Horse Illustrated Magazine

Central Kentucky’s weather took an unhappy turn from warm and springlike to frigid, gray and windy. But that didn’t dampen the mood as competitors in the 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event made their first official appearance before officials in Wednesday’s first horse inspection.

New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson presented two horses in the jog. The second, Quimbo, was held for re-inspection, but ultimately passed. American rider Emily Beshear was scheduled to jog her horse, Here’s to You, toward the end of the inspection, but withdrew beforehand. The remaining 45 horses were accepted immediately by the ground jury.

The initial inspection is performed to ensure that all of the horses entered are sound to compete in the challenge ahead of them. This seemingly serious undertaking has taken on a lighter side at some major events, including Rolex, where riders use the opportunity to get their horses and themselves groomed to perfection. Later in the weekend, “best dressed” awards for male and female riders will be awarded. In the meantime, watch the slideshow below to see some of our favorite horse-and-rider teams at Wednesday’s jog. Then click “Submit a Comment” below and tell us which entry you would pick for the best dressed award.

Keep up with our Rolex coverage at horseillustrated.com/Rolex2013.