United States Eventing Association

Festival Classes Offered at 2018 USEA American Eventing Championships

2018 is the year to make history at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) August 30–September 2 at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. For the first time in AEC history, the USEA is delighted to announce the inclusion of non-championship divisions from Beginner Novice through Preliminary level at this year’s Championships. These non-championship divisions are considered ‘festival’ classes and will run in conjunction with the AEC at the Colorado Horse Park.

Whether you haven’t had a chance to qualify, are disappointed your fourth-place finish limits your qualification, or want to bring your string of four horses but only three are qualified for the AEC; there’s a spot for anyone and everyone this year at the Colorado Horse Park.

Area IX, which is the home area of the Colorado Horse Park, is a developing competition area. The festival classes are being offered to help to increase the number of recognized eventing opportunities in the area. The cost to compete in these classes will be consistent with the normal Colorado Horse Park Horse Trials as will the prizes and benefits. While the prizes/purses for the non-championship classes won’t be quite as extravagant as those offered in the AEC classes, the atmosphere will be much the same. The cross-country tracks will also be similar to those offered by the AEC, however the courses will offer options that are not at the level of difficulty of the AEC championship courses. 

Other reasons to bring a horse to compete in these festival divisions: if you or your horse are green and need experience in a big show atmosphere or if you just purchased a young horse and want to compete him/her at their first event; these festival divisions allow for any horse and rider pair to be welcome at the AEC!

Non-championship festival riders will also receive similar perks to championship competitors including tickets to both the AEC Welcome Party and AEC Competitors Party.

The tentative schedule is shown below. Please note your schedule will be dependent on the level and division you intend to run.

Championship and Non-Championship Tentative Schedule

• Thursday – Dressage
• Friday – Dressage, Cross-Country, Show Jumping
• Saturday –Cross-country, Show Jumping
• Sunday – Show Jumping

Experience the week of excitement at this year’s Championships - regardless of your qualifications! Please click here to see how to qualify for the AEC. For more information, please visit the AEC website.

About USEA American Eventing Championships

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. This year, the USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 30-September 2, 2018 at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.