Dark cloudy skies with rain poured down on most of the 90 competitors that presented their horses to the Inspection Committee to kickoff the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. The Inspection Committee this year consists President Angela Tucker (GBR), Wayne Quarles (USA), Cara Whitham (CAN), and Dr. Catherine W. Kohn (USA).
Despite the bad weather, the horses presented were well turned out, fit, sound, and some were a little frisky. The Alchemist with Jessica Shuler (USA) was the only horse sent to the holding area. Upon re-inspection they were passed.
This year, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will host two separate divisions. The CCI**** division with $190,000 in prize money, is a qualifying competition for the 2004 Olympic Games. It also includes the 7th competition for the USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup. The US Equestrian Federation requested that Rolex Kentucky run a special division this year, a Modified Four Star that will be patterned to the format that will be used for the Athens Olympic Games. This modified division will be for competitors who are already qualified for the Olympic Games and will only be recognized by the US Equestrian Federation. US Citizens and Foreign Riders residing in North America who as a combination with their entered Horse, that are qualified for the Olympic Games according to FEI rules will be able to compete in this modified division with the permission from their National Federation. This will be the first time for many competitors to have a test run with the new shortened schedule to prepare for Athens.
The Trade Fair this year will host over 125 vendors for your shopping pleasure. Be sure to watch for updates and photos from around the Kentucky Horse Park over this 4 day weekend.
The Rolex Three-Day Perpetual Trophy, a Baccarat Crystal Horse’s head, will be awarded to the Owner of the Winning Horse. The perpetual trophy is maintained in the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A baccarat crystal rearing horse will be presented to the Owner of the Winning Horse by Rolex Watch U.S.A. A Rolex Steel and Gold Oyster Perpetual Timepiece will be presented to the Winning Rider by Rolex Watch U.S.A. A pewter Kentucky Julep Cup will be presented to the Winning Owner and the Winning Rider by Equestrian Events, In. The Groom of the winning horse will receive a pewter Treasure Box, a Braiding Stool and a Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Souvenir Garment from Equestrian Events, Inc.; $50.00 and a Ceramic by Ouisha from Susan Domonkos in honor of her mother, Jane Ginn, who served as her faithful Horse Trials groom through the years; and $100.00 from Nanette and Tink Eichell of Stamping Ground, KY.
The William C. Coman Perpetual Trophy, an original Three-Day Event sculpture by Adelain Wickman donated by The Thoroughbred Record in memory of EEI President and Thoroughbred Record Editor Bill Coman, will be awarded to the Breeder of the Winning Horse if known or the known breeder of the next highest placed horse. The perpetual trophy is maintained in the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A pewter Kentucky Julep Cup will be presented to the Winner by Equestrian Events, Inc.
The Bank One Perpetual Trophy, a lead crystal vase donated by Bank One, Kentucky, NA, will be awarded to the Highest-Placed Rider Who Is Also The Sole Owner of the horse. The perpetual trophy is maintained in the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A smaller lead crystal Replica will be presented to the Winner by Bank One.
The J.D. Reeves Perpetual Trophy, donated originally by First Security National Bank & Trust Co., now Bank One, Kentucky, NA, in memory of former EEI Treasurer and Bank One official J. D. Reeves, will be awarded to the Highest-Placed Young Rider (18-21). The perpetual trophy is maintained in the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A pewter Kentucky Julep Cup will be presented to the Winner by Equestrian Events, Inc.
The Best Conditioned Horse Trophy, a perpetual trophy donated by Dr. John Mayo, Dr. Denys Frappier and Dr. Catherine W. Kohn , will be awarded to the Horse that the Ground Jury and Veterinary Staff determine has Ended The Competition In the Best Physical Condition. The perpetual trophy is maintained in the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park. A pewter Kentucky Julep Cup will be presented to the Winner by Equestrian Events, Inc. Brad and Betsy Waters will present $100.00 to the Rider in memory and honor of Rachel Pemstein, V.M.D. The Groom of the winning horse will receive a pewter Treasure Box, a Braiding Stool and a Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Souvenir Garment from Equestrian Events, Inc.
The Zeppa International Trophy, an original design by Melissa Zeppa, will be presented to the horse and rider combination determined by the Ground Jury to have made the best presentation in the First and Third Horse Inspection. The Groom of the winning horse will receive a pewter Treasure Box, a Braiding Stool and a Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Souvenir Garment from Equestrian Events, Inc.
