Olympic champion and World #3 Christian Kukuk (GER) tops an impressive field of show jumping athletes set to compete in the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Entered to contest the courses designed by 2016 Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge is an impressive list of athletes that includes 20 Olympians, top international stars from 12 countries and the three podium finishers from 2024.
The Kentucky International CSI5* is hosted as part of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), April 23-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world.
Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, K3DE also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. EEI is the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week, and with Kukuk joining countryman Michael Jung, the 2024 Olympic champion in Eventing, this year’s K3DE features the reigning Olympic champions in both disciplines!