The Best Weekend All Year: SmartPak at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
Each April, the horse world turns its attention to Lexington, Kentucky, for one of the most prestigious events on US soil: the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (KY3DE). Set against the backdrop of the iconic Kentucky Horse Park, this 5* event draws the world’s top horse and rider combinations, along with thousands of enthusiastic spectators, passionate horse owners, and leading brands in equine health and performance- like us!
“I love getting to see our amazing customers and supporting our sponsored riders at such an important event each year,” said Sophia Hall, SmartPak Brand Marketing Specialist. “There’s no better feeling than figuring out the best supplement program for their four-legged partner!”
“While it is a lot of work, organizing and planning such a big event, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she continued. “At SmartPak, we truly are a team, and I feel lucky to work with such incredible individuals.”
SmartPak was proud to be part of this year’s event. With competition, education, and community all taking center stage, it was truly the #BestWeekendAllYear.
A Renewed Focus on Equine Health
This year marked a turning point for SmartPak as we leaned into our future as SmartEquine, reaffirming our commitment to horse health and wellness. Our booth experience reflected this renewed focus and allowed our team to connect with fellow horse owners on a deeper level—talking one-on-one about each horse's unique supplement programs, their health concerns, and novel wellness products available.
Our own Dr. Liz Schatz participated in a well-attended educational session alongside Dr. Reuss, from Boehringer Ingelheim, the makers of GastroGard and UlcerGard. Their discussion covered gastric health and ulcer prevention in horses.
"SmartEquine was very fortunate to get a chance to do a collaborative gastric health presentation with Dr. Sarah Reuss from BI," said Dr. Schatz, "Dr. Reuss covered GI anatomy and physiology, as well as gastric ulcer treatment and prevention, while my portion of the talk focused on maintaining gastric health. We had a good crowd and some great discussions afterward!"
We were also honored to contribute to the educational portion of the weekend with representatives from Horseware discussing their LED Red Light Therapy products as well as Hall of Fame Farrier, Danvers Child sharing his insights on hoof health, balance, and support.
With our focus returning to that of horse health and wellness, we'd be remiss to overlook the incredible contributions of the horse health professionals at the event, as well. From the entire farrier team (including our own Danvers Child) to the full staff of equine veterinarians, hosting a successful, respected event such as the beloved Kentucky 3 Day requires no small amount of skilled hands. We were particularly proud to see veterinarians highlighted in Defender’s media coverage of the event, too.
“These vets work diligently to ensure that the equine athletes are healthy and fit to compete at this elite level,” said Dr. Schatz. “They are critical to the safety and welfare of these horses, and I was very grateful to see them highlighted.”
Community, Camaraderie, and a Touch of Kentucky Weather
Beyond the world-class competition and product education, KY3DE is about the people—the customers, barn professionals, horse lovers, and colleagues who make this industry so rewarding. A part of the SmartPak staff attending the event included two of our SmartBarn Services representatives, Kit Frey and Megan Kantor. These two are key members of the SmartBarn Services team, designed to make life at the barn easier for horse professionals.
“This event was a great spot to talk about how our programs can support a barn pro’s busy schedule,” said Kit Frey. “What better place to talk about barn solutions than in a wildly busy setting like the Kentucky Three Day?”
“It was a thrill to attend the pinnacle of eventing in the U.S.,” he continued. “The passion, connection, and fun shared by everyone in the Kentucky Horse Park was so moving.”
From sudden downpours to unforgettable dressage tests in the rain, this year’s event had all the charm and unpredictability of a true Kentucky spring.
“In true Spring in Kentucky fashion, the second day of dressage poured this year,” said Megan Kantor. “But even so, it was my favorite day. We had wonderful conversations with people who came to our tent for coffee and shelter—and we got to witness Boyd and Connor’s iconic dressage test in the rain. All of it was just incredible!”
“KY3DE is always such an exciting event and this year was no different,” she added. “From the crazy weather to the wonderful spectators and the amazing competitors, it was a weekend to remember.”
A World-Class Competition
Other members of the SmartPak team were also present this weekend, including our Team SmartPak Riders! Not only were we happy to see the competitors out in their element, but we got to catch up and enjoy meet and greets with dressage riders AnnA Buffini and Silva Martin. For our team members riding, we had the distinct pleasure of lining the Rolex Arena and Kentucky Bluegrass to cheer our hearts out as they each delivered impressive performances on multiple horses.
Boyd Martin
- Commando 3 (Connor) placed 2nd in the CCI5*-L
- Luke 140 (Luke) placed 6th in the CCI5*-L
- Fedarman B (Bruno) placed 7th in the CCI5*-L
Read more about Boyd Martin here.
Jennie Brannigan
- Connory (Sean) placed 18th in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S
Read more about Jennie Brannigan here.
Allison Springer
- No May Moon (Mayzie) placed 5th in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S
- Vandyke (Rico) placed 31st in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S
Read more about Allison Springer here.
All three phases were exceptional, as were the horses and riders that completed them, and we are incredibly proud of the efforts and results of these athletes and their incredible equine partners.
We’re already counting down the days to the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, scheduled for April 23–26, 2026. Until then, we’ll be hard at work—supporting horse owners, developing new wellness solutions, and doing what we love most: helping horses and riders thrive.