While the top position of the leaderboard remained unchanged at the end of Friday’s dressage phase at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), the rest of the top placings were shuffled around. Germany’s Michael Jung still leads after his record-breaking score of 18.6 went unchallenged throughout the day, but slotting into the other top spots were the USA’s Boyd Martin and Commando 3 in second (26.0) and Great Britain’s Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality in third (26.2). Kentucky newcomer Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34 are just behind them in fourth (27.1).
Aussies in action
Australians Ema Klugman and Rebecca Braitling were in action on day two of the dressage, placing 25th and 29th respectively.
Ema Klugman with 13-year-old Zangersheide mare Bronte Beach (Verdi x Dalphine), owned by the Bronte Beach Syndicate, scored 39.6.
“The girls did their dressage today, on what was a very stormy and rainy day! Bronte Beach was rather excited to be back in that arena but had some great moments. RF Redfern put in a lovely test and was such a pro in the big atmosphere,” said Ema via social media. Ema rode RF Redfern in the CCI4*S for a score of 30.3 and =16th place, as well as Chiraz (Thursday dressage) for a score of 33.8 for 30th.
Rebecca Braitling with 14-year-old British Sporthorse Caravaggio II (Vagnelis-S x Courtesan), owned by Bec in conjunction with Arnell Sporthorses, scored 40.2.
“The score doesn’t really reflect how far he’s come… but let’s just say 5* test C was NOT written with Ernie’s emotions (or skills) in mind,” said Bec via social media. “That being said, he really held his cookies in over a very demanding few minutes! And he did his changes.”
7-point lead for Jung
Jung has more than a 7-point lead over Martin, who had the misfortune to ride in the heaviest downpour of the day. The four-time U.S. Olympian and current World #10 showed off Commando’s rideability as he admirably worked through the stormy conditions.
“It might have helped me, actually, made him put his head down a bit further,” Martin joked. “I was glancing up at the sky in the warmup, and thinking ‘this is not looking good,’ but some things you’ve got no control over. It was like a Louisiana typhoon, but I tried to stay in the moment. Commando is a champion horse, and he stayed focused. He can be spooky but maybe it distracted him a bit. I was thrilled with him.”
The 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Yankee Creek Ranch, LLC, is one of three horses Martin is competing with over the weekend. He currently stands sixth on Luke 140 (27.9) and 11th on Fedarman B (29.8). As the highest-placed American entry, he and Commando currently lead the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian.
“I’ve got three good horses here, and it’s maybe the best group of 5* horses I’ve had,” Martin said. “We’ve been working hard with the dressage. They are quality horses, and to have all of them in the 20s is a huge amount of work, not just from me but from my wife [dressage rider Silva Martin] who rides them when I’m away. It’s a relief to deliver good tests.”
McEwen is the #1 ranked rider in the world and a two-time Olympic team gold medallist, and the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry is no stranger to the 5* level, having finished third at Pau in France in October 2024.
“‘Norris’ is an awesome horse; he tries as hard as he can,” McEwen said. “He’s a lovely fellow, and I’m delighted with him today. He felt fantastic, and coming down the centre line, he didn’t even look up. He was nice and smooth and really listening. There were a few little mistakes, but we’re not too far away from [Jung].”
Lübbeke’s experience in Kentucky is a family affair, as the 15-year-old Hanoverian mare is bred and owned by her parents, Annelie and Martin Lübbeke. This is the pair’s second CCI5*-L, after they finished 19th at Luhmühlen, Germany, in 2024.
“It is really special to be here,” she said. “She was listening and trying her best, like she always does. She was just great.”
With the first phase of competition completed, all eyes now turn to Saturday’s cross-country phase and course designer Derek di Grazia’s test.
“I think it looks amazing. It’s a bit different to European courses, but all the technical questions are clear, and it’s a course to ride forward,” said Lübbeke.
“There’s plenty to do, but at the same time, it’s very clear for the horses,” said McEwen, who placed second at Kentucky in 2023 and 2024. “It’s a positive track, typical from Derek — if you aren’t riding, [the questions] will catch plenty of people out. You must be on your ‘A’ game.”
“It’s a good course, big and challenging,” agreed Martin. “It’s a test of endurance and the rider pacing the horse in the beginning to make sure there is plenty of juice left for the Cosequin® Cove at the end. It’s not going to be a dressage show and should be an exciting contest [Saturday].”
Source: K3DE press release / edited by Equestrian Life
