One Big Thing: Get ready for Dressage Day 1 at Kentucky!
Go back in time with 5* master William Fox-Pitt as he reminisces on his many highlights at the Kentucky Three-Day Event over the years. As a three-time winner and fourteen-time finisher, we think it’s safe to bet that William may just know more about Kentucky than any other rider out there! We have no doubt he’ll be watching this weekend as Harry Meade pilots Fox-Pitt’s former ride — and 2025 fourth-place finisher — Grafennacht around the bluegrass once again.
And for another fun Dressage Day history lesson: how much do you know about the history of Kentucky? [Take Practical Horseman’s quiz to find out!]
Today at Defender Kentucky
Following yesterday’s jog, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day has officially begun! Here’s everything you need to know for today:
🎥 Follow Live
- CCI4*-S dressage will kick off at 8:30 a.m. ET this morning
- CCI5* dressage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET
- Stream on USEF Network (free with USEF or fan membership)
- Daily schedule
- Entries & ride times — CCI5* | CCI4*-S
- Live scoring — CCI5* | CCI4*-S
📍 On Course
- Cross country is open to riders for walking following yesterday’s horse inspection
- Guided course preview + CCI5* and CCI4*-S maps also available on the CrossCountryApp
📝 Live Updates
- Cheg Darlington has you covered all weekend — follow today’s live blog here (link will not be live until 5* dressage starts!)
📲 Behind the Scenes
- Stay locked on Eventing Nation for the #BestWeekendAllYear at @goeventing for real-time stories and updates!
- If you’re on site, download the GooseChase app to take part in the Kentucky Scavenger Hunt
📖 Know Your Competitors
- Full Kentucky coverage here
- Meet all the 5* horses and riders in our 2026 KY3DE Form Guide
- Find all pre-event coverage, updates, rookie profiles, & all other essential info in our Ultimate Guide
- Join EN’s Eventing Manager league here with code PCTD
Go Eventing!
Major International Events This Weekend
Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5* (USA): [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): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Strzegom Spring Open II CCI4*-L (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring HT (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Horse Park of New Jersey Spring HT (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Other Links and Reading
Training Tip of the Day
If you’re tired of your horse slamming on the brakes at the base of a jump, this video is for you:
Go Eventing
Head out on course with the man himself — here’s the KY3DE Cross-Country Course Preview with Derek di Grazia!
