Sunshine and fashionable outfits were showcased on the jog strip for Wednesday’s First Horse Inspection at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian. Twenty-nine combinations from five nations passed the CCI5*-L inspection in front of the Ground Jury of Andrew Bennie (NZL), Valerie Pride (USA) and Seppo Laine (FIN).

Competition kicks off the dressage phase on Thursday and Friday in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Rolex Stadium. The first CCI5*-L pair on Thursday goes at 1:30 p.m. with the last pair going at 3:48 p.m. Friday’s dressage phase begins at 1:00 p.m. with the final horse going at 3:18 p.m.

Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S

The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L division, and 45 CCI4*-S combinations will compete for top honors. The division also will kick off Thursday with the first pair at 8:30 a.m. and the last ride heading down centerline at 11:42 a.m. On Friday, the first pair again begins at 8:30 a.m. and the last dressage ride goes at 11:42 a.m. as well.

Who Wore It Best Poll

Vote on your favorite fashion from Wednesday’s CCI5*-L First Horse Inspection! Check out today’s fashions and scroll to the bottom to cast your vote. We’ll report back on the poll results for who wore it best.

Emily Hamel (USA) and Corvett. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Boyd Martin (USA) and Cooley Nutcracker. ©Amy K. Dragoo
David Doel (GBR) and Galileo Nieuwmoed. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Will Coleman (USA) and Diabolo. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Shannon Lilley (USA) and Eindhoven Garette. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Caroline Pamukcu (USA) and HSH Tolan King. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Buck Davidson (USA) and Sorocaima. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Gabby Dickerson (USA) and Traditionally Fernhill. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Phillip Dutton (USA) and Possante. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Harry Meade (GBR) and Superstition. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Sophia Hill (AUS) and Humble Glory. ©Amy K. Dragoo
Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. ©Amy K. Dragoo

For More

To check out more of our coverage from the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, click here.


Thanks to Dechra for our coverage of the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. It includes lead-up events, rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more.