The 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day presented by MARS Equestrian™ is days away with the first draw of horses set to head down the center line on Thursday, April 23rd. An elite field of world-class horse and athlete combinations will compete across three phases including dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. The best weekend all year is not only comprised of exciting competition but also unlimited shopping, delicious food, and so much more!
Defender
Defender, the title sponsor of the event, provides fun and entertainment for everyone of all ages. The Defender Experience, centered in Sponsor Village (Booth 1) is your one-stop shop to listen to live music, attend an autograph signing with some of the best US Equestrian Team athletes, sip on a specialty latte or just relax with friends. Located just steps away from the Defender booth off Nina Bonnie Boulevard is the Defender Junior Drive. Child-sized Defender vehicles will be on-hand for children to test drive on a kid-friendly course. On Saturday, April 25th from 2:00pm-2:30pm two miniature horses from the Kentucky Horse Park’s Kids’Barn will be making a special appearance at the Kids’ Drive for a meet-and-greet. Adults can also embrace the impossible by visiting the specialized Defender Test Drive course on the corner of Nina Bonnie Boulevard and Marks Lane, which is offered daily.
MARS Equestrian™
Come satisfy your sweet tooth and get a treat for your four-legged furry friend at the MARS Equestrian™ activation in Sponsor Village (Booth 3). A variety of MARS candy including their luxury chocolate line Ethel M, will be displayed to sample and purchase throughout the week. Pets will have the opportunity to be the VIP as they are pampered with treats, an obstacle course, and custom credentials.
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 9), Ariat (Booth 12), United States Hunter Jumper Association (Both 18), Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (Booth 19), John Deere/Equine Discounts (Booth 20), SmartEquine (Booth 26), Bates Saddles (Booth 27), and many more.
Trade Fair
The Trade Fair is the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event’s largest vendor area, where fans can shop until they drop! Fans can find a wide variety of products including saddles, tacks, clothing, jewelry, and more from vendors such as Dalman Jump Co and the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop.
The Hill
The Hill located behind the Rolex Stadium near the Cross-Country Course, is an ideal location to browse through more than 20 vendor tents or grab lunch, all while catching a glimpse of the action on the jumbotron. Spectators can find shops and brand activations such as LeMieux (Booth 305), Straight Arrow (Booth 306), Chewy Equine (Booth 309), and MagnaWave (Booth 319).
USEF Booth
Stop by the USEF booth in the Sponsor Village (Booth 2) to shop for official US Equestrian merchandise including the new men’s and women’s Ariat team kit, 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.
Can't Make it in Person?
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!
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