2016 AEC Cross-Country Course Previews
Fences are flagged, the track is wheeled and decorations are placed – the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) is ready to send the first AEC competitors out of the start box tomorrow! Courses were designed my Captain Mark Phillips and built by Eric Bull and ETB Construction.
Carved into the North Carolina foothills, the courses wind around the sprawling venue. All levels begin in the Nutrena Derby Field before winding down toward the creek. Spectators have quite a few options for viewing. They can stick in the first field or venture out. Watch the Merial Intermediate and Adequan Gold Cup Advanced divisions take on some tricky combinations in the Land Rover Hollow or get a front row view to the Adequan water.
The footing was expertly engineered for the perfect cross-country run. A drainage system runs throughout the track covered by 6” of Equine Services International sand, then a felt and soil mix, and finally TifTuf Burmuda grass on top. This footing is a little unlike other surfaces typically used, so Max Corcoran, in partnership with VTO Saddlery, gave a few industry tips on what studs she would suggest this weekend.
USEA took a tour around and has complete photo galleries available for all levels. Click the links below to view all the fences!
About the AEC
The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, this event draws together the best competitors from across the country vying for national titles from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level. This year's AEC is being held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. August 31-September 4, 2016.
The 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors: Nutrena, Land Rover, Adequan, Merial, Broadstone Equine Insurance Company, Professional's Choice, Devoucoux,Merck Animal Health, Standlee Hay, Charles Owen, Fleeceworks, CWD, The Chronicle of the Horse, Noble Outfitters, Auburn Laboratories Inc., Smartpak, Stackhouse Saddles, Point Two, VTO Saddlery, FLAIR, Dubarry of Ireland, FITS Riding, Equine Art by Julie, Ride Safe, The Jockey Club, Ovation, Eventing Training Online, Kastel Denmark, Happy Saddle Treats, I Love My Horse, GumBits, Horse Hydrator, Phoenix Bodyworks, C4 Belts, The Scoring Chix, and more.
*Many of these sponsors will also be in attendance at the AEC with vendor spaces in the USEA Sponsor Village, located directly next to the George Morris arena at Tryon. Get ready to shop!
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