United States Eventing Association

Last week, I got to live out one of those “pinch me” dreams. I competed in my very first USEA American Eventing Championships with my 6-year-old horse Excel Star Everglow, better known as “Finley.” I’m an amateur rider. Most of the time I’m a nonprofit director and mom to two teenage boys who eat like they’re in training for the Olympics and usually greet my horse stories with, “That’s cool, mom.” Riding is the piece of my life that’s just mine, the part that keeps me grounded and joyful.

I was fortunate to grow up riding, but like many, I stepped away as life filled up with school, work, marriage, and kids. Horses shifted into the “someday” category. Then the pandemic hit in 2020, and I stumbled into eventing, and I instantly knew I’d found my sport. In 2022, I bought Finley as a 3-year-old from a video. A spry traditional Irish Horse, something about him captivated me, and I just knew he had cross-country in his blood. I didn’t really know how it would go, only that I wanted to develop him myself and see where we could get together. He has the biggest heart, a playful streak, and every day he reminds me how lucky I am to ride him.

When I heard the AEC was coming to California, I set a goal: qualify. At first, I had a Beginner Novice qualification, but in early 2025 I decided to aim higher and try for Novice. Balancing work, kids, and training wasn’t always easy, but little by little, we chipped away. When we finally earned the Novice qualification, I was ecstatic. For me, it wasn’t just about a score. It was proof that even in the middle of a full, messy life, big dreams are still possible.

Walking into the show grounds for AEC was overwhelming in the best way. There were polished horses, talented riders, and a buzz of excitement everywhere. Part of me wondered if I belonged, but then I’d look at Finley, ears forward and curious, and he seemed to say, “Of course we do.”

On day 1, Finley stepped into the dressage arena and gave me his best test yet. When our score came back, a 27.6 and his personal best, I was over the moon. It felt like such a reward for the time, patience, and little steps we’d been taking. Cross-country day was everything I hoped it would be. Finley left the start box with his ears forward and never looked back. He tackled every question with confidence, and we came home double-clear. I couldn’t stop smiling as we crossed the finish flags; I knew he was having as much fun as I was.

By the time we walked into the show jumping arena on the final day, the pressure was high. Our division was incredibly competitive, with the top riders only separated by a couple of points. But Finley rose to the occasion, jumping with focus and heart. We finished with no rails and no time faults, ending on our dressage score and placing fifth out of 23 in the USEA Novice Rider Championship. Friends and family watched on the livestream and called right away, cheering us on! Adding to the joy of the week, I was also part of a wonderful Novice team, the Golden State Gallopers, and together we earned third place in the team competition. Celebrating with friends made the experience even sweeter.

Cantering in the victory gallop with a ribbon fluttering on Finley’s shoulder, I felt more gratitude than anything else. Gratitude for my horse, who gives me his whole heart every day. Gratitude for my family, who supports me even when it means long hours at the barn. Gratitude for this sport, which has given me not only a challenge but also a community I feel lucky to be part of. For me, eventing is joy. It's a chance to keep learning, to test myself, and to share in the partnership between horse and rider. Qualifying for AEC was the dream, but finishing top 5 in such a competitive field was more than I ever expected.

The AEC was the culmination of a goal I set for 2025, but they also feel like just the beginning of something more. Finley is still young, and I know we have so much ahead of us. I don’t know exactly what our future in eventing will look like, but I know I’ll keep showing up, keep learning, and keep being grateful for every step we get to take together. Horses have a way of bringing out the best in us, and I feel lucky every day that I get to share this journey with mine, and that my boys, even if they just say ‘That’s cool, mom,’ get to watch me chase big dreams, too.

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 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held on Aug. 27-31 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. 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; Silver Level Sponsors: Auburn Labs, Kerrits, The Jockey Club; Bronze Level Sponsors: Athletux, Canter Culture Riding Apparel, The Chronicle of the Horse, Devoucoux, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Majyk Equipe, Retired Racehorse Project, Ride EquiSafe; Contributing Level Sponsors: CrossCountry App, Santa Cruz Animal Health, #WeRideTogether; and Prize Level Sponsors: Equilab, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Gallagher’s Water, Horse Illustrated, Horses 4 Your Consideration, LeMieux, Practical Horseman, Ride iQ, Sidelines Magazine, and Whitfield Equine Nutrition.

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, Aug. 26-30, 2026. 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.