Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) has appointed Vanessa Coleman as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, the organization announced.
EEI, a nonprofit best known for producing the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™, also runs the Cosequin Lexington CCI4-S* and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute during the same marquee spring weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park, the #BestWeekendAllYear. Kentucky draws nearly 90,000 spectators annually, with shopping, hospitality, and demonstrations rounding out the competition experience.
Vanessa steps into the CEO role after serving as EEI’s Chief Competition and Operating Officer, working closely with outgoing CEO Molly Day, who is slated to begin a new role with the FEI in February as Director of the newly-merged Eventing and Driving/Para Driving departments.
With a legacy event and a host of other important competitions helmed by EEI (including the USEA American Eventing Championships, which return to Kentucky Horse Park this year and next), experience is key to a smooth transition — especially with Kentucky looming large just over three months away. No need to worry. Vanessa has been a key figure behind the scenes at Kentucky for more than a decade: she served as Senior Director of Competition beginning in 2013, after earlier roles that included Director of Ticketing and leading Sponsorship in 2012.
Defender Kentucky draws nearly 100,000 spectators to Kentucky Horse Park each April. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
“The EEI Board feels strongly that there is no better person to lead our organization than Vanessa,” said Prim Hudgins, President of the EEI Board of Directors, in the press release announcing the hire. “She is respected and liked by virtually everyone who knows her, and there is no doubt that her appointment will be well received by the entire Eventing community, both in the U.S. and around the world.”
Vanessa’s Kentucky story is also a horse-world one. While living outside the state for nearly 20 years, she worked as an accountant, ran her own barn, and organized a local horse trials, all while still returning to Kentucky annually to volunteer at the event and supporting her mother, who served as the Chief Steward of horse inspection. She first volunteered during her time in the Keeneland Pony Club, and also gained experience grooming for a competitor.
In 2008, Vanessa moved back to the area, and then-Event Director Janie Atkinson brought her onto the event staff — where she’s been ever since.
Why it matters: With Molly Day departing for the FEI, EEI is opting for continuity at the top. Elevating someone who already knows the Kentucky machine inside and out — from competition operations to sponsorship to the volunteer backbone that makes the whole thing run — ensures all systems are green and go for a successful kickoff to Vanessa’s tenure at this year’s 5*.
