United States Eventing Association

As the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) and its members prepare to embark on another summer eventing season, many eyes will be setting their sights on the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. This year, the AEC returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, on Aug. 25-30, and the dynamic organizing duo of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) and Mary Fike will again partner with the USEA to make magic happen.

As our members start dreaming of splashy canters through the Head of the Lake and victory gallops in the famed Rolex Stadium, we encourage you to get to know the incomparable team of eventing professionals that have been working tirelessly to bring the AEC to life. They can’t wait to see you in Lexington! Keep reading to meet several key members of the co-organizing team for this year’s event.

Meet Vanessa Coleman

My name is Vanessa Coleman, and I am the Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI). I began volunteering with EEI when I was 12 years old after my mother introduced me to the sport through Pony Club. I also competed in eventing at the lower levels and still own two horses - Rooster, a 19-year-old OTTB and Schoo, a 28-year-old Trakehner/Thoroughbred. Over the years, I worked in many different volunteer roles including mounted steward, score runner, horse inspection, and awards, which gave me a deep appreciation for what it takes to run an event and how valuable volunteers are. In May 2013, I became Competition Director for EEI, overseeing all the competitions we run. I then became COO in 2025, taking on additional operational and financial responsibilities. Since then, I stepped into the CEO role in January 2026. Even with the added responsibilities, I still play an active role in overseeing competition because being connected to the competitors, volunteers, and event experience is incredibly important to me.

The staff, contractors and volunteers who support both the AEC and K3DE are truly the best, and we simply could not run these events without their dedication, passion, and hard work! I love the combination of Mary Fike’s team, EEI, and the team at the USEA. We all truly love working together, and that love shows through in the spirit of the AEC!

One of my biggest goals is for the event is to feel every bit as exciting, memorable, and world-class for competitors as the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Whether someone is competing at the upper levels or attending their very first championship, I want every rider to feel like they are part of something extraordinary. Some of my favorite AEC memories are the moments that truly capture that excitement and the atmosphere of championship competition.

I love watching riders gallop through the Head of the Lake, walking down the chute into Rolex [Arena], and participating in the awards ceremonies. One especially fun memory was watching Novice competitors compete under the lights in Rolex Stadium and hearing the cheering from the tent full of other competitors and their teams. Those experiences are unforgettable because you can truly feel how special the event is, and I hope you get to experience that feeling this year, too.

Meet Mary Fike

My name is Mary Fike, and I am the Co-Organizer of the AEC with Equestrian Events, Inc. During non-AEC years, my event, the Kentucky Classique, runs during the same dates. When the idea was pitched to host the AEC, both myself and EEI formed this co-organizer role, which is working very well. We work together to develop policies and procedures, and because of the scope of the event, we divide and conquer in making it run.

I started working with EEI back in 1983 when the event was organized by Edith Conyers. She asked me to be the Stable Man ager and I have been doing it each year ever since. I love eventing because of the comprehensive horsemanship that is required to do it well. It is a sport, that when done well, can be beautiful. My favorite memory from the AEC is the last presentation to the Beginner Novice division in the Rolex Stadium in front of the most beautiful sunset ever. See what I mean?

When I am not coaching, teaching and organizing events, which take up most of my time, I work in stained glass and garden.

Meet Louise Gillam

My name is Louise Gillam, and I have been the Competition Manager for Equestrian Events, Inc. since February 2026. I will be on hand start to finish throughout the AEC, helping with entries, scheduling, operations, logistics and any other day to day organizing! I’m always available for a chat if you see me, so please say hello!

In my previous role as Director of Events for the Kentucky Horse Park, I loved working the AEC each year, however my favorite memory is from 2023 when I competed on my thoroughbred in the Beginner Novice Rider division, and we came 10th! We were in third going into show jumping, but we rolled the last rail which is typical me and my last rail-itis! But we managed to win the Thoroughbred Incentive Program award, so they dressed us up in our rug and ribbons and we got to do the victory lap in the Rolex Arena. SO much fun!

My life revolves around the equestrian community, but I love to travel and see new places as much as possible. The Kentucky Three Day Event is what put Kentucky on the map for me growing up in England, I always loved eventing from a young age, but moving to the US and getting my off the track Thoroughbred really spurred my interest as I can now compete myself and enjoy it at the lower levels. Now being a part of the awesome team that puts on the American Eventing Championships is a dream!

Meet Cavan Allen

Hi, my name is Cavan Whitney Allen, and I am the Competition Assistant for Equestrian Events, Inc. For the AEC, I am the Event Secretary, AKA head entry wrangler and the “no” guy in the Show Office. I have spent most of my career working in the equestrian industry, but eventing is where my heart is. I previously held a role at U.S. Equestrian, where I worked with all the FEI disciplines, but I love the eventing community and the people in it are what kept me in the sport when I departed from the USEF in 2021.

That same year, I spent my first week working at EEI at none other than the week of the 2021 AEC. I was running something to our main office, and a rider coming out of the Head of the Lake caught my attention as I drove by. She emerged proclaiming “I JUST RODE THROUGH THE %$#!# HEAD OF THE LAKE!!” with a giant smile on her face! It really cemented what the AEC means to every single person riding for me.

On quiet weekends, you might find me in Lexington Cemetery shooting photos of old and historic graves and headstones. I’m also of the age where I now have a “good” hiking stick and I take my “birding” booklet with me when I do go for a hike at my favorite spot at Raven Run. I try to volunteer as much as possible with other events at the KHP, and I’m active with local natural conservation efforts in and around Lexington. Otherwise, who knows where you’ll find me, but I’ll probably have a coffee in hand and be talking to a friend, new or old.

Meet Debbie Hinkle

My name is Debbie Hinkle, and during the AEC, you’ll find me in the cross-country start box telling bad jokes – especially to the ones that are visibly nervous! In my time volunteering in the start box, I’ve “started” multiple generations of riders. Now, I know the third generations of some families, and they are all competing at the AEC!

Behing the scenes, I volunteer as EEI’s Chief Scheduler… a job that I am now in my fifth year of doing ‘for the last darn time!’ This year, I will be passing my knowledge onto Cavan in this department, as he begins to take on the role. Fun fact – in 2024, we ended up only three rider conflicts out of more than 900 entries!

Before retiring, I worked as an engineer for AT&T running instrumental new lines in rural areas. This was back in the day of ‘party lines!’

Meet Jen Sedlatschek

My name is Jen Sedlatschek, and I am the Director of Marketing and Communications at EEI. After hearing about a group from my barn attending the Kentucky Three-Day Event while I was in middle school, I decided to attend cross-country day for the first time, and I’ve been coming back ever since. What started as a single day quickly turned into two, then three, eventually becoming an annual, non-negotiable girls’ weekend tradition with my mom and sister for nearly two decades.

One year, while reluctantly walking back to the car after the Sunday afternoon awards ceremony following yet another unforgettable event, I noticed the Equestrian Events, Inc. sign outside the office building near Head of the Lake. In that moment, I immediately began looking into what could potentially become a dream career opportunity, and for the first time truly realized what a future career within the equine industry could look like beyond simply riding and competing. Although internships were not available at the time, the experience sparked a deep interest in marketing within the equine industry, ultimately shaping both my educational path and long-term career goals.

While earning dual bachelor’s degrees in business and equine science at The Ohio State University, I immersed myself in various sectors of the equine industry, including research, marketing, sales, and reproduction, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the business side of the horse world. After graduation, I transitioned into the corporate retail space, spending several years at Designer Shoe Warehouse while simultaneously completing my master’s degree in marketing to further strengthen my industry expertise.

Eventually, a Marketing Coordinator position with Equestrian Events, Inc. appeared on a digital job board, and years of pursuing a longtime dream suddenly became reality. Just over a year later, I have since stepped into the role of Director of Marketing & Communications, where I continue to combine my lifelong passion for horses with my professional career; truly living the dream.

Meet Annie Martin

My name is Annie Martin, and I serve as the Director of Development and Sponsorship Sales for EEI. During the AEC, I will be supporting the event sponsors and volunteer needs. This will be my first time working on the AEC, and I cannot wait to experience it! I have been involved at the Kentucky Horse Park since 2011; my first job was managing the High Hope Steeplechase! The park has a special way of bringing people together, and we are lucky to get to be part of that magic!

Meet Natosha Barnett

My name is Natosha Barnett, and I am the Trade Fair and Office Manager. At the AEC, I’m your friendly sign hanging, lunch delivering, water and ice refilling, party, hospitality, and menu planning, vendor greeting, tent and port-a-loo logistics girl! We’re a small, but mighty, team, which means we all wear several hats.

The AEC is full of favorite memories, including USEA CEO Rob Burk racing to the rescue when a jump was

overturned on the cross-country course, but I don’t think I could choose just one. There are so many small moments with the EEI and USEA staff working and laughing together that make it special! My birthday falls during the week of the AEC most years, and our team always finds a way to make it special.

When I take off my “jack of all trades” cap, my favorite activity is traveling with my daughters or sitting on the beach with a book in hand. Combine the two, and we’ve hit the jackpot!

Meet Lillian Dobat

My name is Lillian Dobat, and I am the Sponsorship Manager for Equestrian Events Inc. I work alongside the USEA team to ensure all sponsorship signage needs are met, which includes vendor signs, cross-country signs, arena signage, and all other miscellaneous signs! Additionally, I also support the ordering of tangible items for the event including completion pins, lanyards, and volunteer swag. During the event, I am on the hospitality team along with the amazing development team which has a wide range of tasks including but not limited to the following: putting up pop up tents, filling coolers, delivering lunches, manning dunk tanks or cotton candy machines!

There are so many memories from the AEC that I love, but one of my favorite tasks for the AEC is during the lead up to the start of the event when we go out and install the signs out on cross-country. It is usually a long day, but we always make the most of it and have some good laughs along the way.

For those that know me, they know that I have had the horse bug ever since I was little, so it was no surprise that with one summer camp, I was hooked! I studied at The University of Kentucky, and during my time there, I interned with Equestrian Events Inc, and then eventually ended up back at Equestrian Events Inc. full-time. I have always had a strong passion for the sport of Eventing, and love being a part of The Best Weekend All Year.

Meet Katie Mendes

My name is Katie Mendes, I am the Sponsorship and Guest Experience Coordinator at Equestrian Events, Inc. This will be my first AEC as an EEI staff member, and I am excited to work with the rest of our team and the wonderful USEA team to put on another successful AEC! In my role leading up to AEC, I will be helping coordinate sponsor signage with our team and the USEA, as well as working on travel and accommodation details for event officials. During the AEC, I will be assisting with hospitality-- delivering drinks, snacks and lunches as well as helping to organize the parties held throughout the week.

Although this will be my first year working on the AEC team, I have been involved as a test rider, competitor, and volunteer in years past. My favorite AEC memory is from 2023 when I was a test rider for the Beginner Novice divisions. I had only had my horse for a few months at the time, so it was an exciting opportunity to ride down center line at a championship, even if we were only there to do dressage!

I love eventing because of the people I’ve met through the sport. I attended the University of Kentucky, where I was a member of the UK Eventing Team, and some of my closest friendships came from being involved in the Intercollegiate Eventing Program. The experiences I’ve had and the relationships I’ve built through the sport are what make it so special to me. As a part of the Equestrian Events, Inc. team, I enjoy being able to continue to grow the sport alongside people who are just as passionate about it as I am.

Meet Chris Francis

My name is Chris Francis, and I am the Director of Ticketing at EEI. Prior to the AEC, I manage ticket sales for the hospitality tents and additional party tickets. During the event, I oversee the Hospitality Tent by day and manage guest entrances for the evening parties.

One memorable party featured a “favorite sports team” dress-up theme. At least I think that was the theme, because Rob Burk showed up in a Buffalo Bills jersey. We spent time chatting about football in the heart of one of the country’s premier equestrian events. Unfortunately, neither of our teams made it to the Super Bowl that year.

I have worked in the sports industry for several years. In 2013, I was unexpectedly approached by a contact at EEI and asked if I would like to sell tickets for the Kentucky Three-Day Event. I have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues and the dedicated staff in our office ever since.

Meet Katharine Coleman

I'm Katharine Coleman, and I am the Stable Manager for AEC, this will be my second year in this position. Before the event begins, I take all the stall needs and requests and put together the giant puzzle of who will be in which stalls. I look at arrival and departure dates (when given), special needs, as well as specific requests for groups. We have several large groups who come together and like to decorate their spaces and I love that! I had a couple of Area Coordinators in 2024 who had Area Groups, and I would love to explore that even more. I can keep smaller barn and friend groups together within the areas as requested as well.

Once the event begins, I go through the barns each morning and check on everyone. I try to chat with people as I go around and help where I can to make their week as fun and stress free as possible. After my morning rounds in the barns, I am a full-time scoring volunteer. I have been scoring for both the AEC and Kentucky Three-Day since 2021. I have also ridden test rides for the last two AEC and, unless I qualify this year, I will probably do that again. It is such a great way to get some feedback from judges and expose my horse to the environment of a larger show with all the signage and 2 judges.

Last fall I joined the EEI staff part-time to help with ticket sales. I loved chatting with everyone about their Kentucky 3-Day memories and helping them have the experience they wanted at The Best Weekend All Year. Since I am not good at just doing one thing, I supported the staff in many ways leading up to the event, including, organizing travel for the officials, coordinating, and ordering all of the ID Badges, and any other tasks I could pick up to help things run smoothly. I love working with everyone at the office, it is an amazing group of dedicated and caring people.

I have so many great AEC memories it’s hard to choose just one! I guess I’d have to say that in 2024 when I was doing my daily rounds in the barns, I talked to so many people and heard their stories of their journey to qualify and how excited they were to be there. It is a long, and that year crazy hot, week, but I loved talking to everyone and sharing in their joy and excitement. I think a very close second would be at the end of the day Sunday in 2024. I was helping with the awards because it was late and the last few divisions were jumping in the Rolex Stadium under the lights. It was one of the adult starter divisions and when we went out to pin their ribbons one of the women was so excited to be getting a ribbon, she was in tears. It was really the sweetest way to end such an amazing week of community, horsemanship, and competition.

United States Eventing Association (USEA) Staff

In addition to the staff listed above, the USEA brings a small but dedicated team to support the planning and execution of the AEC. Their behind-the-scenes efforts help ensure a successful and memorable experience for competitors, volunteers, officials, and spectators alike.

We look forward to welcoming all competitors to this year's AEC!

About the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC)

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is the pinnacle of the sport at the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Starter to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of combinations 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. In fact, the 2021 AEC garnered over 1,000 entries and now stands as the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held on August 25-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.

The USEA would like to thank Presenting Sponsor: Nutrena Feeds; Advanced Final Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Level Sponsor: Bates Saddles, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, Gallagher’s Water, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee; and more!