The field for this year’s Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L is full of top talent, and we will be privileged to bear witness to a clash of titans within the sport. It’s not just a talented field; it’s a larger one than we have had for a few years. We may see some pairs who would have earned ribbons other years watching from the stands during the awards ceremony. There will be no shame in a good performance that doesn’t result in a ribbon. In fact, I think it makes the accomplishment much more satisfying.

The international contingent is stacked with multiple five-star winners, headlined by a four-time Kentucky champion Michael Jung and his Olympic gold medal partner FischerChipmunk FRH. When it comes to raising the bar, no one has ever done it better. Last year at the Paris Olympics, after Laura Collett put in a record-breaking dressage test of 17.5 penalties, Michael put the pressure on, just missing his own record with a 17.8. But by the end of the weekend, Michael had set his own record by finishing on 21.8—a new record low Olympic score. Michael is absolutely unbelievable; he makes the impossible happen.

The fact that World No. 2 Tim Price of Great Britain is bringing three horses says as much about how strong his string is as it does about how overseas riders feel about our local event. If the top-ranked rider in the world, Tom McEwen, brings both of his entries, this week will keep everyone in the stands and on the edge of their seats. (Editor’s note: Since the writing of this column, McEwen has rerouted JL Dublin to the Mars Badminton CCI5*-L, taking place May 7-11.)

Kentucky is so well run and is the pinnacle of the sport, where riders know they will get a fair test on cross-country designed by one of the best, Derek di Grazia.

The footing will match the quality of the field in every phase. It’s hard to create a level playing field in a sport that runs over natural terrain, but the Kentucky Horse Park comes as close as any place can. That credibility is why the top riders are here, which made picking this year’s top 10 difficult.

The past few years I have moaned about the lack of new faces in the five-star, as first-timers have been nearly nonexistent, but this year we have seven—yes, seven!—riders contending to be the prestigious top-placed rookie. (Editor’s note: Since the writing of this column, rookie Julie Wolfert has withdrawn SSH Playboy bringing the number of first-timers to six.) I love that we have a real range in terms of age and experience. It shows there is no one way to arrive at the gates of the Kentucky Horse Park. It can take what seems like a lifetime, or it can happen before you’re even old enough for champagne to celebrate the accomplishment. It’s always special to be here, and always a relief to get the completion, but it only happens for the first time once. I hope they enjoy it.

One thing missing from the competition this year is the possibility of earning a Grand Slam of Eventing, as Rolex has dropped its sponsorship of the special prize. Only two riders have ever won the Grand Slam, which is earned by topping the five-stars at Kentucky, Burghley (England) and Badminton (England) consecutively: Pippa Funnell in 2003 and Michael Jung, this year’s hot favorite at Kentucky, in 2016. In the 26 years it ran, it was a beacon that stirred dreams, however unrealistic, to win the combined lottery of skill and luck. Every single win at one of the chosen elite events had additional significance. I would have thought the cost of supporting it was well worth the advertising for Rolex. The year-round excitement that associated Rolex with the pinnacle of eventing excellence is something that few companies could achieve. (Of course, I might be biased.)

There’s so much more happening during the Kentucky week as well: the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, the Kentucky International CSI5* (a five-star for the first time this year), the trade fair and more.

The four-star is packed with horses, and although competing at that level is more achievable than a five-star, it’s still difficult to attain. Some of the less-prepared riders will soon find out that, although qualifying at that level is easier, when you show at Kentucky, the ability to perform in a big atmosphere is necessary. Having the four-star cross-country to watch as the opening act on Saturday makes a spring day sitting out in the beautiful Kentucky bluegrass even better. (Unless it’s pouring rain and cold, then you get to experience how great the event really is.)

The coverage and commentating will be top tier. The audience at home around the world will get to see much more coverage than those there in person, but they’ll miss out on the unique atmosphere, the trade show and the food. This competition is a huge deal, whether you see it in person or remotely.

There is no championship like this. Kentucky is the first-five star of the year, and it holds a special place in so many hearts. Clearly the top riders in the world feel the same. We look forward to this all year, and it’s going to be one of the best ever. As always, pat your horse, because they are doing it for you!

An Olympic veteran for Canada, Kyle Carter also earned team silver at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (Kentucky) and the 2007 Pan American Games (Brazil), as well as placing second in the 1999 Rolex Kentucky CCI4*-L. Carter holds the record for coaching the most gold medalists at the FEI North American Youth Championships, and he served as the coach for the Guatemalan and Venezuelan eventing teams. He is co-founder and coach for Ride iQ, and he and his wife, Jennifer Carter, run Five Ring Stable in Citra, Florida.

This article originally appeared in the April 2025 issue of The Chronicle of the Horse. You can subscribe and get online access to a digital version and then enjoy a year of The Chronicle of the Horse. If you’re just following COTH online, you’re missing so much great unique content. Each print issue of the Chronicle is full of in-depth competition news, fascinating features, probing looks at issues within the sports of hunter/jumper, eventing and dressage, and stunning photography.