The 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park from April 23 to 26. This premier equestrian competition features one of the world's seven annual 5* three-day events and serves as the U.S. national championship for eventing. The weekend also includes jumping competitions with significant prize money.
The 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, produced by the non-profit Equestrian Events, Inc., aims to support equestrian sports development and enhance U.S. competitiveness internationally. Held at the Kentucky Horse Park, the event is the longest-running 5* competition in the Americas and attracts more than 90,000 spectators annually for its mix of sports, shopping, hospitality, and entertainment, often called “The Best Weekend All Year.”
The main attraction is the CCI5*-L eventing competition, which doubles as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian. Complementing this is the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, offering $50,000 in prizes and serving as a qualifier for the U.S. Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park in October. That series includes 20 qualifying events and totals $250,000 in prizes and awards.
Jumping enthusiasts can look forward to the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix on April 25, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. The schedule features a $62,500 1.55m qualifier on Thursday, April 23; $62,500 1.50m individual speed and $200,000 1.50m Major League Show Jumping team events on Friday, April 24; a $32,000 1.45m power and speed class; and the highlight $340,000 1.60m Grand Prix in the evening after the cross-country phase.
Ticket options include single- and multi-day passes, reserved seats in Rolex Stadium for dressage and show jumping, tailgating spots for cross-country viewing, and all-inclusive hospitality packages with premium views and amenities. A new Members Pavilion offers an elevated experience. Details on tickets for the K3DE, Cosequin Lexington 4*, and Kentucky International are available online.
