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The Thoroughbred Lovers’ Guide to the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

April 09, 2026

Photo by Captivation Media

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) will once again have a presence at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event on April 23-26 at the Kentucky Horse Park! Mark your calendars for the following activities and demos during the event.

FOLLOW THE THOROUGHBREDS

Thoroughbreds at the 2026 Kentucky Three-Day Event
View the list of the Thoroughbred entrants contesting this year’s 5* and 4*! This list includes links to their OTTB Profile, which can be viewed for free courtesy of Equineline.

SHOP

Shop the RRP Booth
All week, RRP Booth #106
Wear your Thoroughbred pride with new apparel! Your purchase supports our mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. Thank you to our logowear partner Ariat!

Limited Edition Thoroughbreds of the Kentucky Three-Day Poster
All week, RRP Booth #106
Each year this collectable poster celebrates an iconic Thoroughbred who has campaigned at the 5* level of eventing. This year’s poster features Mia Farley and Phelps, and is FREE with any purchase or donation!

LEARN

Cross Country Course Walk with Elisa Wallace
Thursday, time TBA, meet at 5* Fence 1
Presented by StableFeed
In collaboration with FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Arion Sellier, Schneiders Saddlery, Ecogold, MagnaWave, EspanaSILK, Etalon, Excel Supplements, and NupaFeed
Bring your walking shoes for a FULL course walk with experienced 5* rider and past Thoroughbred Makeover Champion trainer Elisa Wallace. We’ll get an immersive look at this big cross country course from the first fence all the way to the finish flags.

Clinics in the Chewy Demonstration Arena
In collaboration with Secretariat Center

  • Picking Prospects with Dorothy Crowell
    Thursday, April 23 at 4:15 PM
    Dorothy Crowell is perhaps best known for her Thoroughbred partner, Molokai. Together they contended the biggest 4* tracks in the world and earned an individual silver medal at the 1994 World Equestrian Games. Dorothy will lead this conformation evaluation session, offering insight on how to assess Thoroughbreds recently retired from racing as sport horse prospects.
  • Introducing Green Horses Over Fences with Rosie Napravnik
    Friday, April 24 at 2:05 PM
    Retired champion jockey and Thoroughbred sporthorse specialist Rosie Napravnik will lead this session on how to design your first training sessions over fences to set your horse up for success.
COMMUNITY

We Love Thoroughbreds Banner
All week, RRP Booth #106
Share a tribute to your favorite Thoroughbred – whether a beloved OTTB, a favorite racehorse, an iconic upper-level eventer, or more! – on our We Love Thoroughbreds banner! Get your sticker to contribute to the banner, plus a commemorative button, with a donation to the RRP (suggested donation $5).

New Vocations 9th Annual Open Barn & BBQ
Thursday, April 24, 4:30-9:00 at New Vocations, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington
Join local aftercare organization New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program for a day of food, fun, and Thoroughbreds! Featuring demos, live music, food trucks and facility tours. Free: RSVP here.

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