United States Eventing Association

The final countdown has begun for the 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover (AEC) with just over two weeks until the first competitors head down the centerline at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. You won’t want to miss this year, and entries close tomorrow!

AEC is a celebration of the sport where the best of the best come to take their shot at a national title, a piece of the $100,000 purse and a chance to walk away with more prizes than they can carry thanks to our incredible sponsors.

Come be among the first riders to test out the pristine galloping lanes that loop around the TIEC facility. A drainage system continues throughout the entire track covered by 6” of an Equine Services International mixture of high-caliber sand, felt and synthetic fiber footing, which is finally topped with grass.

“The only place that’s even close to that is Aachen [Germany],” said course designer Captain Mark Phillips. “[In Tryon], you really have the best footing anywhere in the world. I’ve never before done a course where I’ve been 100 days out from an event and not had a completed track, but having said that, I’ve never before seen tracks go in so quickly and produce such unbelievably good footing."

Earlier this month, eventing competitors for the 2016 United States Pony Club Championships had cross-country tracks around a Derby field and two adjacent arenas, which are right near the hub of TIEC. However, at AEC all levels (Beginner Novice through Advanced) will run through the Derby field, but will also continue out onto the new tracks.

Eric Dierks, who is based nearby TIEC, headed out to the venue to test the galloping lanes out. Check out the drone footage, courtesy of TIEC:

Entries are now open and competitors can check their entry status here. There is still time to enter. Visit Xentry to complete your entry today. The closing date is August 16, 2016.

Not sure if you’re qualified? Click here to find a list of currently qualified riders, and click here for a list of qualified horses. Both horse and rider must be qualified for AEC in order to compete. Have questions about the qualifications? Click here or phone into Sharon Gallagher, our Senior Director of Competitions at (703) 779-0440 extension 3005.

Not ready to ride, but don’t want to miss the action? We are looking for volunteers! Click here for more information.

About AEC

The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, this event draws together the best competitors from across the country vying for national titles from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level. This year's AEC is being held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. August 31-September 4, 2016.

The 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Roverwould not be possible without our wonderful sponsors: Nutrena, Land Rover, Adequan,Merial, Broadstone Equine Insurance Company, Professional's Choice, Devoucoux,Merck Animal Health, Standlee Hay, Charles Owen, Fleeceworks, CWD, The Chronicle of the Horse, Noble Outfitters, Auburn Laboratories Inc., Smartpak, Stackhouse Saddles, Point Two, VTO Saddlery, FLAIR, Dubarry of Ireland, FITS Riding, Equine Art by Julie, Ride Safe, The Jockey Club, Ovation, Eventing Training Online, Kastel Denmark, Happy Saddle Treats, I Love My Horse, GumBits, Horse Hydrator, Phoenix Bodyworks, C4 Belts, The Scoring Chix, and more.

*Many of these sponsors will also be in attendance at the AEC with vendor spaces in the USEA Sponsor Village, located directly next to the George Morris arena at Tryon. Get ready to shop!

AEC: Omnibus | Xentry | Learn more about TIEC