The Road to Kentucky with James Alliston
By GabriellA Ringer
Every spring, riders from around the world set their sights on Lexington, Kentucky, home to one of the sport’s most iconic competitions: the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. As one of only two CCI5*-L events in the United States — and a cornerstone of the international eventing calendar — Kentucky is known for its electric atmosphere, massive crowds, and championship-caliber track that tests even the most seasoned pairs.
Among those making the journey this year is veteran upper-level rider James Alliston, who has long been a familiar name in the West Coast eventing scene. As a consistent presence at the top levels, James is no stranger to the pressure and preparation that comes with competing at the top of the sport.
When speaking with James about his road to Kentucky, it quickly became clear that while the event itself may only last a few days, the planning and preparation behind the event begins months in advance. “I think it depends on the horses,” he explains. “But with Karma, because she did it last year, taking her to Kentucky was always the plan. You just make sure the horses are healthy and going well, and then you start the fitness work pretty early.”
Coming from California adds an extra layer of logistics, requiring James to work backward from the event date. “We basically have to have everything wrapped up two weeks before we ship out,” he says. “Twin Rivers is usually our last event before Kentucky, so everything really has to be dialed in by then.”
That countdown affects everything from show schedules to fitness at home. James typically starts conditioning work in late February, building strength and stamina with regular hill work and careful attention to each horse’s individual needs. “You want to get them fit, but not overdo it,” he says. “It’s always a balance.”
Despite a few early-season disruptions, including a knee injury that caused him to sit out of Ram Tap horse trials in February, James adapted his approach, staying home to focus on fitness and fine-tuning the horses. “Every year, I learn something new,” he says. “You think back on past injuries or fatigue, and try to adjust your program so the horses stay healthy and strong.”
This year, James had a few different horses in contention for Kentucky. Karma, of course, is a returning five-star competitor. Nemesis made his return to competition after some time off, and younger horses like Cora, Irish Pop, and Paper Jam were also in the mix. Deciding who would ultimately make the trip came down to performance, experience, and how well they handled the build-up. “It’s not an easy 4*,” James says of Kentucky. “You need a horse that’s brave, fast, and fit… not something too green.”
After careful consideration, James is heading to Kentucky with three exciting horses: Karma, Nemesis, and Cora. Karma, a reliable partner who successfully completed the 5* last year, returns with added experience and fitness. Nemesis, though coming off a break from competition, has shown serious potential and competitiveness when he’s at his best so he returns for his second go at the CCI4*-S in the Bluegrass State. Cora rounds out the trio, while slightly greener than the others, she impressed James with her performance at Twin Rivers and has earned her place on his Kentucky roster. Each horse brings a different strength to the table, giving James a dynamic lineup as he heads into one of the most prestigious events of the year.
As for what success at Kentucky looks like this year? James keeps his goals grounded. “Honestly, if they go out, jump a good cross-country round, and come home feeling good, that’s a big achievement,” he says. “Of course, you want to do well in all three phases, but at the end of the day, it’s about having a sound, happy horse.”
With his trademark calm and thoughtful approach, James Alliston heads into Kentucky with confidence, experience, and a clear sense of what matters most: the journey, the partnership, and giving each horse the best shot to shine on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
