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 food, and unique experiences for adults and children alike.  

 

Defender Experience 

As the title sponsor of the event, Defender offers a variety of activations for attendees. The Defender Experience, located in the Sponsor Village (Booth 1), is the perfect place to rest and cool off after a long day of walking around, enjoy lunch while listening to live music, or attend an autograph signing with world-renowned athletes. Not far from the Defender booth off Nina Bonnie Boulevard is the Defender Junior Drive, where children can test drive child-sized Defender vehicles on a kid-friendly course. On Friday, April 25, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12-1 p.m., kids can interact with Pixie and Apple, two miniature horses who reside at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Kids' Barn. Adults can also experience the power of a Defender vehicle by visiting the specialized Defender Test Drive course on the corner of Nina Bonnie Boulevard and Marks Lane, which is offered daily.  

MARS V.I.Pet Experience 

Dogs are more than welcome at the DK3DE, and many owners bring their four-legged friends to enjoy the festivities. Dogs are not allowed in Rolex Stadium, Alltech Arena, grandstands, hospitality tents, museums, the theater, or restaurants at The Kentucky Horse Park. However, at the MARS V.I.Pet Experience (Sponsor Village – Booth 3 and 4), pets are pampered with treats, can run an obstacle course, get custom credentials, and have play time with other furry friends.  

Sponsor Village & Courtyard 

Located on Rolex Way just off Nina Bonnie Boulevard, the Sponsor Village & Courtyard is home to merchandise booths, food and drink stands, and plenty of sponsors. Here, you can find brands every equestrian loves, such as Adequan® (Booth 11), Ariat (Booth 14), the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (Booth 21), John Deere/Equine Discounts (Booth 22), Bates Saddles (Booth 28), and many more.  

Click here to view a map of Sponsor Village.  

Trade Fair  

The Trade Fair is the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event’s largest vendor area, where fans can find a wide variety of products including saddles, tack, clothing, jewelry, pet accessories, and more from vendors such as Dalman Jump Co, Saratoga Stalls, and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop. You can find the Trade Fair area off Lee Cholak Drive.  

Click here to view a map of the Trade Fair.  

The Hill 

The Hill is the newest vendor area at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, found behind Rolex Stadium near the Cross-Country Course. On The Hill, you can browse through more than 20 vendor tents, grab lunch from the food court, or visit the Defender Junior Drive Experience with your little one, all while catching a glimpse of the action on the jumbotron. Spectators can find shops and brand activations such as LeMieux (Booth 304), United States Hunter Jumper Association (Booth 307), Chewy Equine (Booth 309), United States Eventing Association (Booth 316), and the official Three-Day Shop powered by Schneiders (Booth 324) in this area.  

Click here to view a map of The Hill.  

USEF Booth  

Stop by the USEF booth in the Sponsor Village (Booth 2) to shop for official US Equestrian merchandise including men’s and women’s Ariat Coastal Jackets, plus a selection of Ariat backpacks, YETI water bottles, men’s, women’s, and unisex hats, and accessories like USEF candles, mugs, and throw pillows.  

Every day during the event from approximately 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., the US Equestrian Open Trophy will be staged at the USEF booth for fans to learn more about the US Equestrian Open series and the upcoming qualifiers and finals, take photos with the trophy, and receive free US Equestrian Open branded goods. Mark your calendar now because you won’t want to miss seeing this work of art in person.  

 

The Vehicles of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 

Thanks to Defender, the Title Sponsor and Official Luxury Automotive Vehicle of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, fans will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a unique display of Vehicles of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Each model in the convoy has close links to the British Royal Family, whether used in an official capacity or as part of the household fleet. Located in the Sponsor Village, the display will showcase five historic models, including a 1954 Land Rover Series I State Review used on a six-month tour of the Commonwealth, and a 1983 Defender 110 V8 that is part of the British Motor Museum’s collection, to name a few. This will be the fleet’s eighth and final stop in America and will be available for viewing to all ticket holders. Read more about the specialized collection here. 

 

Stay Connected 

If you can’t make it to the DK3DE in person, no need to worry! You can still tune in to all the action on the USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. Click here to activate your free USEF fan membership today!  

Catch up on all the news, photo galleries, and videos at US Equestrian's DK3DE hub. Follow USA Eventing on Facebook and Instagram, and US Equestrian on Twitter and TikTok. Update your communication preferences to receive daily newsletters and follow the leading U.S. contenders for the Kentucky International CSI5* Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.