United States Eventing Association

My name is Adilyn Cartwright, and I will be competing in the 2026 AEC on Chasing Gold, owned by Jessica Saari. "Chase" is a 14-year-old Quarter Horse who I have had the opportunity to event the past several years.

Chase and I have been working together at Windenoak Equestrian Stables in Green Bay, Wisconsin. I am an active Area IV council member, as well as an Area IV Young Rider. Chase and I strive for a common goal when on course: to do our very best, and have fun doing it. Chase has the distinct palomino look to him and has even been referred to as “The Barbie Dream Horse.” We work to make our signature All-American colors of red, white, and blue stand out when on course or just hanging around the barn. We are extremely excited to attend the AEC in Kentucky this year and continue to love our time being in the sport.

I have been riding since I was 5 and have always had horses in my life. My grandma, Ann Jost, ran a horse rescue called Care For The Horses in Sierra Vista, Arizona. From there, my mom, Lori Cartwight, has been around horses her entire life as well, and is currently riding in dressage. For me, I have always seen the passion for horses and wanted to create that for myself. I love seeing the passion for horses continue through my family with my younger sister, Ellison Cartwight who competed in her first recognized event this year.

When I started riding Chase I had no idea that I would end up where I am today. Riding has led me to many different aspects of life I did not know existed. Eventing has given me a new sense of what hard work means, and continues to show me how it pays off. My partnership with Chase has given me many opportunities to grow and learn through this sport.

My first event with him ended with a TE in show jumping and was a huge lesson in my career. It taught me to be resilient to mistakes and that the mistakes are what you learn from. We both enjoy the sense of purpose and progression every ride no matter if it is a hack in the grass or a day of focus on a small detail. He has shown me what it means to work with passion, and find joy in the small things.

As said before, I've had the opportunity to show Chase the past few years. We have always had the goal of finishing the best we could and learning something from every ride. The biggest success I've had on him is being able to enjoy our journey and not only the outcome. Our journey has been one of the most exciting and challenging parts of my life, and I would not change a thing about it. As our journey progresses, we work to finish the best we can but push our best to become better and better. Qualifying and competing at the AEC is truly a dream come true and a challenging goal to be fulfilled.

I want to give a huge thank you to all the people that have guided and supported us to where we are now. Our supporters are what made this all possible for us, and we are forever grateful for each and every one of you. I would like to give a special thank you to our barn family that has been with us every step of the way and helped us be the best we can be.

Our barn family has become a huge part of my life, and I am forever grateful. In addition, a huge thank you for the support from my family. My family has always supported my big dreams and worked hard with me to help me achieve them no matter how big or small.

Chase has given me the chance to achieve my goals such as finishing on dressage scores, show lowest score, achieving a Beginner Novice gold medal, and qualifying for the AEC. I am truly living the dream of every little horse girl: riding on cross-country in matching sets on a palomino horse that loves his job.

My favorite part about working towards big goals is stepping back to enjoy the small things. Whether it is walking to the camper together on a Sunday for breakfast after showing or grazing after a hard lesson, it supports the passion that the little kid deep down has always had. We are so excited to be wearing our red, white, and blue tradition that we have had since the very beginning in Kentucky once again. The color tradition first started at the Kentucky Horse Park, and I am excited to continue the tradition at the show that has become one of our biggest goals.

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 AEC is a registered trademark of the USEA.

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!