Jun 16, 2024

Be a VIP at the 2024 USEA AEC by Volunteering!

By Kaleigh Collett - USEA Staff | Press Release
USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

Do you have plans to attend the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds at the Kentucky Horse Park this Aug. 27 – Sept. 1? Make your mark on the event by signing up to volunteer! Volunteer positions are open to everyone, including competitors, trainers, owners, fans, friends, and family that are making the trip to Lexington, Kentucky, later this summer, and the USEA highly encourages its members to find the time in their busy schedules to give back. These Championships cannot run without the support of hundreds of volunteers that donate their time.

All AEC volunteers will be rewarded for their efforts in supporting the biggest eventing competition of the year. Every AEC volunteer will receive exclusive AEC volunteer merchandise and an assortment of goodies from our event sponsors. Volunteers will also be provided with lunches each day and will have the opportunity to be featured on the USEA website. After the AEC has concluded, the USEA will feature one special AEC volunteer in an article published on useventing.com and the USEA social media channels. The volunteer will be selected at random, but the more days you volunteer, the higher your chances are of getting picked to be featured.

Consider making a vacation around your volunteering! The Kentucky Horse Park is in the heart of horse country, offering tours of historic Thoroughbred breeding farms, racetracks, world-renowned veterinary clinics and more. In addition, Lexington is an outdoor oasis that has activities for the whole family to enjoy, such as a visit to Red River Gorge in Daniel Boone National Forest to hike or a stroll through The Arboretum, the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. For Adult Riders and eventing parents looking for a break from the non-stop equine action, Lexington is also the city for bourbon lovers with over 15 local distilleries.

Volunteers are needed starting as early as Saturday, Aug. 17, so consider extending your stay to enjoy all that the local area has to offer. If you only have time to volunteer between rides, morning, midday, and evening slots will be available, giving even more flexibility than ever for those looking to fit in their volunteer time during a busy competition week. Check out the AEC competition schedule here to start crafting your plan.

Volunteers are needed for the two weekends prior to the event to help with cross-country decorations, as well as during event week on Monday, August 26 through Sunday, Sept. 1. Volunteers can sign up at the AEC event listing on EventingVolunteers.com, which is linked here.

Since the AEC utilizes the EventingVolunteers.com app, AEC volunteers on the platform will earn hours towards the USEA Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) for their service, which qualifies them for national and area awards.

If you have any questions regarding volunteering at the AEC, please contact the AEC Volunteer Coordinators, Lynn Davis and Bev Henson, at [email protected]. Volunteer updates will be continuously posted on the AEC Volunteer Facebook Page.

If you are planning to compete at the 2024 AEC, remember that entries open one month from today on Tuesday, July 16 and will close on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Click here to view the AEC calendar listing.

As a reminder, both horse and rider must be qualified for the AEC at the level they wish to compete in. For more information, please visit the AEC qualification page, and view the lists of Qualified Riders and Qualified Horses. For questions regarding AEC qualifications, contact Hannah Seagle

The USEA looks forward to seeing everyone in Kentucky! Stay tuned to the USEA website for more event updates and details, and don’t forget to respond “going” on the 2024 AEC Facebook event page. For general questions about the AEC, please contact Kate Lokey.

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 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held Aug. 27—Sept. 1 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, Horse & Country; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, Parker Equine Insurance, Smartpak, Standlee; Silver Level Sponsors: Auburn Labs, Canter Culture Riding Apparel, Ecogold, Kerrits, Rood & Riddle, The Jockey Club; and more!

Apr 22, 2025

Shop New USEA Merchandise at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

While we all attend the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event for the competition, the next best thing about the event is definitely the shopping! The USEA is excited to be back on-site at the Kentucky Horse Park for the competition this year and to debut some all-new apparel items for the 2025 season. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect to see at our booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, this year.

Apr 22, 2025 Competitions

Fast Facts: 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

They don't call it the "Best Weekend All Year" for no reason! If you love the sport of eventing (or just horses in general) the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is most likely a staple on your calendar or a must-see on your bucket list. This week, thousands of eventing lovers will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for one of two U.S.-based five-stars that takes place each year, as well as top-shelf CCI4*-S competition and two nights of spectacular show jumping.

Apr 22, 2025 Adult Riders

USEA Adult Riders Program to Host Course Walk with Derek di Grazia at 2025 #K3DE

Will you be at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this year? Are you a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program? Then you will not want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to join cross-country course designer Derek di Grazia on a walk of the CCI5*-L cross-country course. The USEA-hosted event will take place at 8:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, April 24.

Apr 21, 2025 Eventing News

How to Watch the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

Can't make it to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Never fear! We've got all the details you need on how to access the livestream for both the CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L taking place this week.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA