United States Eventing Association

Get Qualified for the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds are the pinnacle of the season for many eventers – a goal that they strive towards year round, hoping for the chance to test their mettle against the best riders in the country.

This August, eventers from all over the country will flock to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for the 2020 AEC, August 25-30, 2020. Riders of all levels from Beginner Novice all the way through advanced will have the opportunity to gallop across the rolling bluegrass hills that host the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event each April.

Read on below for important qualification updates and click here to view the complete list of qualifications.

Qualifying Period

The qualifying period for the 2020 AEC is May 27, 2019 – August 18, 2020. The lists of qualified riders and qualified horses can be found on the AEC Competitor Information page of the USEA website.

Eligibility Period

As of last year and 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 are now restricted in accordance with USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, section 1.6. 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.

Modified Rider Championship

This year, the USEA will offer a Modified Rider Championship.

Rider may not have completed competitions at the two-star (2018 one-star), Intermediate, or higher levels in the five years preceding the start of the competition.
Horse may have completed any level.

Qualifying Results

• 1st or 2nd in any USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials
• OR 3rd in two USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials
• OR 1st through 5th in any USEA Modified Area Championship

Further to the above QR, horse and rider must have completed a total of three USEA recognized horse trials during the qualifying period. The placing requirements as noted above are included in the total of three competitions. Once the placing QRs have been met, the additional H.T.s required may be at the national Preliminary level.

Preliminary Horse Championship

The qualification requirements for the Preliminary Horse Championship have been updated in accordance with the other Horse Championships offered at the AEC.

Horse may not have completed at the FEI three-star (2018 two-star), Advanced, or higher levels.
Rider may have completed any level.

Qualifying Results

• 1st or 2nd in any USEA recognized Preliminary Horse Trials (or) Preliminary Three-Day competition
• OR 3rd in two USEA recognized Preliminary Horse Trials (or) Preliminary Three-Day competition
• OR 1st through 5th in any USEA Preliminary Area Championship
• OR 1st to 5th in any CCI2*-S
• OR 1st to 6th in any CCI2*-L

Further to the above QR, horse and rider must have completed a total of three USEA recognized horse trials during the qualifying period. The placing requirements as noted above are included in the total of three competitions. Once the placing QRs have been met, the additional H.T.s required may be at the national Intermediate or FEI two-star level.

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 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds!

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) 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. The 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held August 25-August 30, 2020 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.