United States Eventing Association

Get Qualified for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships

This August, eventers from all over the country will be descending upon the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), August 27-September 1, 2019. Riders of every level from Beginner Novice all the way through Advanced will have the opportunity to gallop across the rolling bluegrass hills of the Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, the only five-star event in North America.

For many, the AEC is the highlight of their season – a goal they plan for and strive towards all year. In order to bring the USEA up to standard with the USEF Rules for Eventing and account for the addition of a new Modified/Training Championship division, several updates have been made to the qualifications for the AEC in 2019. Read on below for important qualification updates and click here to view the complete list of qualifications.

Qualifying Period

The qualifying period for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships is May 28, 2018 through August 19, 2019. The USEA is working diligently to make the lists of qualified riders and qualified horses available as soon as possible. Please check AEC Competitor Information page again soon.

Eligibility Period

In accordance with the USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, section 1.5, the eligibility period for Rider and Junior divisions at the AEC has been changed from 24 months to five years preceding the date of the competition. Rider and Junior division competitors may not have completed two levels or more above the level they intend to compete within the previous five years.

Similarly, Horse divisions will now be restricted in accordance with USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, section 1.6. Now, a horse may not have completed two or more levels above the level they intend to compete at any time during their career. Previously, this restriction was only applied during the qualifying period.

There are no restrictions placed on Amateur divisions based on time period or level competed, but competitors must have declared amateur status in accordance with USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, section 1.3.

For additional explanation of the rules in Appendix 3, click here.

AEC Modified/Training Championship

New in 2019, the AEC will offer a Modified/Training Championship. The Modified/Training Championship is designated as an Open championship, meaning the division is open to any horse and rider who have achieved the following necessary qualifications:

• 1st or 2nd in any USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials (or) Training Horse Trials (or) Training Three-Day competition
• OR 3rd in two USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials (or) Training Horse Trials (or) Training Three-Day competition
• OR 1st through 5th in any USEA Modified (or) Training Area Championship

In 2020, the USEA plans to offer a true Modified Championship division, which will include a Rider division and have different qualifications than the 2019 Modified/Training Championship.

2019 $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final at the AEC

In 2018, the USEA announced modifications to the qualifications for the Adequan USEA Advanced Final. To qualify for the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final at the 2019 AEC, competitors will need to complete a minimum of two events without cross-country jump penalties at any USEA recognized Advanced level horse trials, CCI4*-S (2018 CIC3*), CCI4*-L (2018 CCI3*), CCI5*-L (2018 CCI4*), or the FEI World Equestrian Games during the qualifying period from May 29, 2018 to August 19, 2019. Riders will now have over 30 opportunities to qualify for the Advanced Final, in comparison to the 11 qualifying events for the 2018 Championship.

The complete list of qualification requirements for all levels and divisions can be found here. Get out there and get qualified – the USEA looks forward to seeing you at the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships!

If you have questions about the USEA American Eventing Championships, please contact Kate Lokey, Director of Programs & Marketing, at [email protected] or (703) 779-9897.

Any questions regarding AEC qualifications should be directed to Sharon Gallagher, Senior Director of Competitions, at [email protected] or (703) 669-9995.

About the 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. The 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.