United States Eventing Association

The $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final will take place during the 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC), running Aug. 25-30. As the premier event of an already action-packed championship week, the Adequan USEA Advanced Final will once again return to the iconic Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Since debuting at the AEC, the Adequan USEA Advanced Final has grown into one of the most anticipated showdowns in U.S. eventing. What began as a championship limited to results from 11 select Gold Cup events has evolved into a nationwide quest for qualification. In 2019, the USEA broadened the qualification criteria to open the door for top combinations across the country to earn their spot in the final. Today, the Adequan USEA Advanced Final showcases the sport’s elite, with the champion taking home a $30,000 prize, courtesy of the title sponsor, and a collection of additional awards made possible by all of the AEC partners.

To qualify for the 2026 $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, competitors must complete a minimum of two events without cross-country jumping penalties at any USEA Advanced recognized horse trial, CCI4*-S, CCI4*-L, or CCI5*-L, including the World Championships and Olympic Games. The qualifying period for the 2026 AEC runs from May 20, 2025, through Aug. 11, 2026.

Whether you are an aspiring competitor or a dedicated fan eager to watch the sport’s top combinations compete, be sure to mark the following qualifying event dates on your calendar.

2026 Adequan USEA Advanced Final Qualifiers

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (Area III) | February 12-15, 2026 | Advanced

Pine Top Advanced (Area III) | February 20-22, 2026 | Advanced

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Area VI) | February 26 - March 1, 2026 | Advanced

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International (Area III) | March 5-8, 2026 | CCI4*-S, Advanced

Ram Tap National H.T. (Area VI) | March 13-15, 2026 | Advanced

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Area II) | March 19-22, 2026 | CCI4*-S, Advanced

Galway Downs International H.T. (Area VI) | March 26-29, 2026 | CCI4*-S, Advanced

The Event at TerraNova (Area III) | March 26-29, 2026 | CCI4*-S, Advanced

Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T. (Area III) | April 3-5, 2026 | CCI4*-S, Advanced

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (Area VIII) | April 23-26, 2026 | CCI5*-L, CCI4*-S

Stable View Local Charities H.T. (Area III) | May 2-3, 2026 | Advanced

Tryon International Three-Day Event (Area II) | May 6-10, 2026 | CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S

Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Area II) | May 16-17, 2026 | Advanced

Woodside Spring H.T. (Area VI) | May 22-24, 2026 | Advanced

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (Area II) | June 13-14, 2026 | Advanced

Stable View Summer H.T. (Area III) | June 20-21, 2026 | Advanced

The Maryland International + H.T. (Area II) | CCI4*-S, Advanced

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (Area VI) | June 25-28, 2026 | Advanced

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Area VII) | July 15-19, 2026 | CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S

Millbrook H.T. (Area I) | July 23-26, 2026 | Advanced

*Please check back for additional qualifying events throughout the year. Schedule is subject to change.

For a complete list of qualifying events, including those beginning at the qualifying period starting date of May 20, 2025, click here. To learn more about the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, click here. Past champions of this prestigious event, including the 2025 winners, Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z, can be found here.

As a reminder, both horse and rider must be qualified to compete in their desired level at the AEC. To view the list of qualified riders, click here. To view the list of qualified horses, click here. For more information, please check the AEC Qualifications or call the office at (703) 779-0440 at extension 3008 - Hannah Seagle. For any other questions regarding the AEC, please contact Kate Lokey.

About the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final

The $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final will take place at the 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky on Aug. 26-28. Thanks to Adequan’s amazing support, the Adequan® USEA Advanced Final will bring together the country’s top riders to vie for $60,000 in prize money and the title of Adequan® Champion. To qualify for the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final at the AEC in 2026, competitors will need to complete a minimum of two events without cross-country jump penalties at any USEA recognized Advanced horse trials, CCI4*-S, CCI4*-L , CCI5*-L, World Championships, or Olympic Games. Click here to learn more about the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final.

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 Aug. 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, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee; and more!