United States Eventing Association

Over 400 horses and riders have arrived in Tyler, Texas from as far afield as New Hampshire and Washington State to compete for $250,000 in cash and prizes, and earn prestigious national championship titles today through Sunday.

Tyler, TX - The 2014 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by VTO Saddlery, begin today. The competition includes the $40,000 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final and the USEA Adult Team Championship.

Over 400 horses and riders from 33 states across the country have descended upon the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas for an intense competition with $250,000 in cash and prizes on the line. Fifteen divisions will be contested over the next four days.

“These are the top riders in the country at their respective levels and they have worked all year to qualify to be here,” said USEA CEO Jo Whitehouse. “We are delighted to welcome them to the American Eventing Championships and to Texas.”

The Olympic sport of eventing is an equal playing field for men, women, children and adults, with this weekend’s Championship competitors ranging in experience from Olympic medalists to children on ponies. The same horse and rider pair compete in the three distinct elements of dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping over the course of the weekend, testing accuracy, obedience, bravery and athleticism.

The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Championship will feature the top riders in the sport, competing for $40,000 in prize money. Last year’s champion, Laine Ashker of Richmond, VA, has brought her horse Anthony Patch back to defend their title.

Eventers are a friendly group, and welcome the public to the Texas Rose Horse Park for the entire event. From live music by T.J. Broscoff, known for his latest hit radio single “Falling Down,” Zach Stone, Brianna Fletcher, to a fun dog show presented by WeatherBeeta, this is a week of family fun with something for everyone.

To wrap up a fabulous week of competition, join the revelry on Saturday night at the Competitors’ Party in the trade fair arena complete with a mechanical bull tournament and a moon bounce. The Adequan USEA Gold Cup Champion will be crowned, so pull on your cowboy boots and come party with us! Spectators are welcome for free (a $5 donation for parking is suggested).

For directions to the Texas Rose Horse Park, information, a detailed schedule of events, tickets for the Competitors’ Party and VIP packages please visit www.useventing.com/aec. To learn more about eventing, visit http://discovereventing.com/.

The 2014 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships and the 2014 Adequan USEA Gold Cup Championships would not be possible without the following sponsors: Nutrena, VTO Saddlery, Adequan, Merial, Broadstone Equine Insurance Company, Devoucoux, Standlee, Charles Owen, Fleeceworks, Point Two Air Jackets, Professional's Choice, Dubarry of Ireland, WeatherBeeta, The Chronicle of the Horse, Omega Alpha, Auburn Laboratories Inc., Smartpak, Dever,Theraplate, Stackhouse Saddles,Equine Art by Julie, Flair, CWD, Equine Art by Julie, RevitaVet, Grand Meadows, Ovation, Eventing Training Online, Back on Track, the City of Lindale, Texas, and more.

About the United States Eventing Association (USEA)

The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. The mission of the USEA is to advance the sport of eventing through education of riders, trainers, officials, and organizers, with the health and well-being of the horse of paramount importance. Each year, the USEA recognizes more than 250 events throughout the U.S. that host nearly 42,000 entries. The association has over 11,000 members and, through the direction of the Board of Governors, strives to make the sport of eventing safe, fun, fair, and affordable to all who participate.