United States Eventing Association

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This will be my first AEC, and I’ll be attending with my absolute best friend and partner in crime, ISO Cambria, or "Cami."

Cami (Cabardino x Rio's Rikita) came into my life as a 7-year-old, and we found her with Lara Heart in Tennessee. At the time, I was a 19-year-old college student trying to sell my previous pony and couldn’t afford another horse until he found his next home. When her ad was brought to my attention, I wasn’t quite sure what to think. Sure, she was flashy, but she was green broke at best and very much a late bloomer. She had never been to an event, had very little experience, and wasn’t exactly the polished prospect that most people were searching for.

Something about her ad though was enough to make me drive down from Kentucky to see her. From the moment I met her, I was completely smitten. I don’t think I ever truly believed in a “soul sister” until I met Cami. The connection was instant. Looking back, the riding I did during that first test ride was genuinely some of the worst riding I’ve ever done, but Cami didn’t care. She answered every question with 100% effort, the best attitude, and an incredible willingness to try. She even threw in a few enthusiastic yippee hops just to make sure I knew she had a personality!

I talked about her the entire car ride home. I remember texting my coach, Allie Knowles, to ask for her opinion, and all she had to say was, "Does she make you feel safe?" The answer was undeniably, yes.

Later, I stalked the internet for more information on her and stumbled across an old ad from her as a 5-year-old. The ad read very clearly "not suitable for jumping; would be happiest to be finished as a nice dressage horse," and I was floored! The pony I had just ridden was brave, willing, and so full of try. She gave me confidence from the very first ride, even when I was making mistakes. She never held it against me; she just kept giving. Eventually, the timing worked out, and I had the opportunity to purchase her. I didn’t need to try another horse. I didn’t need to keep looking. I knew I had found a diamond in the rough.

The first few weeks were challenging. She was quite a bit greener than I initially thought, and it took us some time to learn from each other and build the partnership I had envisioned. There were plenty of moments where I questioned if maybe I should've gotten something a little more finished.

I took her to her first event in September 2023 at the Kentucky Horse Park, and she absolutely loved it. She loved the crowds and was pretty sure they were all there to oogle at how pretty she is! She walked into the atmosphere like she had been doing it her entire life. And really, it's just been up since then!

I was never a “mare person” before Cami, but she's just completely changed my mind. There is no other feeling than having a mare who believes in you and that you've got on your side. She has the biggest heart of any horse I’ve ever known, and I still can’t believe someone once thought she wasn’t meant to jump.

In just one year, Cami went from never having competed to moving up from Novice to the two-star level. She has taken every challenge I’ve given her and met it with the same enthusiasm and determination she showed me on that very first ride.

Over the past three years, Cami and I have also been fortunate enough to be part of the University of Kentucky Eventing Team. Every year we qualified for the AEC, but unfortunately, the timing never quite worked out for us to attend. Each year, we got closer, but something always seemed to stand in the way. Now, in year 3, everything has finally lined up. I have graduated from UK, and Cami has been absolutely incredible this season. She has qualified at every single event she has attended this year, continuing to prove exactly why I believed in her from day 1.

I write this with such a grateful heart. I am grateful for my once-in-a-lifetime pony, the community that supports us, and for every opportunity Cami has given me. She has taught me patience, perseverance, and what it means to be brave.

I am so excited and honored to finally attend the AEC this August with my best friend! Cami and I will be bringing the heat, and I could not be more excited!

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!