One of the biggest weekends in U.S. eventing has come to an end, with a four-time champion crowned and a world record set at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. But beyond the top 10 and the victory gallops, every rider was writing their own story of perseverance and dedication. Here are some of the favorite moments we caught around the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
The feeling when you finish your first five-star test. Alexandra MacLeod and Newmarket Jack were the top placed-rookies, finishing 17th overall. Kimberly Loushin Photo
British legend Pippa Funnell (right) poses with young star Yasmin Ingham following their cross-country rides. Asked how she handles nerves, 2003 Rolex Grand Slam winner Funnell said, “I don’t. I get really nervous. I’m worse now; I’ve always got nervous, but I definitely at night now I just , I have to accept I’m not going to sleep much.” Kimberly Loushin Photo
Grand prix jumper and five-star groom: Matthias Hollberg takes Capitol HIM back to the barn for his wife, Hannah Sue Burnett. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Lauren Nicholson lets a Pony Club volunteer say hi to Landmark’s Monte Carlo after her dressage test. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Lots of pats for Hawley Bennett-Awad’s Jollybo from her squad, Maralee Paul (left) and Gamal Awad (right). Kimberly Loushin Photo
Booli Selmayr’s Millfield Lancando sported a Buck Off Cancer quartermark in memory of her late friend, Buck Off Cancer founder Jess Halliday. Lindsay Berreth Photo
Jonelle Price’s McLaren. Lindsay Berreth Photo
Helen Alliston and Ebay conquer the brush table at Cosequin Cove in the CCI4*-S on their way to finishing 25th. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Will Coleman’s Chin Tonic HS gave a lovely effort in the CCI4*-S to finish 27th. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Yasmin Ingham’s Banzai Du Loir show jumped like he hadn’t just galloped 11 minutes the previous day, showing off his hind end and quartermarks over this oxer to finish second. Lindsay Berreth Photo
Sara Kozumplik steadily climbed from 21st after dressage to finish eighth with Rubens D’Ysieux in the CCI4*-S. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Canadian Jessica Phoenix was all smiles after her round with Bogue Sound. “He just keeps his ears pricked the whole way around and literally looks for the flags, and it’s just so much joy that you feel riding him on that course,” she said. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Meghan O’Donoghue and off-the-track Thoroughbred Palm Crescent had a great weekend, finishing 11th. Lindsay Berreth Photo
Woods Baughman gives C’est La Vie 135 a pat following their first five-star cross-country round. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Not all spectators were of the two-legged variety. Kimberly Loushin Photo
A winning smile from Bobby Meyerhoff after his test with Fortuna. Kimberly Loushin Photo
Outriders greeted spectators throughout the day. Kimberly Loushin Photo
FEI 4* Eventing and USEF “S” Dressage Judge Marilyn Payne has officiated some of the biggest competitions in the world, but her chief role at this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day was horse mom, cheering for son Doug Payne and Quantum Leap, who finished third. Kimberly Loushin Photo
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The Chronicle of the Horse will be on-site all week for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event bringing you reports from each round of competition, beautiful photos and stories from the competitors. Follow along with all of our coverage here, and be sure to read our May 23 Kentucky Results issue for more in-depth coverage and analysis of the event.
