Starting on April 25 the biggest event of the year at the Kentucky Horse Park begins in Lexington, Kentucky. The 2013 Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event kicks off and runs April 25 - 28. The Kentucky Reining Cup is held Friday evening April 26 and Saturday evening April 27 in the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena during the Rolex event. This is a horse lovers dream destination as it is held in the middle of the famous Kentucky Bluegrass area of Lexington, Kentucky. There is so much to see and do during the event related to horses.
Rolex Kentucky 3-Day Event is the only 4-star 3 day event held in the United States. It is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton, and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. For all Rolex ticket prices and packages go to the event’s website here. Advance tickets sales end on April 10 but tickets can still be bought at the event after this date.
A Rolex competitor and horse jumps the squirrel obstacle during the cross country phase. Rolex is known for its artistic obstacles.
The Kentucky Reining Cup features the only Three Star Reining competition in the world in 2013 and the incredibly popular World Freestyle Championship. Action begins on Friday night with the CRI3* with riders guiding their horses through prescribed turns, sliding stops, and flying lead changes. The Saturday night musical freestyle has riders riding to music with famous choreographed reining horse style slides, spins, backs, lead changes etc. Advance tickets for the Kentucky Reining Cup are $12 per person for Fridays CR13* and $20 per person for Saturday’s World Freestyle Championship. Hospitality options include the opportunity to purchase the use of luxury suites in the Alltech Arena for both nights of competition. To purchase tickets to this event go to the event’s website here.
Well known Reiner Tim McQuay rides singer Lyle Lovett's horse Smart and Shiney in Friday night's 2012 3-Star Kentucky Reining Cup event. This horse is famous for his long flowing mane.
If you want to find out more about the area around the Kentucky Horse Park check out a prior article on Louisville.com that refers to the area of Lexington, Kentucky here.
I hope Kentuckians know just how lucky they are to have these awesome events held in their back yard. Come on out and be proud of these great events and support them.
The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, Kentucky.
Photos: Courtesy of Carly Dolan and Anna Blanton
