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 25-30, 2026 • Kentucky Horse Park | Lexington, Kentucky

Qualifying Period: May 20, 2025 – August 11, 2026

Directions: The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, one-half mile east of I-75 off Iron Works Pike (1973) at Exit 120. GPS and phone mapping functions may not accurately direct you to the Kentucky Horse Park. Please use “4089 Iron Works Pike” (not “Parkway”) as the street address when utilizing GPS and mapping software.

Travel: The Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, KY is the closest airport to the Kentucky Horse Park, just a 20-minute drive away. Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, and United offer flights through the Blue Grass Airport on a daily basis. The Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport (SDF) and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) are each approximately 70 miles away from the park and offer more air travel options.

Accommodations: Equestrian Events, Inc. have secured discounted room rates at several local hotels for AEC competitors. Follow the links below to secure your room:

• Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Lexington North (4.7 miles from KHP) - 2100 Hackney Pl, Lexington, KY 40511
  • $110 per night plus applicable taxes. Click here to book at the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

• Clarion Hotel (5.2 miles from KHP) - 1950 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY40511
  • $99 per night plus applicable taxes. Click here to book at the Clarion Hotel.

• Embassy Suites (5.7 miles from KHP) - 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
  • $149 per night plus applicable taxes. Booking link will be available soon.

• Marriott Griffin Gate (5.7 miles from KHP) - 1800 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
  • $159 per night plus a $10 daily resort fee and 16.07% tax. Booking link will be available shortly.

• Hilton Garden Inn (7.6 miles from KHP) - 110 Grandstand Dr., Georgetown, KY 40324
  • $139 per night plus applicable taxes. Click here to book at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The Kentucky Horse Park Campground offers 260 spacious camping sites with 50/30/20-amp electricity and water hookups. It is .9 miles east of I-75 at Exit 120. In addition to easy access to the competition grounds, the Campgrounds also feature a pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and easy bike access to Legacy Trail. Call 859-259-4257 and select option "2" to make your reservation today. More information on partner hotels and discounted room rates will be available in 2026.

VIP Hospitality: From Tuesday through Sunday, there will be an exclusive VIP Hospitality ringside tent at Rolex Stadium with premium seating and delicious food and drinks. A cash bar will also be available for interested guests. Individual day passes will be available for purchase on-site, or click here to purchase VIP Hospitality tickets today. Options are available for single-day, multi-day, party tickets only, and VIP hospitality + party ticket packages.

AEC Party Schedule & Tickets

• Wednesday, August 26: Western Welcome Reception at the KHP Big Barn at 6:30 p.m. ET
  • One (1) ticket is included with each AEC entry. Click here to purchase additional tickets for $66/person.
• Thursday, August 27: Team Spirit Adult Rider Party in Murphy Pavilion and Young Rider PJ Party in VIP Hospitality Tent at 6:30 p.m. ET
  • One (1) ticket will be included with each program member's entry. Names will be checked at entrance. Additional tickets will be available for purchase on a limited basis in the Show Office on-site.

• Friday, August 28: Tacky Tourist Competitor Party in the VIP Hospitality Tent on Rolex Way at 6:30 p.m. ET
  • One (1) ticket is included with each AEC entry. Click here to purchase additional tickets for $66/person.

Pre-Order Supplies and Rentals: If you would like to pre-order shavings, feed or hay, rent stall mats, reserve paddocks or secure a golf cart for use during the event, please order in advance through Dever, Inc. at deverrentals.com or call 1-859-233-9702.

Livestream Provider: Horse & Country and EquiReel

Official Photographer: AK Dragoo Photography

More information on Prizes will be forthcoming. Stay tuned for more information as the 2026 AEC approaches!