The Kentucky Three-Day Event is getting a new name this year, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, organizer Equestrian Events, Inc., announced Thursday. 

“We are delighted to announce a new name for our world-class event: the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event,” EEI Executive Director Erin Woodall said. “The Kentucky Three-Day Event has a rich history of inspiring people to overcome obstacles on any terrain, a quality that applies equally well to Defender. This year promises to be a great year for our event with many exciting changes in the works, none of which would be possible without the support of Defender and our other generous sponsors.”

The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, to be held April 25-28 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, features one of only seven annual CCI5*-L events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S and Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix.

“We are pleased to continue the title sponsorship of one of the premier equestrian events in the world, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian,” JLR North America U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Charlotte Blank said. “The Defender is an ideal partner for the equestrian lifestyle, thanks to its purposeful design and exceptional capability. We look forward to continued relationships with the community and showcasing the Defender lifestyle at future events. Lastly, we wish all the competitors the best of luck during this legendary competition.”