Edited Press Release
Lexington, Kentucky – April 3, 2025 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is delighted to welcome back John Deere as the Official Equipment Provider of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.
Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4*, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, and the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“John Deere is one of the most widely recognized and respected names in the equine world,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “They have been a cherished partner of the Kentucky Three-Day Event, and we are thrilled to welcome them back again this year.”
Deere & Company (www.JohnDeere.com) is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products, including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe, are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at www.deere.com/en/news.
“We are proud to once again be the official equipment supplier of the premier eventing showcase in North America, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. The NTRA Advantage Equine Discounts program partners with John Deere to provide significant savings to the entire Sporthorse industry, that can then be channeled towards initiatives that help grow and expand the sport,” said Steve Driskill, Vice President of NTRA Advantage & Equine Discounts. “We greatly value our relationship with Equestrian Events, Inc., and we look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.”
| Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS EquestrianThe Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping – for $400,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*-L level. K3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner. |
| Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-SIntroduced in 2021, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S runs concurrently with the CCI5*-L competition, featuring the three phases of eventing – dressage, cross country and show jumping. The Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S is a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier and offers $50,000 prize money. Tickets for viewing the Cosequin® Lexington 4*-S are included when purchasing the K3DE tickets. |
| Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical InstituteFormerly known as the Kentucky Invitational, the Kentucky International made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024. As a CSI5* in 2025, the international show jumping event will make EEI the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. More information on the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/the-kentucky-international-csi5. Further information and details on all ticket options on the K3DE, Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI5* can be found at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/. |
| About Equestrian Events, Inc.Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, which upgraded to the Kentucky International CSI5* for 2025, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI is also hosting the United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships in 2026-2028. EEI supports several local and equine charities and over the last 20 years has donated more than $1.1 million to various charities. For more information, please visit www.eq-events.com. |
