DEFENDER TO BE SHOWCASED AT 2023 LAND ROVER KENTUCKY THREE-DAY EVENT PRESENTED BY MARS EQUESTRIAN™

27 April 2023

  • The Defender brand family will be exclusively featured April 27‑30, 2023, at the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian
  • The eight‑seat Defender 130 adds a new dimension to the Defender family, with exceptional cargo capacity and towing abilities which align with the equestrian lifestyle
  • Defender‑related activities have been curated for Defender Enthusiasts and will feature a variety of modern lifestyle experiences
    • Defender off‑road course, demonstrating the capability, technology, and durable and advanced materials which make the Defender ideal for the equestrian world
    • An all‑new Defender Experience is an interactive space which showcases the Defender models, facilitates meet and greets with Equestrian Riders, and hosts opportunities to immerse oneself in the World of Defender
    • Exclusive for Land Rover owners, The Owner’s Courtyard, a modern   relaxation area, offers the perfect escape to enjoy a refreshment and take in the live music
    • Defender vehicles will be prominently displayed throughout the event grounds, at highly visible jumps, including at the iconic Defender Head of the Lake
    • For junior equestrian enthusiasts, an unforgettable kiddie course featuring electric‑powered mini Defender models will be available
    • The Owners Meadow, the premiere way for owners to enjoy Saturday’s cross‑country event, with exciting views of the horses and riders during this spirited competition
    • This year’s winner of the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event will be awarded a 12‑month lease of a Defender 130

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – April 27, 2023 – Expressing leadership in modern luxury experiences, the Defender brand family is proud to partner for the fifth consecutive year with the  US Equestrian Federation (USEF) as title sponsor for Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ returning to the Kentucky Horse Park from April 27‑30, 2023.

Alongside the critically acclaimed Defender 90 and Defender 110, the new Defender 130 will be featured at this year’s event. The 130 adds another dimension to the highly capable lineup of all‑terrain vehicles, with adventuring opportunities for up to eight adults across three rows of full‑size seating. Featuring a choice of robust yet elegant interior surfaces, a transformable cargo area with up to 80.9 cu/ft, and towing capacity of up to, 8,200lbs1, the Defender 130 offers a host of design enhancements ideally suiting the equestrian lifestyle. The triumphant rider of the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day event will be awarded a 12 month lease of a Defender 130.  

The Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event is one of only seven annual Five Star three‑day events in the world and is home to the highest level of competition in equestrian sports. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts more than 80,000 spectators who enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.

Along with exclusive opportunities which align with the modern, equestrian lifestyle, attendees can experience firsthand why the Defender makes the ideal choice for the equestrian family. An off‑road drive park, staffed by experienced instructors from the Land Rover Experience Centers across North America will excite participants by demonstrating the extraordinary capability of Defender. Children aged four to ten years‑old can get in on the excitement and earn their “Defender License” by navigating a specially designed course in battery‑powered replicas of iconic Defender models.

Around the event grounds are bespoke experiences curated specially for event attendees and Defender brand enthusiasts. The all‑new Defender Experience is an interactive space and will feature a variety of distinct experiences including the Owner’s Courtyard, a hospitality and entertainment area exclusively available to Land Rover vehicle owners. The space will showcase a full expression of the Defender lifestyle, including accessories and merchandise, and will feature a Defender 110 equipped with The US Equestrian Federation Pack, a curated suite of equestrian lifestyle and vehicle accessories for the Defender.

The Owners Meadow will be the premiere way to enjoy Saturday’s cross‑country phase, with exciting views of the horses and riders. Exclusive for Land Rover Owners, an area has been reserved for owners to relish in the community and excitement of the event, next to their vehicle.

We are honored to return as the title sponsor of the Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event and to showcase the Defender brand family. Defender experiences have been integrated throughout the event and highlight how the Defender models are the vehicle of choice for the equestrian lifestyle, including the Defender 130, with seating for up to eight.

Charlotte Blank
Chief Marketing Officer, US of Jaguar Land Rover North America

The Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event attracts the top international and national horse‑and‑rider combinations for a weekend of compelling competition. Featuring the USEF National Championship, this event is the highlight of the eventing season in North America and remains one of the most prestigious Three‑Day Eventing competitions in the world. Defender’s new presence at world‑class competitions and the engineering of refined and capable vehicles enables the Equestrian community to make more of their world.

Further information

 1.  Never tow beyond a vehicle’s permissible towing capacity. Before towing, please consult the owner's manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details.  

About Land Rover 

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 per cent of this model range exported to over 100 countries. 

About Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™

The Land Rover Kentucky Three‑Day Event is a thrilling multi‑day competition featuring Olympic‑level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross‑Country and Show Jumping – for $375,000 in prize money to those competing at the CCI5*‑L level. LRK3DE is the largest and longest‑running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*‑L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. Rolex is the Official Timepiece and Event Partner.

Important notice 

Jaguar Land Rover is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates. 

Notes to Editors

Information about Land Rover North America products is available to consumers at www.landroverusa.com or www.landrover.ca. Visit us.media.landrover.com for news releases, high‑resolution photographs and broadcast quality video footage. Additional media updates are available on Facebook (LandRoverUSA) and Twitter (@interactivelr).