United States Eventing Association

The USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC) will return to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2026 on Aug. 25-30 for the annual championship that celebrates every level of the Olympic sport of eventing from Starter through Advanced. The AEC will again feature the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final and the Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships.

If you’re interested in competing at the 2026 AEC, it’s never too early to start reviewing your qualifications. The qualifying period for the 2026 AEC is open from May 20, 2025 to August 11, 2026.

Of note for 2026, all qualifying rides must meet Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) for each phase. This change was implemented to enhance the safety and quality of riding at the AEC.

All riders interested in competing must be current members of the USEA, holding a Junior, Collegiate, Full, or Life Membership, at the time the qualification is earned. Horses at Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training must have at least a Limited Status registration, at the time of qualification, to be eligible to compete. Horses at Modified or higher must have a Full Status registration. Qualifying results must be achieved at USEA/USEF-recognized events.

Both horse and rider must have qualifying MERs at a total of three USEA recognized horse trials during the qualifying period although not necessarily as a horse/rider combination for Starter through Preliminary Championships. The placing requirement, where applicable, is included in the total of three competitions and must be achieved by the rider and the horse at the level intended for the AEC, although not necessarily as a horse/rider combination. Placing requirements earned through the USEA Amateur Upgrade Policy apply only toward the amateur divisions. To view a full listing of qualification requirements by level, click here.

Entries for the 2026 AEC will open on July 15 and close on August 11. To confirm your qualification, visit the AEC Qualified Riders and AEC Qualified Horses lists throughout the year. An Athlete and/or a Horse may be entered without having fulfilled the qualifications, provided the qualifications are fulfilled by the closing date. If you have any further questions, please check the AEC Qualification page or call the office at (703) 779-0440 ext. 3008 to reach Hannah Seagle, Director of Competitions.

Travel: The Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, Kentucky, 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: 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. Click here to reserve your space today. More information on partner hotels and discounted room rates will be available in 2026.

More information on VIP Hospitality, Parties, Prizes, the Official Photographer, the Livestream Provider, and Golf Cart Rentals will be forthcoming.

Be sure to enter early to avoid the waitlist! We look forward to seeing you back at the Kentucky Horse Park this August! Stay tuned for more information as the 2026 AEC approaches!

About the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC)

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is the pinnacle of the sport at the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Starter to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of combinations from around the country to compete for fabulous prizes, a piece of the substantial prize money, and the chance to be named the National Champion at their respective levels. In fact, the 2021 AEC garnered over 1,000 entries and now stands as the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held on August 25-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.

The USEA would like to thank Presenting Sponsor: Nutrena Feeds; Advanced Final Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Level Sponsor: Bates Saddles, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee; and more!

About the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final

The $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final will take place at the 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on Aug. 26-28. Thanks to Adequan’s amazing support, the Adequan® USEA Advanced Final will bring together the country’s top riders to vie for $60,000 in prize money and the title of Adequan® Champion. To qualify for the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final at the AEC in 2026, competitors will need to complete a minimum of two events without cross-country jump penalties at any USEA recognized Advanced horse trials, CCI4*-S, CCI4*-L , CCI5*-L, World Championships, or Olympic Games. Click here to learn more about the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final.

About the Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships

The Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships, which debuted in 2014, is the capstone event for the USEA Area Adult Team Challenges, providing adults the chance to compete as a team and represent their Area of the country in a friendly and fun environment. Historically, adult riders had three regional Team Challenges in which to compete with fellow adults in a team environment, with the locations changing each year. In 2013, the USEA Adult Rider Coordinators voted to move to support Adult Team Challenges taking place in all 10 Areas across the country, with the finale being the ATC at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds. Each Area can send up to eight teams from Starter Level to Modified Level to the ATC. Adult Riders know how to have a good time, and there is no doubt that they bring an increased level of excitement and camaraderie to the AEC! Click here to learn more about the USEA Adult Team Championships.

The USEA would like to thank ATC Title Sponsor, Adams Horse Supply, and contributing sponsors ARMA, The Chronicle of the Horse, Equilab, Gallagher’s Water, Kerrits, Majyk Equipe, Marshall+Sterling, Nutrena Feeds, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, SmartEquine, and Santa Cruz Animal Health for sponsoring the Adult Team Championships.