United States Eventing Association

A Letter From the USEA CEO: AEC Difficult Decisions, Kentucky Horse Park Open for Business

Dear USEA Members and Supporters,

By this time I am sure that you have received the news that the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC) has been canceled. I sincerely apologize for the difficulty this has caused everyone involved. I want to commend the USEA Board of Governors for making an extremely hard decision.

We also would like to thank our partners at Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI), as well as Mary Fike, all the contractors, our sponsors, officials, and volunteers of the AEC. This is heartbreaking for all of us.

I also want to give a special thank you to the Kentucky Horse Park for their support. I want the public to know that we have been assured by the leadership of the Park that it remains open for business. The geographic pull and large starter numbers of the AEC were the major factors in the decision to cancel. We urge those who are able to please continue to support the Kentucky Horse Park and all of our amazing eventing competitions across the country. They need your support now more than ever!

As our President Max Corcoran stated last night “not hosting the AEC will be a financial hit for both the USEA and EEI, but in the end, it is the right decision ethically for the staff, volunteers, officials, and competitors.” Refunds to entrants who have paid for their entries and are due those refunds will be made shortly by the organizers (EEI). Once those refunds are made, our Association, and all other businesses, will continue to be faced with some incredibly hard decisions to ensure that our sport remains viable through the impact of this pandemic on our global economy.

Thank you for being a USEA member or eventing fan. Your support during these trying times means a lot. I look forward to seeing all of you back at the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2021 AEC!

Sincerely,

Rob Burk, USEA CEO