Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Atalya Boytner.
Have you ever wanted to work behind the scenes at one of the biggest equestrian events in the world? The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and its organizer, Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) hire several interns across various roles each year, so you should consider this your sign to check out what’s available for the 50th Anniversary celebration of the CCI5* event.
Here are just a few of the cool gigs open for intern applications right now:
Competition: Your ticket to the operations side of the event. You’ll be tasked with assisting with rider and official communications, competition logistics, scheduling, scoring, and on-site support.
Development and Sponsorship: This intern will work with the Director of Development and Sponsorship Sales to create the programming, contacts, schedule and day-of organization of the Chewy Demonstration Arena during the K3DE. This internship offers hands-on experience in event planning, logistics, site operations, and guest experience management, as well as the opportunity to build relationships with a leading animal supply company in the industry.
Marketing: Acquire hands-on experience across event marketing, communications, digital media, branding, media relations, fan engagement, and event operations.
Current students and recent graduates are eligible to apply for these internships, which do require on-site work at Kentucky Horse Park and are unpaid positions. You can view the requirements for each individual role to understand the ask here. Applications for these internships close on October 30.
[Read the perspective of 2026 intern Sydney Zaikov]
Major International Events
Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5* (France): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Pau TV Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Play Eventing Manager – Use code PCTD to join the EN leage!]
U.S. Events This Weekend
Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer: Horse Trials] [Volunteer: Classic Three-Day]
YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores]
Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Windermere Run H.T. (MO): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]
Hitching Post Farm H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]
News & Recommended Reading
- How 23-year-old Skyler Norris came full circle with her Advanced debut at Florida Horse Park
- Reflecting changes in the broader media industry, preeminent stock image supplier Getty Images has announced its intentions to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and go private. Much of the pressure on media companies like Getty comes from the AI boom, as more and more people turn to AI to generate images and content.
- What does horse welfare mean in the context of horse ownership? This qualitative study dives into horse owners’ perceptions of the concept that’s on everyone’s minds.
- How to cope when menopause affects your riding life
Coaching Corner
- Ride Straight, Accurate Centerlines That Show Off Your Horse’s Gaits
- How to Ride the ‘What If’ Position with Chris Bartle
- How to help when your horse falls through a corner
Go Eventing
Moroccan Sport Horses are having a moment:
