Following yesterday's annoncement regrading the cancellation of the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event (see below), Equestrian Events Inc. Executive Director Lee Carter and Board President Mike Cooper have responded to questions regarding the cancellation and future plans
"One has been, why are we able to run a CCI4*-Short instead of a 5*-Long?"
You can also read an FAQ document about the event cancellation provided by the event here
Press Release Feb 2nd 2021
The first CCI5* of 2021 has been cancelled. The organisers of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian have cancelled this year’s Five Star Event, previously scheduled to run from April 22nd – 25th
The organiser, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) are however looking to hold other competitions at Kentucky Horse Park without spectators which may include a CCI4*-S competition
“We have been working with US Equestrian, the Kentucky Horse Park, and state and local government on several different scenarios for April,” said Mike Cooper, president of EEI “With so many uncertainties still remaining regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is premature for US Equestrian to remove its restrictions on spectators. Given the importance of the health and well-being of our spectators and competitors, we feel the only option at this time is to cancel the Five Star Event and hopefully proceed with other events that our fans can enjoy via livestream and other outlets.”
Among the other competitions being considered is a new CCI-4*-S which will likely feature many of the same horses and riders that would have been competing in the Five Star, plus the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix which normally takes place on Saturday afternoon.
“While disappointing that all our fans can’t join us again this April,” added Lee Carter, EEI executive director, “we are excited that some of those same fans can now compete in new levels we will be offering during the ‘Best Weekend All Year!’ April 21-25 … Save the Date! Plans are being developed and will be communicated as approved.”
Spectators, patrons, vendors and sponsors 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. Sponsors may choose to be part of whatever events are held in 2021 with new agreements that fit this year’s situation.
“We want to thank everyone who has been so patient throughout this difficult process,” Carter added. “We remain committed to all our supporters across the country and around the world and we look forward to putting on a great event this spring and welcoming everyone back for our full-scale Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Five Star, with the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix, in 2022!”
Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” LRK3DE is one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world along with Badminton and Burghley in England; Luhmuhlen in Germany; Pau in France; Adelaide in Australia and the new Five Star event in Maryland.
As the United States' premier three-day event, LRK3DE serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI-5*-L Eventing National Championship Presented by MARS Equestrian™ for U.S. athletes. The event was scheduled to return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 22-25.
