A new privately funded initiative called Rising Lions is supporting three under-25 British event riders to compete in the Cosequin CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event from April 23-26. The riders are Elizabeth Barratt, Isabelle Cook and Finn Healy. The programme aims to provide international experience beyond championships.
Three young British riders will travel to the United States for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event thanks to the Rising Lions initiative. Elizabeth Barratt, 20, will ride Barratt Eventing’s Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau, while Isabelle Cook, 21, competes on her mother Tina Cook and Jim Cromiak’s Cymoon “F” Z. Finn Healy, 21, rides his own Greannanstown Monbeg Joe. Barratt is also entered on Georgina-W, though that entry lacks Rising Lions funding. The event runs from April 23-26 and features a CCI4*-S class selected by FEI world rankings and performance criteria, including a clear cross-country at a four-star in 2025. A Rising Lions spokesperson said the programme, backed by private individuals, seeks to fill a gap for up-and-coming riders. “Younger riders often only get the opportunity to compete overseas if they are part of a championship team,” the spokesperson noted. “If there were more opportunities... that would better prepare them for championships.” The initiative is independent of British Eventing and complements efforts like The Howden Way. British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams welcomed it, calling it “a fantastic initiative” that exposes riders to international travel and conditions. Vanessa Coleman, CEO of Equestrian Events, Inc., which organises Kentucky, added: “We look forward to giving this team of under-25 riders from Great Britain a warm Kentucky welcome.” Rising Lions views the trip as a test run, with future plans potentially including team competitions against other nations.