United States Eventing Association

AEC 2013: Competition Kicks Off In Two Weeks!

Competition for the 2013 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships officially kicks off in two weeks!

More than 430 entries were received for this year’s competition which runs September 26 – 29 at the Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas. All signs are pointing to a great competition, with horses and riders arriving soon from every direction. Preparation for the event continues at a furious pace, and everyone is getting excited about the 10th Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championship, presented by VTO Saddlery (AEC).

AEC Preview Highlights:

Great prizes – more than $90,000 in prize money and over $100,000 worth of prizes
Great venue – 6 new championship-level courses designed by Captain Mark Phillips
Great hospitality – a warm Southern welcome from Kathy Brunson and her team, plus lots of local eats and treats

What's the latest buzz?

"I have spent 5 years working towards this opportunity. A year ago even doing an intermediate show seemed out of my reach. Through hard work and hours of training with my instructor Rochelle Costanza we managed to qualify for the AECs and hope to put our skills and training to the test in Texas."
- Hailey Rich (Littleton, CO), who will be competing her horse Kingfisher II in the Intermediate Division at AEC.

"I've been to the AECs for the past few years and when I qualified on my young horse I thought it would be a great goal for the year to get him there! It's been a fun event in Georgia, so I'm looking forward to it being equally great in Texas."
- Sheri Thornley (Damascus, MD), who will compete Azari in the Training Horse division.

“The AEC is a destination event for me, and the national Championship is something to aspire to. The chance to ride for $40,000 is huge! I have three things that are always on my calendar: a spring CCI, a fall CCI, and the AEC.”
- Jon Holling (Ocala, FL) will ride two Advanced horses and one Preliminary horse.

Check out the latest schedule, which includes the Saturday night competitors' party, AEC Dog Show, and the Horsemanship Seminar with Max Corcoran presented by North Texas Eventing Association. See you in Texas!