The 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ is almost here! In addition to the world-class competition of the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S divisions and the Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, there are numerous shopping, food, and unique experiences to make it #TheBestWeekendAllYear. Here are some of the Sponsor Village & Courtyard, The Hill, and Trade Fair highlights to add to your K3DE itinerary.
Defender is the title sponsor of the event, and they provide a variety of experiences for spectators. The Defender Experience in the Sponsor Courtyard allows attendees to encounter the Defender brand and take part in autograph opportunities with top eventing athletes. The always-popular Defender Test Drive, located on the cross-country course at the corner of Nina Bonnie Boulevard and Marks Lane, offers the opportunity to test the capabilities of Defender vehicles over a specially designed course. The Defender Junior Drive provides kid-sized Defender vehicles for young fans to have a test drive experience on a kid-friendly course. The Defender Owner’s Lounge is a cross-country tailgating experience for the owners of Defender vehicles, and Defender Test Drive participants are invited to attend the festivities.
MARS Equestrian V.I.Pet Experience
With numerous dogs attending the DK3DE along with their owners, the MARS Equestrian V.I.Pet Experience is a popular stop during the event. Look for the bright blue trailer in the Sponsor Courtyard, located at the intersection of Rolex Way and Nina Bonnie Boulevard, diagonally across from Rolex Stadium. Dogs get VIP treatment with their own custom credentials, special treats, and the opportunity to play on their own dog-sized jump course.
Not to be forgotten, the MARS Horsecare stall in the Sponsor Courtyard highlights great companies, such as BUCKEYE™ Nutrition, with products for the horses in our lives.
For the human attendees looking for a tasty snack, check out Ethel M Chocolates in the Sponsor Courtyard to sample and shop for premium chocolate treats. Visitors to the booth can take part in daily guided chocolate tastings, so stop by for more information.
Charles Owen will be available for expert advice on equestrian safety gear and helmet fittings at booth 33 in Sponsor Village, just across Rolex Way from the stadium. Be sure to stop by to meet Esme Higgs, known for her This Esme YouTube channel and social media accounts with how-to equestrian videos.
SmarkPak-sponsored athletes will be meeting with spectators during the event. Get an autograph from Allison Springer in the BUCKEYE™ Nutrition booth in the Sponsor Courtyard and join the cross-country course walk with Boyd Martin.
Look for other US Equestrian partners, including Adequan® (Sponsor Village – Booth 12), Ariat (Sponsor Village – Booth 16), Bates Saddles (Sponsor Village – Booth 32), Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation (Sponsor Village – Booth 26), John Deere/Equine Discounts (Sponsor Village – Booth 27), LeMieux (The Hill – Booth 304), and Platinum Performance® (Sponsor Village – Booth 10), for all your shopping needs.
Click here for more information and trade fair maps from the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Can’t make it to DK3DE 2024? Tune in to the livestream on USEF Network presented by ClipMyHorse.TV. Activate your free fan account or join US Equestrian today.
Stay Connected
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 Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian™.