The word ‘steward’ gets used a lot in connection with equestrian competitions: ring stewards, in-gate stewards, phase stewards. The Oxford Dictionary defines the noun, “steward” as, “one who supervises arrangements or keeps order.” ©Shannon Brinkman In the spring of 2013, I was on my way to a cross-country warmup when a friend mentioned he was headed to Kentucky to take a course to become an FEI Steward. “You should sign up – you’d be...

Starting with a young horse and bringing it up the levels can be such a rewarding journey. The youngest horse I have bought was less than a day old and the oldest was 9. I would say the newborn was an impulse buy because his full brother, Dream Boy, that I own was running his first 5* that very day, but all the other horses I have purchased have been with patience. After looking for over a year, I bought two horses within a few days of each other this year. Rather than buying trips, I enjoy...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations selected for the 2025 U.S. Eventing European Development Tour, including those selected to represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S, held at Bicton Arena in Devon, England from May 22-25. The objective of the annual tour is to provide athletes with the opportunity to gain international experience, achieve results at European Nations Cups and...

Lexington, Ky. – For the first time ever, three U.S. athletes occupy the number one spot in their respective discipline world rankings, with Kent Farrington moving into number one on the Longines FEI Jumping World Ranking List, and Boyd Martin earning the number one position on the FEI Eventing World Ranking List for the first time in his career. Fiona Howard still holds her position as the number one athlete in the world in the FEI Para Dressage Rankings. Farrington last held the honor...

Lexington, Ky. — The thrilling show jumping phase brought the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ to a close on Sunday with Michael Jung (GER) and fischerChipmunk FRH finishing atop the podium for the CCI5*-L. Boyd Martin and Commando 3 completed the weekend as the top U.S. combination on the leaderboard, taking home the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian™. The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S also...

Lexington, Ky. — Cross-country got underway with a chilly start on Saturday morning at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE). Michael Jung (GER) and fischerChipmunk FRH continue to hold their lead in the CCI5*-L after a near flawless trip around the track, while Boyd Martin and Commando 3 remain in the lead of the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian. In the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, William Coleman and Off...

Lexington, Ky. – Dressage competition concluded on Friday at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian. Michael Jung (GER) and fischerChipmunk FRH remain in the lead in the CCI*5-L division on an impressive 18.6, while the competition ahead will be increasingly dynamic as combinations head out on cross-country tomorrow. Boyd Martin and Commando 3 are the top U.S. pair on the CCI*5-L leaderboard in second place. In the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a notable...

Lexington, Ky. — The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) started on a cloudy and mild Kentucky morning for the first day of dressage competition. Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH led the CCI5*-L competition after a record-breaking test in the first phase. The top American combination on the leaderboard in the CCI5*-L, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, lead in the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian. The...

Lexington, Ky. – The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE) is set to begin following the completion of the first horse inspection. A field of 34 horse-and-athlete combinations from six countries are competing for the top title in the CCI5*-L. The event will also play host to the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian™. The highest-placed U.S. combination in the CCI5*-L will win the national champion...

We love them for their speed and now admire them just as much for their heart, talent, and versatility. With the #BestWeekendAllYear upon the Kentucky Horse Park this week, let us look at some of the Thoroughbreds who have transformed their racing roots into second careers in the world of eventing. These equine athletes will put their skills to the test in the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L and the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S this weekend, beginning...

The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ , which kicks off this Thursday, April 24, is one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world. Featuring exceptional equestrian competitions in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, it’s no wonder this international event is known as the best weekend all year! In addition to three days of jaw-dropping action, spectators can explore the grounds for unlimited shopping opportunities, delicious...

©FEI/Benjamin Clark Lausanne (SUI) - Santa Anita Park, located in proximity to the Los Angeles city area, has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28). “Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a...