Kentucky International CSI5* Joins Major League Show Jumping Event Roster at the Kentucky Three-Day Event

Major League Show Jumping heads to Lexington

Published

15 AUG 2025

Est. reading time

3 min

Lexington, KY—As Major League Show Jumping (MLSJ) launches its fifth season, the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, running as part of the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™,has joined the list of celebrated North American competitions to make up the 2025/2026 MLSJ season.

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), The Kentucky International CSI5* runs April 23 through 26 at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Formerly known as the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix, the Kentucky International CSI made its debut at the 2018 Kentucky Three-Day Event as a CSI3* and was held as a CSI4* for the first time in 2024 and a CSI5* in 2025. Returning as a five-star event within the MLSJ schedule in 2026, EEI remains the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week. 

“At EEI, we are committed to delivering world-class equestrian sport, and partnering with Major League Show Jumping to run our CSI5* during the iconic Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event elevates that mission to new heights. Their expertise, innovation, and dedication to excellence will ensure an unforgettable experience for both our athletes and spectators,” said Molly Day, Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Events, Inc.

EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian, the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.

MLSJ Kentucky International CSI5* is positioned as Leg 8 of the MLSJ Season 5 schedule. Featured in the storied Rolex Stadium, it will serve as the final stop before the tour heads to its season finals in Monterrey, Mexico. It joins a schedule that includes Traverse City Horse Shows in Michigan; Angelstone Tournaments in Toronto; CSI Greenwich in Connecticut; Highlands Cup in New York; Tryon International in North Carolina; and Desert International Horse Park in California.

“From the beginning, Major League has been dedicated to showcasing the best events in North America,” said MLSJ co-founder Keean White. “The Kentucky International fits in perfectly with that goal, and we are very proud that Major League Show Jumping will continue to elevate and celebrate top horse sport in Canada, The U.S. and Mexico.”

For more information about Major League Show Jumping and to view and complete Season 5 schedule, visit majorleagueshowjumping.com, or download the MLSJ App.

About Equestrian Events, Inc. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is a non-profit charitable Kentucky corporation that was established initially to produce the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the success of those championships, EEI established an annual event that evolved into the world-renowned Kentucky Three-Day Event, which draws nearly 90,000 spectators to the Kentucky Horse Park each year. EEI added the Kentucky CSI Invitational Grand Prix in 2018, which upgraded to the Kentucky International CSI5* for 2025, the Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, and also produces other events. EEI is also hosting the United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships in 2026-2028. EEI supports several local and equine charities and over the last 20 years has donated more than $1.1 million to various charities. For more information, please visit www.eq-events.com.