It takes an army, including trainers, veterinarian, farriers, grooms, and others, to get a horse and rider to the only four-star event in North America: The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. But it takes a little extra TLC to keep an aging horse who’s competed his whole life in conditionÑboth mentally and physicallyÑto such an event.

Nineteen horses aged 15 and up started the competition this year, and as a salute to these horses, their riders, and all the people behind them, I’d like to introduce you to them. Even if they didn’t finish the competition, each rider and their team deserves a huge congratulations for keeping their aging horses so sound, happy, and competitive as they approach their 20s.

Each of these horses looked super this weekend, and their bright eyes and perked ears make me think none of them look ready to retire yet