United States Eventing Association

Kentucky Confirms AEC in 2021, New Venue Considered for 2022

*This article has been republished with an updated 2021 AEC date. The 2021 date previously published did not reflect the USEA calendar roll. We apologize for any inconvenience the previous announcement may have caused.*

Two years ago, the USEA announced the selection of the Kentucky Horse Park as the 2019 and 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) host site. The partnership was contracted between the USEA and Equestrian Events, Inc. (EE) and Mary Fike, with the option to add a third year should the partnership mutually agree to it.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that the third year has now been confirmed, and the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will remain in Lexington, Kentucky in 2021, across August 31-September 5, the week/weekend preceding Labor Day.

“The membership spoke, and we listened. Pulling in over 1,000 entries at the 2019 AEC and hearing feedback from competitors that it was one of the best AEC competitions to date, we had to work toward keeping it in Lexington for that third year,” explained USEA CEO Rob Burk. “The synergy between the organizing group of EEI and Mary Fike with the USEA has been a great fit, and we look forward to continuing this partnership through 2021.”

After the completion of the 2019 AEC, the USEA sent out a request for expressions of interest to host the Championships for a one-year rotation after the Lexington, Kentucky contract completed, ideally located in the western United States. Several western venues presented attractive proposals, but the USEA Board of Governors voted today to select Rebecca Farm as the 2022 nominee. The USEA will begin contract negotiations with the organizing group at Rebecca Farm, located in Kalispell, Montana.

“We could not be more excited to have a venue like Rebecca Farm added to the AEC rotation. The Broussard family has been putting on a world-class, top-notch event for 18 years, and we are honored to begin negotiations to have them host the AEC in 2022,” stated Burk.

The Event at Rebecca Farm will still carry on with their annual competition in July, hosting horse trials, Classic Series, and FEI level competition, and the AEC date will be an addition, running August 31 – September 4, 2022. The farm boasts 640 acres with world-class cross-country courses covering more than four miles and some of the best footing thanks to the team’s impressive irrigation efforts. The property is located in the vast valley north of Kalispell, with ample views of Montana’s Rocky Mountains and nearby Glacier National Park.

About the USEA American Eventing Championships

The USEA American Eventing Championships (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. The 2020 AEC will be held August 25-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. To learn more about the AEC, visit here.

To learn more about Equestrian Events, Inc., please visit their website.

To learn more about Rebecca Farm, please visit their website.