In news that will surprise no one given the rapid rate of horse show cancellations over the past 48 hours, Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) announced that this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (LRK3DE) and Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix have been cancelled due to escalating Coronavirus concerns.

The events had been scheduled for April 23–26 at the Kentucky Horse Park. LRK3DE is broadcast worldwide in 18 languages.

Said said Lee Carter, EEI executive director:

“This marks the first cancellation in the event’s 42-year history, but the worldwide health crisis and concerns about the spread of COVID-19 make this the only decision possible. This is incredibly disappointing to everyone on so many levels, but the health and well-being of everyone—spectators, volunteers, athletes, staff and officials—is our number one priority and given the current situation, there really is no choice.” 

Continued Mike Cooper, EEI president:

“Sporting events and large public gatherings are being called off all across the country and it is with deep regret, and with the highest concern for all our patrons, that we take this step. With the recommendation by the CDC to cancel or postpone events with guests for the next eight weeks, it became apparent that this was the only acceptable course of action.” 

Refund options for ticket holders will be announced at a later date.

LRK3DE features $425,000 in prize money over three phases of competition, Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping. It is one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events in the world and is the first and longest-running five-star in the Americas. LRK3DE also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI-5*-L Eventing National Championship and was slated to be the first Olympic team selection trial of 2020.

At least we still have Twitter?

https://twitter.com/Mares4Life/status/1238141002654892032