AEC

Celebrate in Style: Parties and VIP Hospitality at the 2025 AEC

By Kate Lokey - USEA Staff | Press Release | July 31, 2025
USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to unveil the schedule of exciting social events and exclusive hospitality offerings for the upcoming 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds, taking place from Aug. 27-31 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California. With a vibrant lineup of themed parties and premium VIP access, competitors, family, and fans alike will enjoy unforgettable experiences alongside world-class competition.

The USEA staff and organizing partners at Galway Downs Eventing are excited to bring an action-packed week to all AEC participants. Please look below for the party and hospitality schedule and offerings.

Wednesday, Aug. 27: Welcome Reception + Calcutta

Kick off the AEC in style with a festive Welcome Reception in the Ringside Tent featuring a live Calcutta auction to benefit a charitable cause (charity to be announced).

- Dinner & cash bar
- One ticket per horse is included with entry.
- Additional tickets: $40 (available on-site at the Show Office).
- Cash bar available.

Thursday, Aug. 28: Dual Parties for Adult Riders & Junior/Young Riders

A night for both young and seasoned riders to shine! A dog agility course will take place for entertainment for all to enjoy.

Junior/Young Rider Party in the Ringside VIP Pavilion
- Dinner, cash bar (non-alcoholic), fun games like stick horse races, horse design activities, and more fun!
- One program-specific ticket included with entry; additional tickets available at the show office for $40

Adult Rider Party in the Ringside Tent
- Dinner and cash bar with a relaxed, fun social atmosphere. Interactive games hosted by Area VI and ATC Title Sponsor Adams Horse Supply, who will provide door prizes!
- One program-specific ticket included with entry; additional tickets available at the show office for $40

Friday, Aug. 29 – Competitor Party I

Embrace the California Dreamin' theme with a lively beach party atmosphere, complete with a dunk tank and sunset vibes in the Ringside Tent.

- Dinner & cash bar
- One ticket per horse is included; additional tickets are available at the show office for $40

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Competitor Party II

Saddle up for a Western-themed blowout! Guests are encouraged to wear Western attire for a night of fun in the Ringside Tent.

- Mechanical bull riding
- Line dancing lessons
- Live DJ entertainment
- Guapo roping lessons
- Classic BBQ dinner featuring ribs, burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, green salad, and cobbler à la mode. Cash bar.
- One ticket per horse is included; additional tickets are available at the show office for $40

For a full schedule of events, visit the 2025 AEC Provisional Schedule here.

VIP Hospitality: The Best Seat in the House

For guests seeking a premium experience, VIP Hospitality at the AEC at Galway Downs delivers unmatched comfort, cuisine, and views. Located along the Grand Prix Arena rail, the VIP Pavilion offers a cool, covered space to enjoy the competition in person or via livestream.

VIP Access includes bottomless buffet-style daily breakfast & lunch with hot and cold options, as well as beverages and refreshments throughout the day. The hospitality tent will be open beginning on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude Sunday, Aug. 31 at 1:00 p.m.

Ticket packages are available in 4- or 5-day options, with individual seats or tables for eight. Enjoy all the action with luxurious convenience, and click here to learn more and purchase VIP tickets.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the 2025 AEC in a truly unforgettable way, whether you’re dining with fellow riders under the stars, cheering for your barnmates from the VIP Pavilion, or showing off your best line dance moves!

Entries and Qualification

If you are planning to compete at the 2025 AEC, remember that entries opened on Tuesday, July 15 and will close on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Enter early to avoid being placed on a waitlist. 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 California! Stay tuned to the USEA website for more event updates and details, and don’t forget to respond “going” on the 2025 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 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; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, Standlee; and more!

About the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final

The $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final will take place at the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds at Galway Downs in Temecula, California on Aug. 27-29, 2025. 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 2025, 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, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Nutrena Feeds, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, and SmartPak for sponsoring the Adult Team Championships.

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