United States Eventing Association

Pack for the Parties! 30 Days Until AEC

In just one month, the highly anticipated 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) will begin. An event unlike any other, this year’s AEC is expected to bring in the largest number of competitors in AEC history - and for good reason. Several highlights include Derek di Grazia designing every cross-country course, an increase in prize money for the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, and a new Modified/Training division. The action will take place on August 27 – September 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

It will be a week packed with elite competition, educational activities, and fun themed parties. Competitors will want to pack more than just their riding apparel as the welcome party will be ‘Superheroes and Snow Cones’ and the competitor’s party will be '80s themed.

AEC Party Information

Wednesday, August 28

Superheroes and Snow Cones Welcome Reception | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the KHP Big Barn

Show up in a superhero costume or a superhero t-shirt! Snow cones will be offered as well as ‘adult snow cones’ that will come in form of frozen margaritas. Each horse receives one ticket and additional tickets may be purchased. Click here to purchase tickets.

Thursday, August 29

Owner and Sponsor Reception | 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Stonelea Pavilion

This reception will recognize the generosity and support of the owners and sponsors.

Friday, August 30

Adult Rider Party | 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at The Cove

Celebrate adult riders and the 2019 USEA Adult Team Championships on Friday night with drinks and dinner.

Young Rider Party | 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Hall of Champions

For young riders, this party allows young riders to connect from across the country on Friday night.

Saturday, August 31

'80s Themed Competitors Party sponsored by Jacqueline Mars, Kat & Roberto Cuca, United States Hunter Jumper Association, and the United States Dressage Federation | 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at the VIP tent

Drinks, dinner, dancing, a live band and the finale of the Advanced Final: Saturday night’s party will be full of entertainment. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Advanced competitors will show jump in the Rolex Stadium. Following the Advanced Final, the live band, Top Tier, will play. Wrap up the week of AEC with friends and family in the VIP tent. Competitors receive one ticket per horse. Click here to purchase tickets.

VIP Information

Tuesday, August 27 through Sunday, September 1 there will be an exclusive VIP Hospitality tent at the arena with premium seating and delicious food and drinks. Breakfast will be offered from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and lunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 m. A cash bar will be open until 5:00 p.m. Individual day passes are available for purchase on-site. Click here to purchase tickets.

The USEA Event College at AEC Presented by LandSafe

From Tuesday, August 27 to Saturday August 31, the LandSafe tent will host educational seminars twice a day at 12:00 m. and 5:00 m. LandSafe will also have LandSafe demonstrations twice a day at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The course builder for both 2019 AEC and the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, Mick Costello will be hosting a frangible device clinic. During the clinic, Costello will answer any questions related to frangible devices, from proper installation to the number of devices allowed on course. The clinic will be free to certified course designers and anyone attending the AEC!

Every level will have free cross-country course walks with ICP certified instructors like Sharon White, Dorothy Crowell, Angela Bowles, and Laura Backus.

The vendor village will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 m. every day of competition. The village shops will be near the Rolex Stadium and Jay Trump (near the Show Office).

It’s not too late to qualify! The qualifying period for 2019 AEC is May 28, 2018 - August 19, 2019. If qualified after the closing date, the USEA recommends you enter before the closing date pending qualifications.

Entries are currently open and entries close on August 13. Enter through Xentry and remember that Xentry fees are waived!

The USEA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the USEA American Eventing Championships: Advanced Final Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Level Sponsors: Bates Saddles, Equistro; Gold Level Sponsors: Charles Owen, Standlee Hay, Parker Equine Insurance; Silver Level Sponsors: Mountain Horse; The Jockey Club, Park Equine; Bronze Level Sponsors: Arnall’s Naturals, State Line Tack, Black Petticoat, Devoucoux, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Horseware Ireland, LandSafe SmartPak, Dubarry, The Chronicle of the Horse, Stackhouse and Ellis Saddles, Auburn Laboratories, FITS Riding, Ovation, Lanier Sand and Soil, Event Cooling Solutions, Farm House Tack; Contributing Level Sponsors: Ariat,
Meanwhile Back on the Farm, L.V. Harkness, Lexmark, GLC Direct, Georgetown Tourism, FarmVet, FLAIR Nasal Strips, Nunn Finer, RevitaVet, Resvantage Equine, CrossCountry App; Prize Level Sponsors: GumBits, Ride Heels Down, C4 Belts, I Love My Horse, Mare Modern Goods, Bluegrass Vibershield, Bluegrass Animal Products, Caracol, Active Interest Media, Astrid’s Oil, Baekgaard, On The Bit Horse Supplies, Luxe EQ, EQ AM Magazine, Jetti Spa, Great British Equinery, Foxden Equine, The Scoring Chix, Pure Form Equine; Competitor’s Party Sponsors: Jacqueline Mars, Kat and Roberto Cuca, United States Hunter Jumper Association, and United States Dressage Federation.

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. This year, the USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 27 – September 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.