Edited Press Release
Lexington, Kentucky – April 7, 2025 – Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is thrilled to welcome back MARS EQUESTRIAN™, a division of Mars, Incorporated, as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27. Partnered with the event since 2019, MARS EQUESTRIAN also returns as Presenting Sponsor of the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship, which is determined by U.S. riders’ finishes in the event.
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.
“Few companies have done as much to support equestrian sports, both in the U.S. and worldwide, as Mars, Incorporated,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “Their dedication to promoting our sport at the highest level, and always with a deep concern for horses’ well-being, is to be commended, and we are honored to continue our wonderful partnership with them.”
One of equestrian sports’ biggest and most important sponsors, MARS EQUESTRIAN continues its role as an incredible supporter of K3DE, providing something special for virtually everyone at the event including riders, grooms, volunteers, media, hospitality guests, patrons, spectators and, of course, horses! With a presence at the outdoor Trade Fair, Sponsor Courtyard and on the cross-country course at MARS Sustainability Bay, the sponsorship will showcase Mars, Incorporated’s leading brands and services in Petcare, Horsecare, Science and Diagnostics, and Confectionery across the grounds including:
- ANTECH™
- BUCKEYE™ Nutrition
- ETHEL M® Chocolates
- GREENIES™
- NUTRO™
- PEDIGREE®
- Wisdom Panel™
“We are thrilled to continue our support of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event with our family of brands to complement this world-class event,” said William Clements, President of Mars Equestrian. “We look forward to interacting with attendees and their pets throughout the event, and are especially excited to share our new WORLD OF MARS in the Trade Fair’s Sponsor Courtyard area.”
About MARS EQUESTRIAN™MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Sponsorship, funded by Mars, Incorporated, is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS EQUESTRIAN is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines, to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, the MARS EQUESTRIAN Brand is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information, please visit www.marsequestrian.com and join us @marsequestrian.
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*-S
Introduced 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 Institute
Formerly 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.
