United States Eventing Association

Important Changes Coming to $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship in 2019

Effective immediately significant changes have been made to the Adequan USEA Gold Cup Series. In an effort to expand access to qualification opportunities in more areas of the country, to encourage more entries at upper level U.S. events, and to expand entries at the 2019 AEC $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, the USEA and the Gold Cup Steering Committee have agreed to make the AEC Advanced qualifications similar to the AEC Intermediate qualifications.

To qualify for the $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship at the AEC in 2019, competitors will need to complete a minimum of two events without cross-country jump penalties at any USEA Advanced recognized horse trials, a CCI3*, or a CIC3*.

Instead of only qualifying for the final at 11 designated qualifiers, riders will now have over 30 opportunities to qualify for the Advanced Championship. Advanced horse trials like Morven Park in Virginia, Twin Rivers in California, Pine Top in Georgia, Aspen Farms in Washington, Jersey Fresh in New Jersey, Stable View in South Carolina, and Rocking Horse in Florida will also be included as qualifiers for the $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship.

Tamra Smith with Adequan USEA Gold Cup Final first placed Mai Baum, third placed Fleeceworks Royal, and the Next Level Eventing team. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

"In response to member requests we are excited to open up the qualifications for the $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship to areas of the country where our members were previously underserved,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Additionally, several of the upper level competitions not previously labeled as qualifiers have requested inclusion in recent years. We are happy to expand the program to include them. Thanks to all of the amazing U.S. organizers and event host sites there are now more upper level competitions operating in the country. This expansion helps to recognize that fact.”

For 2019 the $40,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championship will continue to offer an array of prizes in addition to the prize money. The qualifying period for the 2019 AEC is from May 29, 2018 through August 20, 2019.

Don’t miss the opportunity to qualify for the AEC at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, taking place August 27 – September 1, 2019.

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. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.