The draw order has been set, and the countdown is on to the Land Rover Kentucky CCI****,  with the first horse set to jog for inspection on Wednesday, April 25, in Lexington, Kentucky.

So far there are 56 set to compete. Inevitably, horses are horses, so we’ll update this page with withdrawals as they happen.

Jordan Linstedt and RevitaVet Capato

On April 24, Linstedt announced she withdrew and would look towards Burghley in the fall.

Oliver Townend and Cooley SRS

Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight

Watson was another victim of the U.K.’s unprecedented rainfall this spring.

“We had a race against time trying to prepare him over here. All three of our planned runs were either abandoned or postponed due to rain. He ended up losing two shoes on his last run which was just days before travelling. We needed more runs and more time!

Very sad not to be there….this year! Maybe in 2019!” he said.

Sally Cousins and Tsunami III

“I have decided to withdraw Sue from Kentucky. I am incredibly disappointed but I feel it is the best decision for her,” said Cousins  on her Facebook page on April 19.

Doug Payne and Vandiver

On April 17, Doug Payne announced Vandiver had a joint cleaned out and would tentatively reroute to Bromont.

“I’m never excited about missing an event, but this time it’s different. Quinn has always been affected by a weak right hind. While constant treatment and therapies have kept him in winning form we had the opportunity to investigate further. He was scoped at UGa and with a newly cleaned out joint he is doing great and tentatively rerouted to the Bromont CCI*** in a few months.”

Katherine Coleman and Longwood

Coleman announced she’s withdrawn Longwood on April 16 after he  sustained an injury.

Kurt Martin and Delux Z

Martin withdrew Delux  Z on April 7 due to an injury.

“We are so disappointed to report that we have withdrawn DeLux Z from Land Rover Kentucky, and he will be taking a break from competition. We are very grateful for a great team of vets who will direct us in his care. We plan to give Lux all the time he needs as his welfare is most important,” he said on his Facebook page.

William Fox-Pitt and Fernhill Pimms

Fox-Pitt withdrew Fernhill Pimms due to unprecedented cancelations in England this spring from rain. He’ll have an extra week to prepare for the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials instead.

“Am really disappointed to have to withdraw from Kentucky Three-Day 2018, so many event cancellations has meant we are just not ready to go there. Am now focused on getting to Badminton in four weeks time,” he said on his Facebook page.

Rachel McDonough and Irish Rhythm

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Cubalawn

This pair was cross-entered at Badminton with Fernhill Cubalawn, but Dutton said “Cuba” will miss both. Dutton reported the gelding was “sore and uncomfortable” after cross-country at The Fork CIC*** (North Carolina) and withdrew prior to show jumping.

Katie Ruppel and Houdini

Ruppel withdrew Houdini on March 29.

“I’m crying as I write that Houdini has sustained an injury at his last competition that will keep him out of Badminton, and likely the rest of the year,” said Ruppel on her Facebook page. “While I am devastated to be missing a competition I’ve dreamed of my whole life, nothing can compare to the sorrow I feel that my pet and best friend is hurt. He will have every treatment necessary under the watchful eye of Dr. Nathan Mitts, who has cared for him for most of his life. My heart is entirely broken.”