United States Eventing Association

The #AEC2023 Daily: Friday

It is a busy day at the Kentucky Horse Park so be sure to put on your walking shoes and get ready for all that lies ahead! This morning we welcome our last six divisions of competitors, the Beginner Novice divisions, to the grandstand of the #AEC2023 as they put their practice to the test in the dressage arenas. In addition, competitors in the six Novice divisions get to give Jay Hambly’s cross-country course all they have! Lastly, four new Training champions will be crowned today, followed by the evening’s feature event: the grand finale of the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final at 6:30 p.m.

The Training competitors heading into show jumping today are undoubtedly going to lay down some strong competition in their final phase.

• Three out of four of the leaders after dressage in the USEA Training Championships held onto their lead after cross-country.
• In the USEA Training Amateur Championship, Stephanie Letarte and GarryNdruig Albie only have a two-point lead over second-place rider Amanda Smith and Tug of War. And only one additional point separates second and third.
• It's equally as tight in the USEA Training Horse Championship. Current leading horse SF Vancouver 2, ridden by Jane Jennings, doesn't have a rail in hand to play with.
• The gaps get even smaller in the USEA Training Junior Championship. First place pair Marina Cassou and Castleturvin Mungo sit on a score of 29.6, second place pair Avery Grantham and Watch Maker C are close behind with a 30.5, and only .3 points seperate Grantham and the third place rider Tessa Geven and Caheradoo Jack who have a score of 30.8.
• A double-clear cross-country round helped new leader in the USEA Training Rider Championship Susan Gallagher and HH Rockstar climb the rankings. They have a 3 point lead over the second place pair, so a double-clear round will be required today as well to hold onto the lead.

In the $60,000 USEA Adeqaun Advanced Final, Liz Halliday will be looking to hold onto her lead that she carried from dressage into cross-country with Miks Master C. She has one rail in hand over Phillip Dutton and Z, but if she has a rail and even just a second of time in show jumping, she will be edged out of the top spot.

Today's schedule is as follows:

Dressage

• Stonelea Ring 1
  • Beginner Novice Junior 14 and Under Championships | 8:24 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Beginner Novice Horse Championships | 1:36 p.m. - 4:36 p.m.

• Claiborne Ring 2
  • Beginner Novice Amateur Championships | 8:24 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• Claiborne Ring 3
  • Beginner Novice Rider Championships | 8:24 a.m. - 3:36 p.m.

• Walnut Ring 4
  • Beginner Novice Junior Championships | 8:24 a.m. - 2:06 p.m.

• Walnut Ring 5
  • Beginner Novice Master Championships | 8:34 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Cross-Country

• Novice Rider Championships | 8:00 a.m. - 9:40 a.m.
• Novice Junior Championships | 9:42 a.m. - 11:06 a.m.
• Novice Master Amateur Championships | 11:36 a.m. - 1:14 p.m.
• Novice Junior 15 and Under Championships | 1:16 p.m. - 1:58 p.m.
• Novice Horse Championships | 2:28 p.m. - 3:58 p.m.
• Novice Amateur Championships | 4:00 p.m. - 5:34 p.m.

Show Jumping

• Training Amateur Championships | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Training Horse Championships | 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• Training Rider Championships | 1:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Training Junior Championships | 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  
• $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final | 6:30 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
  

Beginner Novice competitors have the chance to course walk with five-star event rider Alexandra Knowles this afternoon. To join in, simply meet up with the group at the start box at 4:00 p.m.

If you are wanting to improve on your horsemanship skills, considering joining Natalia Knowles at the USEA Trade Fair Booth at 12:30 today for an educational session, presented by the USEA Grooms Program, covering "All Things Legs!"

There is no better way to cheer on your favorite combinations in the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final than by joining our Fiesta Friday Competitor Party at 6:30 p.m. One ticket per horse is allotted and additional tickets can be purchased here.

As always, take a second out of your day today to thank a volunteer whose path you cross!

Helpful Links

• USEA AEC Website
• AEC Schedule
• Ride Times
• Facility Map
• Cross-Country Maps
• Live Scores
• Livestream
• AEC Digital Event Program
• $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final Roster
• USEA's Coverage

Follow the USEA event coverage on social media!

#AEC2023 | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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 Beginner Novice 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 2023 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held Aug. 29—Sept. 3 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; Gold Level Sponsors: Capital Square, Horse & Country, Parker Equine Insurance, Smartpak, Standlee; Silver Level Sponsors: Auburn Labs, Ecogold, Kerrits, The Jockey Club; Bronze Level Sponsors: 70 Degrees, Athletux, Black Petticoat, The Chronicle of the Horse, Devoucoux, D.G. Stackhouse and Ellis, Dubarry of Ireland, Equestrian Team Apparel, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Horseware Ireland, Majyk Equipe, Retired Racehorse Project, Ride EquiSafe; Contributing Level Sponsor: CrossCountry App, Georgetown – Scott County Tourism, Lexmark, L.V. Harkness, Mountain Horse, Mrs. Pastures Cookies, #WeRideTogether; Prize Level Sponsors: Coach Daniel Stewart, EquiFit, Equilab, Equiluxe Tack, Equine Essentials, Equine Pulse Performance, FarmVet, Achieve Equine/FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Horses 4 Your Consideration, Hound & Hare, I Love My Horse Eventing Boutique, Jack’s Favorites, Jane Heart Jewelry, Kinetic Equine Services, LeMieux, Levade Kentucky, Mare Modern Goods, OneTouch Fly Spray, Parkmore Supplements, Practical Horseman, Sidelines Magazine, Spy Coast Farm, Strides for Equality Equestrians, and VTO Saddlery.