Harry Meade. Boyd Martin. Tim Price. Tom McEwen. Four of the top ten ranked FEI riders in this 2026 elite five star event. What’s not to love? Two days of beautiful dressage, a day of exhilarating cross country, and a suspenseful final day of show jumping. Top rides pair with trade fair galore, yummy food, educational exhibitions, free gifts, and meeting your favorite riders.
The first time I went, I was merely a thirteen-year-old girl who just wanted to soak it all in. Now that I’ve attended several times, I see the value of planning your trip to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE) to maximize your time. With so much to do and see, here are a few of my tips to make the most of your trip to the Kentucky Horse Park.
1. ARRIVE EARLY!
Regardless of where you’re coming from, if you have overnight accommodation, or if you are local, arrive early. Whether you’re coming for one day or all four, it is important to make the most of your day! The gates typically open at 7am, be there at 7!! Be there for the sunrise and the sunset. There is so much you’re going to experience, and you want to make sure you have time for it all—no regrets.
2. Take Advantage of Opportunities
Think about it, you have the world’s best at your fingertips for a weekend. And they want to share their knowledge with you. Take advantage of it. There will be various course walks, rider meetings, and demonstrations. I remember attending Buck Davidson’s cross country walk in 2023, and it changed the way I look at cross country. Getting an inside look at how a legend goes about a track as demanding as Kentucky was eye-opening. I highly encourage spectators to look at the schedule and attend as many course walks as possible. It’s free education (after your ticket!).
Another piece of the event that stuck with me was watching Elisa Wallace’s mustang demonstration. Elisa Wallace is known for her participation in the Mustang Makeovers, where she takes a wild, unbroken mustang and within 120 days, she has them broke for riding, desensitized, and sometimes even jumping. When I attended the event at 13 years old, I was absolutely blown away. Elisa rode her chestnut mustang not only bareback, but also bridle-less, and in front of a massive crowd in a distracting environment.
It’s moments like these that we don’t get every day. Again, there are so many incredible riders at one venue in Kentucky for a week. Take advantage of every opportunity—from the scheduled walks and demonstrations to meet-and-greets at sponsor tents. You won’t regret it.
3. Attend The Kentucky International CSI5*
My very first year going to Kentucky, my grandparents took me and we sat first row for the Qualifier Thursday night. The tickets are only $10 per night, and it’s a perfect way to end your day—dinner, a cold drink, and a show. After a long day of dressage, how nice it is to watch Grand Prix show jumpers wrap up the day under the lights. Even watching from home, I always make sure to tune in to watch these amazing jumpers. Though a smaller crowd, it’s worth every bit to stay and watch.
4. Save Your Shopping for Kentucky!
The Trade Fair at DK3DE has over 150 vendors in an enclosed indoor arena, 40+ sponsors in the sponsor village, “The Hill” with more than 20 vendors, and, of course, the official Three-Day shop. Kentucky has the best shopping, hands down. Thinking about a new piece of tack or a new pair of breeches? Wait for Kentucky. There are so many unique products to be seen at Kentucky, and you’re going to want to buy a lot. So, hold off for now and splurge at the Kentucky Horse Park. Did I mention there’s a Jumbotron in both the trade fair and “The Hill”? You’re not going to miss the action of the event while you’re shopping. Thanks, Kentucky!
5. Be Prepared for Weather
Kentucky in April is always a bit unpredictable. It could be 80 degrees, it could be 50 degrees, it could be sunny, it could be rainy. Of course, check the weather before you head to the park, but also always make sure to bring a rain jacket. Pop-up showers are known for making an appearance at this event. I remember in 2024 I was sitting on the cross country with my mom, and it started raining suddenly—when there was no rain in the forecast. Thankfully, we were prepared and had our rain jackets, but that’s just one example of why you want to be prepared in Kentucky.
To all attending the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, I wish you the best of time. It quite literally is THE BEST WEEKEND ALL YEAR!