AEC Competitor Information

Can I Compete at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds?

Sure, as long as you're qualified! Check out the list of Qualified Riders and list of Qualified Horses. Both horse AND rider must be qualified for the AEC in order to compete and must still be eligible for the level of competition at which you qualified.

For more information, please check the AEC Qualifications or call the office at (703) 779-0440 at extension 3008 - Hannah Seagle.

Are You an Amateur?

As a service to our amateur members, the USEA IT department has developed a system to recognize amateurs who should be qualified for the Championships, but did not receive qualifying placements at events. Because many events hold "Open" divisions where the professionals and amateurs are joined together in one division, the amateurs may have a harder time trying to get the first or second placings they'll need to qualify them for the Championships. Sure, we have many outstanding amateurs who are very competitive in the Open divisions, but our hope is that our amateurs will receive an opportunity to qualify for the designated amateur divisions at the Championships, even when only open divisions are offered at qualifying events. Read more about this upgrade of placing/points.

How do I enter?

Registration will be available online using the USEA's Online Entry system, Xentry. The USEA created Xentry as a service to members, where one can easily enter any USEA recognized event from a central and secure website. Learn more about using Xentry. Note: Entry is not considered complete until the USEA receives payment.

About the Event

August 27-31, 2025 • Galway Downs | Temecula, California

Qualifying Period: May 20, 2024 – August 12, 2025

Directions: Galway Downs is located at 38801 Los Corralitos Road in Temecula, California. From I-15 take 79 South, turn left on Los Caballos Rd, then right on Los Corralitos to arrive at your destination. Use Equestrian Entrance and enter gate code #9999.

Travel: For air travel, Temecula is conveniently located approximately 60 minutes from San Diego International Airport (SAN), 75 minutes from Ontario International Airport (ONT), or 90 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Accommodations: RV hookup options are available on-site. Each parking site features full electric, water, and septic hookups. Click here to reserve your parking space today. If you are interested in on-site lodging, Stay Kentina offers vacation rentals on and around the 240-acre venue as well.

Just minutes from Temecula Valley is another great accommodation option, Native Falls Campground and Lodging. The campground offers a variety of options for your stay, including fully furnished cabins, RV sites, or tent camping. There is also a lake with a waterfall, sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing on the property, as well as a Pickleball Court, Shuffle Board, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more to enjoy during your stay.

Temecula Creek Inn, which is less than seven miles from Galway Downs, is a more boutique option for interested parties that are looking for spacious suites, farm-to-table food, handcrafted cocktails, and picturesque views of their championship-level golf course. Special rates are available for Galway Downs guests when you click here to book.

Early Stabling Arrival by Appointment:

Friday, August 22 at 12:00 p.m. – Barns open for complimentary early arrival for competitors from Areas I, II, III, & VIII
Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 p.m. – Barns open for complimentary early arrival for competitors from Areas IV, V, & IX
Sunday, August 24 at 12:00 p.m. – Barns open for complimentary early arrival for competitors from Areas VII & X
Monday, August 25 at 12:00 p.m. – Barns open to all competitors.

Advanced appointment required, email Kristi Fetzer at [email protected] to inquire.

VIP Meal Service in the VIP Pavilion: Bottomless buffet-style meal service includes daily breakfast and lunch with hot and cold options as well as refreshments and beverages. Tickets allow access to VIP for the duration of the event, Wednesday 7:30AM - Sunday 1:00PM. Located along the Grand Prix Arena rail, this is a great cool & covered area to watch the action every day in the ring and on the livestream. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Packages are available in 4- or 5-day increments for individual seats or tables of eight guests.

Party Schedule:

Wednesday, August 27 – Welcome Reception: One ticket per horse is included. Additional tickets are $40, available on-site only in the Show Office. Cash bar available.
Thursday, August 28 – Adult and Young Rider Parties: For program members, one ticket for Adult Rider or Young Rider party included with entry. Additional tickets are $40, available on-site only in the Show Office. Cash bar available for Adult Rider Party.
Friday, August 29 – Competitor Party I: One ticket per horse is included. Additional tickets are $40, available on-site only in the Show Office. Cash bar available.
Saturday, August 30 – Competitor Party II: One ticket per horse is included. Additional tickets are $40, available in the Show Office. Cash bar available.

Prizes: AEC Divisions will award ribbons through tenth place. Over $100,000 in prizes donated by generous USEA partners will be distributed across all levels. Prize money will be awarded at every level using the following breakdown: Advanced - $60,000; Intermediate - $10,000; Preliminary - $3,000; Modified - $3,000; Training - $6,000; Novice - $7,500; Beginner Novice - $7,500; Starter - $4,000; Adult Team Championships - $7,500 total, $1,500 per level for Starter through Modified.

Official Photographer: Tina Fitch Photography

Golf Cart Rentals: Please make advanced reservations through The Cart Guy at www.thecartguy.com.

Livestream Provider: Equine Network

Stay tuned for more information as the 2025 AEC approaches! Don't forget to respond "going" to the 2025 USEA AEC Facebook Event linked here.