United States Eventing Association

With a little less than two weeks left before closing date, there are already over 660 entries for this year’s 2010 Land Rover/USEA American Eventing Championships at Chattahoochee Hills. Looks like competitors have been taking advantage of the early bird discount…as well they should! This year marks the 7th year of the AEC, and we’re well on our way for an all-time record number of competitors for this championship event. With over $70,000 in prize money and $50,000 in prizes on the line, it’s going to be a spectacular week…here’s a sneak peek of some the highlights of this year’s AEC…

Money, Money, Money!

We’d be lying if we said that the only reason we evented was to win prize money…but it’s certainly the icing on the cake for doing well in a national championship! Due to the generosity of our many sponsors, there will be over $70,000 in prize money up for grabs at this year’s competition—and that’s not just for the top levels…all divisions will receive cash as prizes (through the top several places). Certainly helps with the expenses to get to the AEC, eh?

Tons of Good Prizes

Who doesn’t love winning stuff? Charles Owen helmets, FITS breeches, and Bit of Britain gift certificates…oh my! Want the full run-down of our trailer-full of goodies? Seven-dose certificates for Adequan joint therapy treatment, APF from Auburn Labs, Ariat breeches, wraps from Back on Track, gift certificates from Bit of Britain, Charles Owen helmets, subscriptions to The Chronicle of the Horse, Equinature products, FITS breeches, Flair nasal strips, Fleeceworks saddle pads, handmade trophies from Hands On Pottery, Hit Air vests, products from MacKinnon Ice Horse, Nutrena gift certificates, Point Two Air Vests, gift certificates from Saratoga Horseworks, a custom painting from artist Shai Steiner, customized jackets from SmartPak, SSG gloves, and cartons of SUCCEED digestive conditioning paste. More great products continue to be added each day….

Fabulous Courses & Venue

Hear what all the fuss is about – listen for yourself to see what competitors are saying about Chattahoochee Hills (AEC Promo video). With hundreds of newly-completed permanent stalls (with rubber mats, no less) and hundreds of (top-notch) temporary stalls (on stone dust), there won’t be a bad stall in the place. Each stall will also have access to an electrical outlet—so bring your fan! Water hydrants are in abundance, as well as wash racks.

The courses are designed by Ritch Temple, and built by the outstanding Chatt Hills crew—competitors can expect true championship-level courses. The footing is immaculate, and the attention to detail is first-rate…you won’t be disappointed.

Party Time

The Chatt Hills group has been working hard to make sure that the competitors, their friends and family, the sponsors, the vendors, the officials and staff and everyone who’s planning their week at the AEC will be treated like royalty. Which means lots of great parties! Starting on Wednesday evening, there will be a wine and cheese welcome party given by the USEF Owners Task Force. Then on Thursday evening, the Area III is sponsoring a reception. Friday is the night you don’t want to miss… huge party catered by Sean O’Keefe Events, and benefiting the Equestrian Aid Foundation. We’ve got an amazing band lined up, so better bring your dancing shoes. Saturday night is going to be a blast – the plan is to have the Beginner Novice Junior division show jumping under the lights in the big Grand Prix arena, and we’ll also round out the evening with a pizza party celebration.

Cheer on the WEG Riders

We’re thrilled to have both the U.S. and Canadian WEG teams using the $25,000 Merial Advanced class as their final outing – this gives us the chance to get pumped for WEG and get a sneak peek of the action. So far, we have about 44 horses entered in the Advanced division…we can anticipate that number to go up quite a bit before closing date, too.

Some of the familiar faces will include: Karen O’Connor, Buck Davidson, Allison Springer, Hawley Bennett-Awad, Phillip Dutton, Kyle Carter, Will Faudree, Gina Miles (yes, Gina’s coming all the way from CA!), Tamra Smith (another West Coaster), Jonathan Holling, Will Coleman, Becky Holder, Leslie Law, Boyd Martin, Kim Severson, Heidi White, and hundreds of other amazing riders.

Check out the Entry List for the complete line-up…but check it often, as new entries are added daily!

Live Scoring

Can’t come to the AEC this year, but want to keep up with your friends and family who are competing? We’re proud to partner with StartBox Scoring and have them provide up-to-the-minute scoring for the eventing community yet again this. The link will be available on the USEA homepage during the event.

Who’s Coming?

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of eventers who are going to driving hours upon hours to get the chance to compete at the AEC this year… tell us more about you! What will your trip be like? What are you looking forward to the most? Is this your first time? We want to hear from you!

(Photos by Emily Daily, Josh Walker, and Leslie Threlkeld.)