It’s officially closing day for entries to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event! We’ll be anticipating a full reveal of the entries coming soon, but in the meantime we’re just chomping at the proverbial bit to get on over to Kentucky and get the #BestWeekendAllYear underway!
This year we’ll also have the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S competition running alongside the traditional 5*, as well as a newly-upgraded Kentucky International CSI5* show jumping competition with a Grand Prix on Saturday evening. Tickets are required for the show jumping and for reserved seating/general admission for the eventing competition, so be sure to snag yours here. Reserved seating is likely to sell out, so be sure to get your friends together and make your plans!
If you want to join us in madly refreshing the website for entries, you can do so here.
U.S. Events Opening Today
Tryon International Three-Day Event (NC); River Glen Spring H.T. (TN); Galway Downs Spring H.T. and Preliminary Challenge (CA); Unionville May H.T. (PA); Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (FL); Queeny Park H.T. (MO)
U.S. Events Closing Today
Twin Rivers Spring International (CA); F.E.N.C.E. H.T. (NC); Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC); Unionville H.T. (PA); Spring Bay H.T. (KY)
News & Reading
Catch up with the new U.S. eventing chef d’equipe and High Performance Manager Leslie Law on the latest episode of the USEA Podcast. Listen in as Leslie answers some questions about his new role and responsibilities, what he’s thinking about the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, and more here.
Speaking of podcasts, the third episode of The Go Eventing Podcast is coming your way this morning! Get to know our co-host, Ema Klugman as we recap Carolina and preview the events happening this weekend, talk about 5* horse numbers and ownership support, and much more. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or here.
Sometimes it’s not about the ribbons — it’s about the rider who shows up with grit, grace, and an undeniable love for the sport. Meet 15-year-old Harvest Renfro, a shining example of sportsmanship and spirit, who represented Area VI at the 2023 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp. Selected not for topping leaderboards but for her positive attitude, volunteerism, and unwavering work ethic, Harvest is what eventing is all about. Read all about Harvest here.
Check out the incredible story of the one-eyed horse who represented Sweden in the Longines League of Nations leg in Ocala this past weekend! Read it here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
Horses, like people, do cough occasionally. But if your horse is coughing persistently and has symptoms like nasal discharge and labored breathing during exercise, that warrants attention—even if your horse doesn’t have a fever or hasn’t been exposed to sick horses recently.
Equine respiratory issues can crop up at any time of year—especially those caused by a respiratory virus or shipping fever (bacterial pneumonia). But breathing problems related to equine asthma can become more frequent or severe toward the end of winter and early spring, when horses and ponies have been exposed to more dust and allergens in hay, barns, stalls, and indoor arenas. If your horse is coughing but doesn’t have an elevated temperature, hasn’t traveled, and hasn’t been around a horse with a respiratory infection, your veterinarian might suspect equine asthma.
Read some advice from KPP on managing coughing and what the cough could mean here.
Video Break
Check out a cool new mini-documentary all about the impact of horses in our lives and the state of Kentucky:
