After a two-year wait, the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds has finally arrived! Nearly 1,000 horses and riders will get to experience the thrill of pulling into the Kentucky Horse Park this week to compete in a competition unlike any other. From the determined Junior Beginner Novice rider who has been dreaming of this week to the consummate professional looking for their chunk of the $100,000 in prize money – the AEC is special for all.
Monday, August 30
3:00 p.m. - All Cross-Country Courses Open
Tuesday, August 31
8:00 a.m. - Dressage - Intermediate and Preliminary (Claiborne and Stonelea Arenas)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
Wednesday, September 1
7:30 a.m. Dressage - Advanced, Modified, and Training (Walnut, Claiborne, and Stonelea Arenas)
8:30 a.m. Cross-Country - Intermediate and Preliminary
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
Thursday, September 2
7:42 a.m. - Cross-Country - Advanced, Modified, and Training
8:00 a.m. - Dressage - Novice (Walnut, Claiborne, and Stonelea Arenas)
9:00 a.m. - Show Jumping - Intermediate and Preliminary (Johnson/Rolex Stadium)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
Friday, September 3
7:30 a.m. - Show Jumping - Modified and Training (Johnson/Rolex Stadium)
8:00 a.m. - Dressage - Beginner Novice (Walnut, Claiborne, and Stonelea Arenas)
8:00 a.m. - Cross-Country - Novice
6:30 p.m. - Competitors’ Party (VIP Tent) during the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final
7:15 p.m. - Show Jumping – Advanced (Johnson/Rolex Stadium)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
Saturday, September 4
7:30 a.m. - Show Jumping – Novice (Johnson/Rolex Stadium)
8:00 a.m. - Cross-Country - Beginner Novice
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
Sunday, September 5
7:30 a.m. - Show Jumping - Beginner Novice (Johnson/Rolex Stadium)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Vendor Village Open
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About the USEA American Eventing Championships
The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds 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. With over 1,000 entries the 2021 AEC is set to be the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held August 31 – September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.
The 2021 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, Vetoquinol; Gold Level Sponsors: Parker Equine Insurance, ShowConnect, Smartpak, Standlee Hay; Silver Level Sponsors: Auburn Labs, Park Equine Hospital, Mountain Horse, The Jockey Club; Saratoga Horseworks; Bronze Level Sponsors: 70 Degrees, Athletux, Black Petticoat, The Chronicle of the Horse, Devoucoux, Dubarry of Ireland, Equilume, FITS Riding, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, LandSafe Equestrian, Parks Tax & Consulting, Retired Racehorse Project, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Contributing Level Sponsors: Big Ass Fans, CrossCountry App, FarmVet, GLC Direct, Haygain, John Deere, L.V. Harkness, Santa Cruz Animal Health; Prize Level Sponsors: American Saddlebred Horse Association, Astrid’s Oil, Bluegrass Animal Products, Dressage TestPro, EQuine AMerica Magazine, Flexible Fit Equestrian, Achieve Equine/FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Great British Equinery, Horse & Country, Hound & Hare, I Love My Horse, Mare Modern Goods, Romitelli Riding Boots, Strides for Equality Equestrians, Tack of the Town, VetBlue, The Equine Network, and Horse&Country
The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) has initiated a renewed focus on the diverse challenges coaches in various regions of the country may be facing. To this end, the program is in the process of enlisting representatives in each of the 10 USEA areas to help guide the program as warranted for the unique needs of each specific area.
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.
Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.