Massive Jumps Make up the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event Cross-Country Course

Cross-Country course designer Derek di Grazia created a lovely yet intimidating course for the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L.

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Cross-Country course designer Derek di Grazia created an impressive course of 27 obstacles for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L cross-country course. The horse-and-rider combinations will aim to complete the 6,460-meter track inside the optimum time of 11 minutes 20 seconds. Before crossing through the finish flags, they will tackle several imposing fences.

Which Kentucky CCI5*-L XC Jump Is the Most Intimidating? Poll

Vote on your pick for the most intimidating Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L cross-country jump! Check out a selection of the jumps below and scroll to the bottom to cast your vote and we’ll report back on the results.

4ABC MARS Sustainability Bay - a log into water to a fish in the water followed by an immediate left turn up a slope to a skinny stump and brush. ©Alana Harrison — 4ABC MARS Sustainability Bay – a log into water to a fish in the water followed by an immediate left turn up a slope to a skinny stump and brush. ©Alana Harrison

7 Triple Bar - a wide galloping fence that should be met out of stride by the combinations. ©Alana Harrison — 7 Triple Bar – a wide galloping fence that should be met out of stride by the combinations. ©Alana Harrison

8 Fox's Den Gate - a straightforward but upright gate in the trees that requires the horse's attention. ©Alana Harrison — 8 Fox’s Den Gate – a straightforward but upright gate in the trees that requires the horse’s attention. ©Alana Harrison

9AB Equestrian Events Corners - two left-sided corners that require straightness and accuracy. ©Alana Harrison — 9AB Equestrian Events Corners – two left-sided corners that require straightness and accuracy. ©Alana Harrison

11 Angled Hedge - a large hedge jump with a ditch on the takeoff side. ©Alana Harrison — 11 Angled Hedge – a large hedge jump with a ditch on the takeoff side. ©Alana Harrison

18ABCDEF Defender Head of the Lake - a log drop into the water, a right-handed brush corner in the water, step up out of the water to another right-handed brush corner. ©Alana Harrison — 18ABCDEF Defender Head of the Lake – a log drop into the water, a right-handed brush corner in the water, step up out of the water to another right-handed brush corner. ©Alana Harrison

22A Cosequin® Cove Corgi - a dog-shaped log jump immediately before the final water jump on course — 22A Cosequin® Cove Corgi – a dog-shaped log jump immediately before the final water jump on course

For current results of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*-L, click here. CCI5*-L cross country begins tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. ET. Click here for ride times.

View the full CCI5*-L cross-country course here.

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.