United States Eventing Association

In an effort to make qualifications for the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) easier to understand and bring the USEA up to standard with the USEF Rules for Eventingqualification requirements, the qualifications for the AEC have been updated for 2019.

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 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.

• 1.5 RIDER (R) - Open to competitors who have not completed an event above the next highest level in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition, e.g. a Novice Rider may have completed an event at Training level, but not Modified or Preliminary level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition; a Training Rider may have completed an event at Modified or Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher in the 5 years preceding the date of the competition.”

Similarly, Horse divisions will now be restricted in accordance with USEF Rules for Eventing Appendix 3 – Participation in Horse Trials, section 1.6. Now, 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.

• 1.6 HORSE (H) - Open to competitors of any age, horse may not have completed an event above the next highest level. e.g. a Novice Horse may have completed an event at Training level, but not Modified or Preliminary level or higher; a Training Horse may have completed an event at Modified or Preliminary level, but not Intermediate level or higher.

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.

• 1.3 AMATEUR (A) - The following may participate in Eventing competitions as an Amateur: Any competitor in possession of a valid Amateur card issued by the USEF; or Any Senior USEA member who competes in the Training, Novice, or Beginner Novice Level who meets the requirements of Federation GR1306."
• Riders competing at Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice must declare amateur status with the USEA in accordance with USEA Policy.

The 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, August 27 – September 1, 2019. The qualifying period for the 2019 USEA AEC is May 28, 2018 – August 19, 2019.

To view the full qualifications for the 2019 USEA AEC, click here. For additional explanation of the rules in Appendix 3, click here.

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) 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 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 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 the following sponsors for their support of the 2018 USEA American Eventing Championships: Presenting Sponsors: Nutrena Feeds; Gold Cup Advanced Title Sponsor: Adequan; Platinum Sponsor: Devoucoux; Gold Level Sponsors: Charles Owen, Standlee Hay, Merck Animal Health, Parker Equine Insurance; Silver Level Sponsors: VTO Saddlery, Mountain Horse; Bronze Level Sponsors: SmartPak, Dubarry, The Chronicle of the Horse, Stackhouse and Ellis Saddles, Auburn Laboratories, FITS Riding, CWD, Ovation, Acuswede, and Equipparel; Contributing Level Sponsors: Nunn Finer, RevitaVet, Emerald Valley Natural Health, CrossCountry App; Prize Level Sponsors: Ride Safe, GumBits, Equus Magnificus, Scoring Chix, Ride Heels Down, C4 Belts, A Little Pet Vet, ChubbyCov LLC, The Jockey Club, Absorbine, Arenus Animal Health, Equestrian Athlete Camps at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.