Road to the AEC: OTTB Master Rudy Defies the Odds with Sara Staley
In April 2019, I adopted a Thoroughbred gelding named Master Rudy (Fusaichi Pegasus x Sacred Sue) from Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue in West Virginia. At the time, I wasn’t searching for my next event horse. In fact, I wasn’t searching for a competition horse at all.
Road to the AEC: After a 20-Year Riding Hiatus, Dawn Swingen is Enjoying Her Eventing Journey
I have been riding since I can remember, but I grew up showing and raising American Saddlebreds. My old show mare, Desi, was 23 years old when my 9-year-old daughter, Lauren, had joined Pony Club and started eventing. Desi was the babysitter that any parent wants for their child. I didn’t know a ...
Road to the AEC: Mother/Daughter Duo Audra Bielke and Amelia Spouse Share a Bond Through Horses and Eventing
The best part of the Road to the AEC is experiencing it through my daughter’s eyes. She is so determined and enthusiastic—it makes me feel like a 13-year old myself some days! And that is a cause for joy. I can’t wait to share this experience with her in August.
Road to the AEC: Mady Hsue Has Found Her Partner in Crime in ISO Cambria
This will be my first AEC, and I’ll be attending with my absolute best friend and partner in crime, ISO Cambria, or "Cami."
Road to the AEC: Blair Dunleavy and Virginia Gentleman are Back and Loving the Sport
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.
Road to the AEC: Jeanne Carley Hopes the Third Time is the Charm with Shannondale Fionn
The first time I planned on competing at the AEC was in 2018. I had just completed a Novice Three-Day at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Montana) on my 7-year-old Belgian Warmblood Shannondale Fionn, or “Dale.”
Road to the AEC: Payton Bridges and Her Rescue Quarter Horse Are Heading to the AEC
It all started when I was about 2 years old. My horse-crazy mom finally got me on the back of a lesson horse at the therapeutic riding stable where she volunteers. While I can’t say I necessarily remember it, I have certainly seen the videos! From what she tells me, I was nervous at first, but as s...
Road to the AEC: Nicholas' and Alliston's Belief in HMR Rolan Has Brought Him to the AEC
I bought HMR Rolan off a video in the middle of the night. Impressed by his bloodlines, I thought he should be able to jump!
Road to the AEC: Adriane Brownlee's Returned to Eventing with a Special Paint Mare
“Thanks, but we’re not looking for another horse right now.” Every horse owner knows exactly where those words will lead…to purchasing another horse! My horse purchase happened on my 21st birthday after looking for a hay supplier in January because we had run out. (The perfect time to ...
Road to the AEC: All That Glitters' Pony Power Brings Jenny McCann Back to Eventing
“I don’t know what to do with this pony!” I lamented, to my husband. It was October 2024, and I was frustrated, with no plan nor direction. “I have tried to sell her, but she’s not what people want for their kids right now.” She was just supposed to be a quick training project while I searched fo...
