Three Day Eventing (or Three Phase Eventing) is a sport steeped in both athleticism and horsemanship. It is a true test of a horse/rider pair’s skill, courage, and endurance. There are several levels of eventing that are accessible to riders and horses of all breeds and experience levels, but there are only six events in the world that are offered at the highest level of the spot: five star eventing.
The Landrover Kentucky Three Day Event is the only five star event held in the U.S. Thousands of spectators, vendors, and of course competitors, grooms, trainers, and horses gather at the Kentucky Horse Park each Spring to participate in this iconic event.
This year, the event is closed to spectators, but we can all watch at home for free via live stream at the USEF network. You do have to sign up for a membership, but USEF is offering a free promotional membership just to watch the LRK3DE. I’ve signed up — and you absolutely should too, if you or your rider wants to watch! If anything else – just watching the cross country rides is a major thrill! Riders will be able to see a big picture of what they practice in their riding lessons each week, on a much smaller scale. I can’t recommend it enough as a way for your future eventer to learn about the sport and see some amazing riding.
You can sign up for a free promotional USEF membership to watch the LRK3DE live stream by clicking HERE. Use the code LRK3DE21 .
The provisional schedule is as follows:
Thursday, April 22 2021
7:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CCI4*-S Dressage Tests
1:30–6 p.m. CCI5*-L Dressage Tests
Friday, April 23 2021
7:45 a.m.–Noon CCI4*-S Dressage Tests continued
1–5:30 p.m. CCI5*-L Dressage Tests continued
Saturday, April 24 2021
8:30–11:30 a.m. CCI4*-S Cross-Country
12:45–4:45 p.m. CCI5*-L Cross-Country
Sunday, April 25 2021
10:15-11:15 a.m. CCI4*-S Jumping Test first group
11:30–12:30 p.m. CCI4*-S Jumping Test second group; awards immediately after
2:15–3:15 p.m. CCI5*-L Jumping Test first group
3:30–5 p.m. CCI5*-L Jumping Test second group; awards immediately after
My favorite top riders to watch/listen to commentary: Kim Severson, Lucinda Green, Karen O’Connor, Selena O’ Hanlon, Doug Payne, Michael Jung, Leslie Law, William Fox Pitt, Gemma Tattersall, Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton, Harry Meade (and dozens more-though not all of these folks will be at this year’s event) .
I have attended Landrover ( formally Rolex ) three times as spectator, and each time I come home breathless, motivated, and inspired. Although watching it via livestream isn’t the same as attending the actual event, it’s still sure to be educational and inspirational for aspiring eventers of all ages. There is a reason it is called “the best weekend all year!”
Happy riding and keep those eyes up/heels down!
If you’re missing the added thrill of the vendors section, LRK3DE vendor and friend of the farm Ride Heels Down is celebrating the best weekend all year with 20% off on fun eventing shirts and gear!