The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ is set to begin this week at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. The event touts itself as being the #BestWeekendAllYear and for good reason. It hosts one of only seven CCI5*-L events in the world and gives all attendees, from competitor to spectator, a world-class experience. In addition to the overall CCI5*-L competition, the top U.S. combination will earn the Roger Haller Trophy as the winner of the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian. Boyd Martin and On Cue were the 2021 National Champions as the top American pair, and Martin returns in 2022 with Tsetserleg TSF for a chance to defend his title.  

A massive trade fair at the LRK3DE provides excellent shopping and a chance to interact with the numerous sponsors who help make the event possible. Below are some highlights of the premier attractions that any attendee should be sure to check out at this year’s event.

 

Land Rover returns at the title sponsor of the event and has an impressive presence. The Land Rover Ultimate Stable located at booth #1 in Sponsor Village at the corner of Rolex Way and Nina Bonnie Boulevard is open to everyone. The Ultimate Stable will highlight the Land Rover Defender vehicle, featuring the newly launched special edition US Equestrian Federation Vehicle Pack. The Land Rover Junior Drive on The Hill provides a fun experience for children in attendance, allowing them to drive kid-sized Land Rover vehicles. Be sure to explore the Land Rover Tailgate on Saturday where participating Land Rover retailers will display an array of vehicles. On Sunday, the winner of the CCI5*-L will drive home with a one-year Land Rove vehicle lease.

MARS Equestrian is back as the presenting sponsor of the event with some notable attractions. The V.I.PET located at booth #3 in Sponsor Village at the corner of Rolex Way and Nina Bonnie Boulevard is open to all. The dogs serve as the VIPs with owners tagging along in the experience as their dogs’ plus one. MARS Equestrian will offer samples and products from their iconic pet brands and activities for the dogs enjoying the VIP treatment.

BUCKEYE™ Nutrition, one of MARS Equestrian’s brands, will havea tent on The Hill at booth #304 with great prizes and rider meet-and-greet opportunities. On Thursday at 3 p.m., there will be a Cross-Country Course Walk with Elisa Wallace, sponsored by BUCKEYE Nutrition and the Retired Racehorse Project. On Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 a.m.-1 p.m., check out the Lunch Q & A with equine nutrition and veterinary experts, including Dr. Nettie Liburt, Senior Nutrition Manager for BUCKEYE Nutrition, and Dr. Amanda Adams, Associate Professor at the UK Gluck Equine Research Center.

AMERICAN HERITAGE® Chocolate, another of MARS Equestrian’s brands, will have a tent on The Hill at booth #305 with delicious treats to enjoy. AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is the result of a unique combination of Mars Wrigley chocolate-making expertise and historical knowledge. Made with all-natural ingredients, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is an authentic historic recipe from the 18th century.

Platinum Performance® will be at booth #8 in Sponsor Village and has several autograph signings scheduled. Stop by the booth for more information and a confirmed autograph schedule once ride times are posted. You can also listen to Platinum Performance’s upcoming podcast with Liz Halliday-Sharp to get an insider’s perspective from a top eventer.

Gallagher’s Water™ is the Official Equine Hydration Beverage of the LRK3DE. They will be at booth #26 in Sponsor Village and officially launching their product at the event. Gallagher’s Water will have product available for purchase, plus they are participating in the LRK3DE Scavenger Hunt.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, the official charity for the 2022 event, will be at booth #31 in Sponsor Village and will be running the bag check for shoppers right next door in booth #32. They will have two selfie stations in their booth: one is with Secretariat’s famous stall at Claiborne Farm and the other is with Stonestreet’s Rachel Alexandra with an actual lead shank to hold while taking your photo. They will be participating in the LRK3DE Scavenger Hunt and having autograph sessions with some of their rider ambassadors, so be sure to stop by their booth. Also, Thursday night’s Official Charity Dinner and Silent Auction in the Big Barn will benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. Lastly, they will be conducting a Fanticipate online auction with some great items up for grabs, including private lessons with LRK3DE competitors, LRK3DE memorabilia, and UK Basketball, racing, and professional sport experiences. The auction will be live the week of the event at https://fanticipate.com/.

National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the USEF’s Equine Discount Partner on brands such as John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin Williams, and Office Depot, will be at booth #33 in Sponsor Village. They will have John Deere equipment on display and representatives on site as well as giveaway swag, including hats and bags. You can also take a moment to unwind while playing some cornhole or standing by their firepit.

SmartPak will have a large stand at booth #39 in Sponsor Village in the same location as previous years. Stop by their booth to find out the details about a cross-country course walk with Boyd Martin as well as autograph sessions with top athletes throughout the weekend.

Be sure to check out Charles Owen’s booth #40 in Sponsor Village as the brand launches a new colorway of the MS1 Pro helmet. Boyd Martin will help launch the helmet, which has a helmet silk with the U.S. flag and Martin’s signature. There will be a raffle at the booth for select helmet boxes with cards signed by Martin inside, so sign up for a chance to win.

Other US Equestrian partners, such as Adequan® at booth #11 and Ariat at booth #22 in the Sponsor Village and Haygain® at booth #100 in the Trade Fair, will be at the LRK3DE. Take a look at the great products they have to offer while you are on the grounds.

Enjoy the exciting competition and shopping if you are attending the event in person, or tune in at home to the USEF Network for the live stream of the event to take in the #BestWeekendAllYear.