United States Eventing Association

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I bought Virginia Gentleman, or "TJ" in late 2019 as a 4-year-old off the track for only a few short months. As an amateur rider, I knew taking on a young OTTB would come with challenges but what I didn’t expect was just how long and how challenging our path was destined to be.

In our first few years together, TJ (Mizzen Mast x Evening Princess) and I faced more setbacks than I could have imagined. Both of us dealt with injuries, illnesses, and surgeries along the way, and between rehab, recovery, and time off, it took years before we even managed three consecutive months of consistent work.

We've been on a heck of rollercoaster together: physically, emotionally, and mentally. The physical challenges were of course difficult but the emotional ones were just as real. For years, TJ and I struggled to bond; he could be sassy and opinionated, and many would say the same about me.

There were moments when it would have been easier to walk away and admit that maybe we simply weren’t the right match but instead, we kept showing up for each other. And with time and (so much) patience, we eventually began to enjoy the companionship, and slowly but surely, our friendship started to grow, and we pressed ahead on what would for sure be an unstoppable ride!

Until... we were stopped yet again with yet another speed bump in 2024 when we were forced to take an unexpected detour from our eventing plans as TJ had suddenly decided that stadium jumping wasn’t his favorite activity. After getting the all clear from the vets, I chose to listen to him, step away from horse trials, and focus on straight dressage, where he shined.

At first it felt like a disappointment to this eventer, but the year turned out to be a gift. We kept taking jump lessons while continuing to build strength, balance, and confidence in the dressage ring, and actually found ourselves in love with the sandbox.

But eventing is my passion, so in 2025 we cautiously stepped back out to see whether TJ had changed his mind about the sticks or if we were destined to be a dressage pair.

TJ answered that question pretty decisively.

Not only did he come out of the gate ready to event again, but he exceeded any goal I could have imagined and truly far beyond anything I had dared to dream. Even better, the year we spent focusing on dressage carried right over into our eventing performances with TJ consistently producing scores in the low 20s (and even flirting with the teens, earning a 20.6 at an unrecognized horse trial!) and earning us our AEC qualifications for Beginner Novice!

All that to say, I am so proud of the team we've built not because everything has come easily for us, but because it hasn't. Through injuries, setbacks, frustration, tears, and years of learning how to understand each other, we kept trying. And in doing so, TJ taught me so much about diligence, determination, resilience, grit, and the quiet power of love and teamwork.

After everything we’ve been through, every step forward feels earned. I'd be lying if I said the scores and the ribbons don't matter to me at all, but at the same time, I can truly say that they really wouldn't matter without our shared history and the partnership we've forged to earn them, and I am beyond excited to participate in the 2026 AEC!

And after that, perhaps I'll finally tackle that shoulder surgery I've been putting off.

Perhaps...

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!