United States Eventing Association

For 12 years, the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) has offered qualified USEA members of all ages and levels the chance to compete in the only national championships of its kind in the United States. Each September, hundreds of juniors, adult amateurs and professionals travel from all across the nation to participate in this prestigious competition, vying for the chance to win a piece of the prize money, an unrivaled number or prizes and to be named the best in the nation at their respective levels.

The 2016 AEC is 100 days away, and it will move to its exciting new home at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, North Carolina on September 1-4 with levels Beginner Novice through Advanced. The Adult Team Championships (ATC) will also return this year, marking the third year of the ATC at the AEC.

Tryon International Equestrian Center. TIEC Photo.

Riders and spectators alike will enjoy world renowned amenities across the elite new facility. With seven permanent structure barns, the Tryon International Equestrian Center is able to provide world class stabling for up to 1,200 horses. The facility also offers state of the art lodging on grounds with their one bedroom cabins, three-to-five-bedroom log cabins, condos, a permanent on-site hotel, as well as condo and house rentals throughout Tryon Resort.

Entries and Qualifications

The opening date for entries this year is July 19th, with a closing date of August 16th. Horses and riders must be registered USEA members (including BN) at the time of gaining qualifications, as well as during the USEA AEC competition. Horses and riders, not necessarily as a combination, must be qualified for the level in accordance with Appendix 3 of the USEF Rules for Eventing and achieve the Qualifying Result(s) at the level to be entered. The qualification period for Beginner Novice through Intermediate is June 1, 2015 to August 22, 2016.

AEC By the Levels

The Advanced Championships will continue on as the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Advanced Championship this year. Competitors will have to qualify by completing one of the eleven designated Gold Cup competitions in order to be eligible for the$40,000 Advanced Championship. The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion receives one of the highest payouts in the sport of Eventing in the U.S. and earns the prestigious title of Gold Cup Champion. The Advanced championship is also designated as the USEF National Advanced Horse Trials Championship, the winner of which will receive the prestigious Jack Le Goff Trophy.

Kathryn Canario and Ringwood Little Imp.

Longtime USEA sponsor Merial is returning as the title sponsor of the Intermediate Championships, and Professional’s Choice returns as the title sponsor of the Training Level Divisions. Broadstone Equine Insurance also returns once again as the title sponsor of the Beginner Novice Divisions.

The Captain Mark Phillips Pony Rider Championships will again be held at the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training levels for riders 16 and younger and ponies 14.2 and under. The Adult Pony Rider Award in Memory of Avery Dudasch will also be presented to the highest placed rider, aged 17 years and older, on a pony (14.2 and under) in the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Divisions.

Exciting Cash and Prizes!

Thanks to the many devoted sponsors, thus far the USEA and TIEC have accrued over $100,000 in prize money to be awarded across all 15 divisions at the AEC. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of dollars in products will be distributed to first through sixth place finishers including; saddles, bridles, helmets, body protectors, boots, blankets, saddle pads, horse feed, supplements, magazines, therapeutic products, saddle pads, custom paintings, stall plaques, gift certificates and much more – all provided by our generous sponsors.

The Best Food and Entertainment!

The USEA and TIEC guarantee unmatched food and entertainment at the event this year at the new premier facility. Open seven days a week year-round, TIEC boasts a diverse range of dining options with 8 restaurants on grounds including an Italian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a sushi restaurant, a grille, café, wood fired pizza, a diner that serves breakfast all day, and more!

TIEC Photo.

Aside from the multiple bars and restaurants on grounds, there will also be a large beer tent open each day for social gatherings that also features a premier spectating viewing area. There are permanent stores on site, ranging from top equestrian brands, classic jewelry, clothing boutiques, antique treasures and more. There will also be a USEA Sponsor village with shopping from all the wonderful USEA AEC sponsors.

Each evening will be a party whether it be the initial welcome party, the Adult Rider Social, the Junior/Young Rider Social, the dog show, the sponsor and owner reception, or the renowned AEC Competitors’ party, which will be bigger and better than ever this year with surprise guest entertainment! There will also be a [golf cart] drive-in movie showing one night on the impressive main arena’s jumbo Tron. TIEC offers family-friendly fun, including a variety of performers, a Venetian carousel, a mechanical bucking bronco, as well as a Racewood Eventing and Jumping horse simulator.

Special Events at the AEC

TIEC will be hosting multiple special sporting events during the AEC for all spectators, sponsors, owners, competitors and families to participate in and enjoy. TIEC is organizing a golf tournament for all those interested, which will be held at the Fairways at the Tryon Resort, which spans nearly 7,000 yards on a beautiful setting and accommodates players of all ages and experience levels.

Honorary sporting master Jim Cogdell will be hosting a shooting tournament just down the road at the Sporting Clays at the Tryon Resort. Everyone is encouraged to participate and hone their shooting skills;This will be both an exhilarating and fun challenge for beginners and experts alike.

TIEC will also be offering a fitness event open to all ages. During the AEC, there will be a 5k race at the Tryon Resort across the gorgeous facility and landscapes, and all ages are encouraged to participate and run. This will be a fun run that you won’t want to miss, and all proceeds will go to a charitable cause.

We Will See You in North Carolina!

The 2016 Championships are expected to be the largest and most prestigious AEC to date with the new elite facility in North Carolina. We are looking forward to cheering you and your horses on at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on labor day weekend, and invite you all to come join us for this exciting landmark event. This will be the AEC no one wants to miss!