Your Ultimate Guide to the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by MARS Equestrian
Okay, eventing fans. The biggest event of the year is right around the corner — and our sister site, Eventing Nation, will be covering every minute of it. Here is your ultimate guide to this year’s LRK3DE!
Welcome to the actual best time of the year: Kentucky week! With Kentucky this week and the hotly anticipated return of Badminton next week, it’s time to buckle up for two absolutely epic weeks of eventing. We know it’s the age of information overload, so we’ve made all things Kentucky as easy to find as possible in our Ultimate Guide. Keep this page bookmarked all weekend as we’ll update it daily with the latest updates and content.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the daily Kentucky news by signing up for our free Kentucky Daily Digest email here. We’ll send a new edition out first thing each morning to catch you up to speed if you’ve got a life and aren’t going to be glued to the internet all week long.
Click any of the links below to jump to that section:
Schedule
The Competition
What’s At Stake
The Line-up
The Officials
How to Watch
Social Media
EN’s Coverage
What’s Happening
Contests & Sponsor Promos
EN’s coverage of the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is brought to you by Kentucky Performance Products, with additional support from Zoetis, World Equestrian Brands, Horseware, Haygain, and Fairfax & Favor.
THE COMPETITION:
The prestigious CCI5* is back at its best after running behind closed doors in 2021, and will be the first Rolex Grand Slam leg of 2022. The new, tough CCI4*-S, which earned the nickname of “5*-Short” or “4* Olympics” in 2021, also returns for a second year, and the Rolex Stadium will once again host the Kentucky Invitational CSI3* show jumping put on by Split Rock Jumping Tour. Doug Payne’s signed himself up to be the busiest rider of the week, it seems, with two horses in the CCI5*, one horse in the CCI4*-S and another in the CSI3* show jumping. Aside from our lone eventer, there is a star-studded 38-strong entry list for the Kentucky Invitational — click here (click on a “Results” box to view the entries) to follow the schedule and results.
The dressage tests used will be FEI CCI5* B and FEI CCI4* B.
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
There’s plenty on the line for competitors in either class, not least that $25,000 prize pot in the CCI4*-S and the $375,000 prize pot in the CCI5*.
There’s also a battle for FEI World Rankings points: Jonelle Price, who currently sits second in the rankings, has a serious opportunity here to topple Oliver Townend from the top spot, as he won’t be here to defend his title. Finally, competitors across both classes will be looking to impress their respective selectors, as all eyes are on this September’s FEI World Championships in Pratoni, Italy.
As always, there’s additionally the ongoing U.S. winner drought here at Kentucky. Though the U.S. 5* winner drought was broken by Boyd Martin at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star last fall, it’s still been 14 years since the last American winner (Phillip Dutton and Connaught won in 2008) of the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Boyd, for his part, came tantalizingly close last year with eventual Maryland winner On Cue, finishing second to Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. There’s certainly a handful of serious threats to the top of the podium on this year’s entry list, but the threat of a strong international contingent that includes Michael Jung looms large as it always does.
THE LINE-UP:
Eight countries are represented across the two classes. We’ve got 48 entries in the CCI4*-S and 50 in the CCI5*, at the time of publication.
THE OFFICIALS:
The CCI5* ground jury will be made up of president Nick Burton (GBR) and members Christian Steiner (AUT) and Gretchen Butts (USA), while the CCI4*-S competitors will be working hard to impress president Peter Grey (CAN) and members Beatrice di Grazia (USA) and Charlotte Skinner-Robson (USA).
Great Britain’s Philip Surl will act as Technical Delegate for the five-star, with the USA’s Andrew Temkin taking the role for the CCI4*-S. Both cross-country courses are designed by Derek di Grazia, and both show jumping courses in the Rolex stadium will be designed by Steve Stephens.
[Times are listed in local time, which is EST.]
Wednesday, April 27:
- 1.00 p.m. – Cross-Country Course Open to Public
- 3.00 p.m. – CCI5* First Horse Inspection— High Hope Inspection Lane
- 3:30–6:00 p.m. – Competitor Arena Familiarization — Rolex Stadium
Thursday, April 28:
- 7:30 a.m. – CCI4*-S Dressage Test Ride — Rolex Stadium
- 8:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. – CCI4*-S Dressage — Rolex Stadium
- 12:30 a.m. – CCI5*-L Dressage Test Ride — Rolex Stadium
- 1.00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. – CCI5*-L Dressage — Rolex Stadium
- 6:30–9.00 p.m. – Charity Event — Kentucky Horse Park Big Barn
Friday, April 29:
- 8.00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. – CCI4*-S Dressage — Rolex Stadium
- 11.00 a.m. – Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Jog
- 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – CCI5*-L Dressage — Rolex Stadium
- Noon–1.00 p.m. – Champions Live! — Walnut Ring
- 1:30–3:30 p.m. – Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring
- 1:30–2:30 p.m. – Para-Show Jumping— Walnut Ring
- 2:30–3:30 p.m. – Retired Racehorse Project— Walnut Ring
- 7.00 p.m. – Kentucky Invitational CSI3* $37 ,000 Welcome Speed Cup 1.45m — Rolex Stadium
Saturday, April 30:
- 9.00 –11:15 a.m. – CCI4*-S Cross-Country Test
- 12:50–4:45 p.m. – CCI5*-L Cross-Country Test
- 2:30–4:30 p.m. – Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring
- 2:30–3:30 p.m. – Para-Show Jumping — Walnut Ring
- 3:30–4:30 p.m. – Retired Racehorse Project — Walnut Ring
- 5:30 p.m. – Para-Show Jumping Demonstration — Rolex Stadium
- 5:30 p.m. – Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Opening Ceremonies — Rolex Stadium
- 6 p.m. – $225,000 Kentucky Invitational CSI3* 1.60m — Rolex Stadium
Sunday, May 1:
- 7:30 a.m. – CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L Horse Inspection — High Hope Inspection Lane
- 10:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremony and Presentation of Officials and Flags — Rolex Stadium
- 11.00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. – CCI4*-S Jumping Test; reverse order of placing — Rolex Stadium
- 2:30 p.m. – CCI5*-L Jumping Test first group; reverse order of placing — Rolex Stadium
- 3:45 p.m. – CCI5*-L Jumping Test second group; reverse order of placing; awards immediately after — Rolex Stadium
- 4:45 p.m. Presentation of the Awards — Rolex Stadium
HOW TO FOLLOW:
If you’re in North America, you’ll be able to watch Kentucky in its entirety via USEF Network. The stream will be provided free if you’re watching live, and $12.95 to watch both live and on demand if you sign up for a USEF Network subscription at 50% off using code LRK3DE22.
For followers in any other country, you’ll need a subscription to Horse&Country or, if you don’t fancy being locked into a membership, you’ll be able to buy an event pass for £9.99, which will give you access to the entirety of the competition.
Hashtags: #bestweekendallyear, #lrk3de, #rolexgrandslamofeventing, #landroverkentucky, #kentuckythreeday
Accounts: Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, FEI Eventing, US Equestrian, USEF Eventing and US Eventing.
Don’t forget to follow EN, too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need, with lots of bonus content on the ‘gram! Want to know the juiciest stats throughout the competition?
Make sure you follow EquiRatings, and to see life at Kentucky through a photographer’s lens, give Shannon Brinkman a follow, plus check out our round-up of social media posts from foreign entrants.
#LRK3DE Links: Website, CCI5* Entries, CCI4*-S Entries, Live Scoring, Live Stream, Tickets, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram
We’ll keep this section updated all through the week as new stories are added.
THE ESSENTIALS:
A Hero for All Comers: The Ultimate Form Guide to the Horses and Riders of the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky CCI5*
Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Draw Order: Buck Davidson to Lead Off
PRE-EVENT COVERAGE:
Monday Video: How the Riders Really Feel About the Head of the Lake
Kentucky Social Media Round-Up: And They’re Off!
Kentucky Entry Update: Latest Withdrawals Ahead of Next Week
#WaybackWednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Head Back in Time to Vintage Rolex
Maryland 5 Star Winner, USEF National Champion On Cue to Miss Kentucky
Monday Video: What LRK3DE Job Would You Most Want to Try?
Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Top Eventers Switch Sports (Sort Of)
Sign Up Early for EN + Ride iQ’s Exclusive Land Rover Kentucky Course Walk
What’s Your Favorite Kentucky Memory?
2022 Land Rover Kentucky Entry Preview: Two Grand Slam Winners Headline 57-Strong 5* List
LRK3DE Announces Official Scavenger Hunt
ROOKIE PROFILES:
Booli Selmayr and Millfield Lancando
Woods Baughman and C’est La Vie 135
Alex MacLeod and Newmarket Jack
Lexi Scovil and Chico’s Man VDF Z
THE HAPPENINGS:
First and foremost, we’re excessively amped for our cross country course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson, in partnership with Ride iQ. We’ll be heading out from the first water beginning 30 minutes after the final horse on Friday afternoon — you can also pre-register here for updates on this event sent to your phone and email.
We’re also thrilled to be launching some exclusive EN merch this week in partnership with Dapplebay. Don’t worry, we’ll also be launching an online store after Badminton so if you’re not attending in person this week you’ll be able to cure your FOMO very soon! If you are on site, you can shop sticker packs, hats, and tote bags designed in collaboration with Ride IQ at the Dapplebay booth (#137 indoors at the Trade Fair) while supplies last!
Autograph Signings: This is by no means a comprehensive list — we’ll add to it as we find more, but you can always send them to us on Instagram via DM or email [email protected] so we don’t miss it!
Will Coleman:
Haygain (booth 100 in Trade Fair): Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Tamie Smith:
Haygain (booth 100 in Trade Fair): Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Nutrena Feed (booth 14 in Sponsor Row): Friday at 2 p.m.
Sharon White:
Kent Nutrition (booth 222 in Trade Fair): TBA
SPONSOR PROMOTIONS & CONTESTS:
We’re always grateful for the support of our sponsors who help us make coverage of epic proportions at these events possible. Below you’ll find a list of events, promotions/deals, and contests you can dive into all week long with our sponsors:
CONTESTS:
Land Rover Kentucky Top Dog Photo Contest: It’s the return of the ever-popular Kentucky Top Dog contest, and we’re expecting this year’s pooches to really nail it! This year we’re teaming back up with World Equestrian Brands to offer the winner a to-die-for Equilibrium Massage Mitt. Click here to learn how to enter!
Annual Kentucky Pick ‘Em and Win Contest: Also returning this year is our annual Pick ‘Em & Win contest — all you have to do is submit your predicted winner and their finishing score for tie-breaking purposes here and you’ll be entered to win a pair of Ice-Vibe boots from our pals at Horseware! Click here to enter!
Daily Digest Drawings: If you’re signed up for our #ICYMI email and/or our Kentucky Daily Digest newsletter, you’re automatically entered to win prizes such as EN merch, sponsor swag, and more! We’ll also post trivia bits in the newsletter for extra chances to win — if you aren’t signed, best to do so here!
Spotted at the Hound & Hare Booth Selfie Contest: Tag us in a selfie on Instagram taken at the Hound & Hare booth (#17 in Sponsor Row), where our buddies from Fairfax & Favor will be hanging out all weekend long. As long as your post is publicly visible and tags @goeventing and @fairfaxandfavor, you’ll be entered to win a Mini Windsor bag!
EquiRatings Kentucky Eventing Manager: You’re given $10 million (theoretically, sadly) to pick the strongest four-pair team to win Kentucky in this addicting EquiRatings game. Download the EquiRatings Eventing Manager app here to be the first in the marketplace once this event opens.
SPONSOR DEALS:
You can plan your shopping visits using this interactive Sponsor Row and Trade Fair map.
Kentucky Performance Products (booth #193 in Trade Fair): Receive 20% off plus free shipping when you place an order at the KPP booth, plus you can enter to win a year’s supply of the very popular Summer Games Electrolyte + pick up some swag while you’re at it.
Zoetis Equine (all over the Horse Park!): This year Zoetis Equine returns as a major sponsor in a big way. You’re likely to see Zoetis and its signature orange all over the Horse Park, including an upgraded experience for veterinarians on site and sponsorship of the schooling area including an area for owners and riders to mingle. You’ll also be able to enter to win a prize of grand proportions using some of the life-sized orange horses you’ll see around the Horse Park. You can follow Zoetis Equine on Instagram here to stay in the loop for what’s happening and when!
World Equestrian Brands:
- Spend a minimum of $250 and get 20% off your purchase (storewide, except: saddles, Like New/Outlet items, and EQ Therapy products)
- Also, get 25% off EQ Therapy products (excludes accessories/replacement items)
- Promotion starts 4/28 and ends at end of day 5/1 (midnight for online sales)
Haygain (follow the delicious smell of steamed hay to booth #100 in the Trade Fair): Check out the full line-up of Haygain Way products: High Temperature Hay Steamers, the Forager Slow Feeder and ComfortStall flooring. You can also:
- Sign up to win a Hay Steamer (for you remote watchers, click here to enter)
- Attend an Ask a Vet Q&A (which will also be streamed on Haygain’s Instagram) Wren Burnley, DVM Friday at 11:30 a.m.
- Attend an autograph signing with Will Coleman and Tamie Smith Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
- Tune in on the Haygain Instagram page for a takeover with Liz Halliday-Sharp on Sunday
Fairfax & Favor (booth #17 in Sponsor Row at Hound & Hare): Stop by the Hound & Hare booth not only to try on your new absolute stunners of boots, but also for fun happenings such as:
- Enter to win a gorgeous boot and helmet bag set from the 1912 Collection
- Enter to win a UVEX Perfexxion II helmet signed by Liz Halliday-Sharp
- Get an autograph from sponsored rider Lauren Nicholson (time and date TBA)
- Tag us in a selfie at the Hound & Hare booth or with Lauren Nicholson any time this weekend, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a Mini Windsor bag!
Achieve Equine (booth #207 in Trade Fair): Achieve Equine will have FLAIR® Strips, VIP Equestrian™ Impact Protection Pads and Iconic Equestrian™ 2-in-1™ Saddle Pads available at the booth.
If you visit the Achieve Equine booth and fill out a comment card, you can enter to win an bundle prize pack that includes 2 Six Packs of FLAIR Strips, 1 VIP Pad, and 1 Iconic Equestrian 2-in-1 Pad. Winner will be selected by random drawing Sunday afternoon. Need not be present to win.
Achieve is also offering awards for competitors this year: The FLAIR Protect and Perform™ Award is awarded to the highest placed horse and rider combination that wore a FLAIR® Strip in both the Cross Country and Show Jumping phases of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. One FLAIR Protect and Perform Award will be awarded to a 5* competitor and one FLAIR Protect and Perform Award will be awarded to a 4* competitor.
Legends Equine Feed (booth #15 in Sponsor Row): TBA
SmartPak: (booth #39 in Sponsor Row): TBA
