While fashion always reigns supreme on jog day at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, we also got a sneak peek of the CCI5*-L riders and their incredibly athletic equine partners during today’s First Horse Inspection.
The 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L began Wednesday afternoon with the First Horse Inspection. Thirty-five combinations from six countries arrived at the jog strip. The ground jury held Jennie Brannigan’s Twilightslastgleam (USA), who unfortunately did not pass reinspection.
A total of 34 combinations will move forward to the dressage phase on Thursday and Friday. The first CCI5*-L pair on Thursday goes at 1:30 p.m. with the last pair going at 4:04 p.m. Friday’s dressage phase gets underway at 1:00 p.m. with the final horse going at 3:34 p.m.
Jog Fashion Inspirations
British-based New Zealander Jonelle Price, who sported an ivory midi-dress that drew a striking contrast to Hiarado’s rich bay coat, said she’s always admired the ME+EM clothing from founder Clare Hornby and her husband Johnny Hornby. So she reached out to make a connection. “Last year at Badminton, I asked Johnny if they would be interested in teaming up, and that’s where it began,” Price said. “I’m really grateful for them and am delighted to be sporting it here in Kentucky.”
Cassie Sanger (USA) was ready to make her five-star debut in style thanks to her sponsor, Holland Cooper. “They are awesome,” Sanger said. “They let me go through their website, pick out some of my favorite pieces and help me put it together.” She looked fashionable in a black top, mini skirt and boots paired with a black and gray houndstooth blazer.
Some of the competitors approached their fashion choices with a bit more cavalier attitude. Sharon White (USA) took on a vintage twist, pairing an exquisite Fairfax & Favor vest with a shirt she last wore during a high-school flute recital and a silk scarf.
Tim Price (NZL) noted that when he was packing for Kentucky on the other side of the world, he discovered a pair of pants that weren’t too creased and an ironed shirt and said, “This will do.” While Boyd Martin (USA) found his jog-outfit inspiration from a suit he wore to a function last week. This, however, was a marked improvement from his 2024 Maryland Five-Star jog-ensemble, which he forgot at the dry cleaners and had to substitute with Ema Klugman’s mom’s pants.
Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S
Meanwhile, 53 combinations will compete in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S. The division also will kick off Thursday with the first dressage ride at 8:00 a.m. and the last ride heading down centerline at 11:52 a.m. Similarly, on Friday, the first pair again begins at 8:00 a.m. and the last dressage ride goes at 11:45 a.m.
Who Wore It Best Quiz
Vote on your favorite fashion from today’s CCI5*-L First Horse Inspection! Check out today’s fashions and scroll to the bottom to cast your vote and we’ll report back on the results.
Thanks to Kent Nutrition Group and Blue Seal for our coverage of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. It includes lead-up events, rider interviews, competition reports, horse spotlights, photos, videos and more.
