politeness and power combine as thoroughbred leads Kentucky after cross-country: āHeās a championā
Training Tip of the Day
Struggling with late, crooked, or panicked flying changes? Youāre not alone ā use these five tips from Amelia Newcomb in your next training session:
Go Eventing
Make sure you wish a happy birthday to our favorite Air Corvett — pinney #19 this weekend and he turns 19 today! Emily has stated that this Kentucky will be Barry’s final 5*, and what a swan song this eleventh 5* for him will be.
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