Unprecedented Outpouring of Support Reverses Earlier Cancellation; EEI and KHP Foundation to Partner to Ensure Competition is Held 

An unprecedented outpouring of public support and a grassroots fundraising effort have led to a reversal of the announced cancellation of the Land Rover Kentucky 3-Day Event CCI Five Star presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE). A new partnership between Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-class event, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has formed. This is combined with the support of US Equestrian and longstanding sponsors Land Rover, Mars Equestrian, and Rolex. This ensures that the CCI5*-L event will be held alongside a new CCI4*-S, April 22-25 at the Kentucky Horse Park.  

“The uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic placed us in the financially impossible position of having to run the event without spectators. This left us no choice but to cancel the Five Star in order to preserve it for many years to come,” said Mike Cooper, President of EEI. “We are humbled and honored by the response of the eventing community. They’ve stepped up in a mind-blowing way enabling us to go forward.”  

3-Day Event Fundraising Campaign

A fundraising campaign was started by athletes and fueled by the grassroots effort of the broader eventing community. This generated more than $550,000 in donations to run the event. “While that still leaves us short of the amount needed, it is enough to convince us that the balance can be raised,” added Cooper. “We are now, with the assistance of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, committed to going forward with the Five Star.”  

In the new partnership, EEI and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, both 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organizations, bring strong and distinct skill sets. The Foundation in fundraising and EEI in event management. Using their respective expertise and resources, the Foundation will take the lead in soliciting donations to supplement the grassroots effort. The EEI will focus its attention on running the nation’s premier event in an environment that is safe for all.  

The Importance of Kentucky

“The Kentucky Three-Day Event is the foremost event held at the Kentucky Horse Park and the lifeblood of the eventing world,” said Clay Green, Chairman of the Board of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. “The Horse Park was established for the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships which gave birth to the annual Kentucky Three-Day Event whose success is responsible for the Park’s position of prominence and so much that has happened at the Park, including the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Seeing the number of people pleading for the event to happen this year made it very clear that we must do all we can to ensure that it does.”  

Working Together to host the 3-Day Event

“Seeing the athletes, community, our sponsors, and these organizations, the KHP Foundation and EEI, come together in a united way. Allowing the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S to go forward despite the challenges presented by the pandemic is nothing short of remarkable. This will allow our athletes and horses aiming for Tokyo this summer the best opportunity to qualify and prepare. Also, ensuring the safest possible environment for participants seeking to complete,” shared Bill Moroney, CEO of US Equestrian. “We extend a huge thank you to all involved, especially to our sponsors, for their flexibility and continued commitment to this event.”  

“We are thrilled to return as the title sponsor for the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event and support the event broadcasts. NBC, NBC Sports Network, and USEF Network will bring this event into the homes of the fans. 

3-Day Event Possible Because of Equestrian Community

We applaud the efforts of the equestrian community who have gone above and beyond to raise funds to support this event and ensure another great year of world-class eventing can take place at the renowned Kentucky Horse Park,” said Michael Curmi, Director Brand Experience, Jaguar Land RoverNorth America.   “We applaud the efforts of so many organizers, fans, competitors, and sponsors, supported by MARS Equestrian, which will allow the CCI5*-L competition to continue forward in 2021. This event is an equestrian treasure we are proud to sponsor as we all look for safe ways to hold top level competition,” stated Geoffrey Galant, VP of Mars Equestrian.  

No Spectators Allowed during the 3-Day Event

Spectators are not allowed at this time. USEF will continue to monitor the pandemic to determine if a limited number of spectators can be permitted. Priority will be given to 2020 rolled over ticket holders. Those who paid for the 2020 event and chose to roll their money over for 2021 will have the option of full refunds or rolling their money over again for 2022. “Ticket holders can expect an email regarding their options. One of which will be to join this incredible grassroots movement on behalf of the sport of eventing,” said Cooper.

“Those who wish to do so can donate some or all of the money they’ve paid. We applaud and thank everyone who has contributed so far; without you there would be no Five Star this year and all of you have our utmost gratitude and appreciation!”

Want to Donate to the 3-Day Event?

Those wishing to be part of the growing movement can do so through the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation website.  Donate – Kentucky Horse Park Foundation (khpfoundation.org).    

About Equestrian Events, Inc.
Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation. Established initially to produce the World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park in 1978. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event. That evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event which draws more than 80,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI also produces other events and supports several local and equine charities. EEI has donated more than $725,000 to various charities since 2011. Further information about EEI and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is available at www.kentuckythreedayevent.com.  

About the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
Since its inception in 1985, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has provided over $25 million worth of improvements. This has made the Kentucky Horse Park the leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to enhancing, expanding, and improving the Kentucky Horse Park. Further information is available at www.khpfoundation.org.  🎠