Photoset: A High-Fashion Horse Inspection at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

All 75 horses presented passed the initial vet check and will proceed to the dressage phase.

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2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Boyd Martin (USA) will ride two horses this weekend: Cracker Jack (pictured here) and Master Frisky.

Competition at the 2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event begins on Thursday, April 23 with the first day of dressage. But the initial horse inspection on Wednesday afternoon has increasingly become a spectator draw.

This year, 75 horses were presented for inspection, and all 75 horses passed. Kyle Carter of Canada had been on the schedule, but made the last-minute decision to pull his horse, Madison Park, from the event.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles (USA) is making a return to Rolex after a hiatus from top level competition as she searched for the perfect equine partner. So far, she and S.V.R. Ron look pretty great together.

The initial horse inspection is a serious part of eventing. The ground jury observes each horse individually to look for signs of any unsoundness that could compromise its ability to complete the grueling competition ahead. Eliminations prior to the start of competition are rare, but they do happen when the ground jury determines that it’s in the best interest of the horse.

Even with that somber backdrop, the jog is a fun opportunity for spectators to see these top horses and riders groomed to their very best. As has become tradition here at HorseChannel, we’ve picked some of our favorite horse-and-rider pairs to showcase. Tell us who you think deserves to win best dressed—and who you’re hoping wins the big prize on Sunday—in the comments at the end.

2015 Rolex Kentucky-Three Day Event Jog
Kentucky-based Allie Knowles appears to be testing out her duds for a Derby party as she presents Sound Prospect.

If you can’t join us here in Lexington, follow along with our news and photo coverage from Rolex here on HorseChannel.com. You can also watch the full event live and for free on USEFNetwork.com.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
What’s the saying? “The best accessory you can wear is a smile.” Allie Blyskal Sacksen (USA) and Sparrow’s Nio appear to have taken this advice to heart.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Rolex can’t officially start until Buck Davidson (USA) shows up with his lucky red polka dot socks. Davidson has three horses scheduled to compete this weekend, including longtime partner Ballynoe Castle RM, shown here.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Dana Widstrand (USA) makes a bold statement as she presents her 18-year-old OTTB, Relentless Pursuit, in their Rolex debut.

Rolex Jog
You know Elisa Wallace (USA) from her Extreme Mustang Makeover victory. This week, she’s making her four-star debut with a Thoroughbred, Simply Priceless.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Jog
Francis Whittington (GBR) turned heads with the striking Easy Target.

 


2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Sweden’s Jennie Jarnstrom donned a patriotic ensemble and a fantastic pair of boots as she presented Cape Town.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Jordan Linstedt (USA) shows that eventers can rock western style, even with a horse as sporty as Revitavet Capato.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Jimmie Schramm (USA) of Evention TV fame is making her Rolex debut this week with longtime partner Belamy. I’d ask Jimmie for her secret to fabulously toned arms, but I think we all already know.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
You’ve got to love the subtle and sophisticated horse head print on Laine Ashker’s (USA) wrap dress. She and her OTTB Anthony Patch are Rolex veterans, undoubtedly hoping to add to their impressive resume this weekend.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Prince Charming doesn’t ride a white horse. He IS a white horse. F.I.S. Prince Charming and his princess/rider, Lisa Barry (USA), are making their Rolex debut this week.

Rolex Jog
Lauren Kieffer (USA) and Veronica were the highest-placed Americans at last year’s Rolex, finishing 2nd behind William Fox-Pitt. We’re expecting big things from them this year. No pressure, Lauren!

Rolex Jog
Another first-timer, Leah Lang-Glusic (USA) is here with her OTTB, AP Prime, looking poised and professional for the ground jury.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Lynn Symansky (USA) and her OTTB, Donner, have had a long and successful partnership. But just because he’s been around the world a few times doesn’t mean Donner can’t get a bit puffed up when he knows the crowd is looking at him.

Rolex Jog
The last time Michael Jung (GER) competed in Kentucky was the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where he took the individual gold. He’s teaming up again with his WEG partner, La Biosthetique – Sam FBW, shown here. He’s also brought Fischerrocana FST, the horse he rode to the individual silver medal at the 2014 WEG. That’s an impressive lineup!

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
22-year-old Mackenna Shea (USA) is the youngest competitor in the field this year. She and her Landioso are making their four-star debut.

Rolex Jog
While the women tend to have more options for jogwear than the dudes, 2008 Rolex champ Phillip Dutton (USA) shows that there is more to life than black and navy. He’s shown here with Mighty Nice, one of three horses he’ll ride this weekend.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Selena O’Hanlon (CAN) looks like she’s ready to have a great weekend with Foxwood High.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
You can’t miss this pair. Sharon White’s (USA) bright jacket stands out, but it still isn’t quite as flashy as the markings on her Wundermaske.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
Will Faudree (USA), Andromaque, and Will Faudree’s glasses were scrutinized by the ground jury. All three passed.

Rolex Jog
William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Bay My Hero are the reigning 2014 Rolex champions. Bay My Hero is pretty sure they can win again. In fact, he was ready to jump out of the inspection area and attack the cross-country course today.

2015 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event jog
A practical jacket on a cool windy day. Lots of pockets for carrying necessities. Zara Phillips (GBR) is doing it right. The 2006 WEG individual gold medalist and 2014 WEG team silver medalist is making her Kentucky debut this week with High Kingdom.

 

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