The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has hosted the USEA American Eventing Championships every year since 2004. This year, the USEA and Equestrian Events, Inc (EEI) made the extremely difficult decision to cancel the 2020 edition of the AEC due to the health and safety concerns of holding a national championship during the COVID-19 pandemic. In honor of what would have been the first day of competition at the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, let’s look back at every AEC starting from the beginning.
In the history of the AEC, only one rider, Ashley Stout, has finished with a score in the teens. Three riders - Leslie Law, Becky Holder, and Tamra Smith - have won the Advanced division with a finishing score in the 20s. Only one division has had 89 starters, the most starters out of any other division, and one AEC holds the record for being the largest event in North American history.
2004
2005
2006
*2006 was the first year Beginner Novice was offered at the AEC
2007
*2007 was the first year the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships were held in conjunction with the AEC. The YEH Championships were held in conjunction with the AEC in 2007 and 2008.
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
*In 2012, Becky Holder and Courageous Comet made AEC history as they set the record for the lowest finishing score in the Advanced Championship with a 27.7.
2013
*2013 was the first year the AEC offered both a Junior Beginner Novice division and a Junior Beginner Novice Under 14 division.
2014
*2014 was the first year the USEA Adult Team Championships was hosted during the AEC.
2015
*In 2015, there were three riders that won two different divisions: Tamra Smith, Heather Morris, and Arden Stephens.
2016
*In 2016, Marilyn Little and RF Scandalous made AEC history as they set the record for the lowest finishing score in the Intermediate Championship with a 22.7.
2017
*This was the first and only year in AEC history for a rider to finish with a score in the teens. This record was set by Ashley Stout on Deo Volente. The USEA was deeply saddened by Ashley's passing in 2019. The USEA sends its heartfelt condolences to Ashley's parents, Susan and Craig, family, friends, and connections.
2018
*This was the first year and only year so far to offer non-championship 'festival' classes alongside the AEC.
2019
*With 925 total starters, this was recorded as the biggest event in North American history.
While the USEA is devastated about the cancellation of the 2020 AEC, the future is bright for 2021. The 2021 AEC is scheduled to take place on August 31 – September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Beginner Novice to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of horses and riders 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. The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held August 31-September 5, 2021 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.
The USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds would not be possible without our wonderful sponsors! The USEA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: Presenting Sponsor: Nutrena Feeds; Advanced Final Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Level Sponsor: Bates Saddles Gold Level Sponsors: Parker Equine Insurance, Standlee Hay; Silver Level Sponsors: Park Equine, Mountain Horse, The Jockey Club; Bronze Level Sponsors: Athletux, Black Petticoat, The Chronicle of the Horse, Devoucoux, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Farm House Tack, FITS Riding, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, LandSafe, Parks Tax & Consulting PLLC, Retired Racehorse Project SmartPak; Contributing Level Sponsors: Amazon, Big Ass Fans, GLC Direct, Cross Country App, FarmVet, Georgetown Tourism, GLC Direct, Haygain, John Deere, L.V. Harkness, Santa Cruz Animal Health, WeatherBeeta; Prize Level Sponsors: Active Interest Media, Astrid’s Oil, Dressage TestPro, EQ AM Magazine, FLAIR, Hound & Hare, I Love My Horse, Great British Equinery, Mare Modern Goods, Ride Heels Down, Tack of the Town, Weatherbeeta.
Amanda Walker wasn’t sure what she’d gotten herself into when she went to try Runaway Romeo as a potential sales project in 2018. The gelding was a bit bigger than Walker was looking for and was quite pushy coming out of the stall. When she got on, it didn’t get much better.
For seasoned and novice riders alike, it is always good to revisit the basics. Serving as the foundation for any eventer, the positions used on the cross-country course differ from those in the dressage or show jumping ring. The USEA tuned into five-time Olympian, three-time World Equestrian Games rider, two Pan-American Games rider, and USEA ECP certified coach Karen O'Connor as she walked coaches and students at the USEA ECP Symposium through the basic positions for effective cross-country riding.
The USEF's main phone number and fax number have changed. We wanted to notify you so you continue to get the support you need.
With the recent wrap-up of the 2023 Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium in Ocala, Florida, USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown chats with ECP Faculty Members Jennifer Howlett Rousseau and Robin Walker about all things related to the ECP. From the USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels to the benefits of pursuing certification, selecting the best coach for you, recapping this year's Symposium, and more - this week's USEA podcast is the perfect educational tool for coaches and riders alike!