The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the renewed partnership with the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) for 2021. The RRP will join as a Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds on August 31- September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. In return, the USEA will join the RRP as a Black Type Sponsor for the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover on October 12-17 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
“For many Thoroughbreds transitioning away from the racetrack, eventing is a natural fit, as it plays to their athleticism and competitive nature. The Retired Racehorse Project is proud to partner with and support the [USEA] American Eventing Championships once again to spotlight the former racehorses who have made a successful transition to eventing. Congratulations to this year’s competitors and their horses – Thoroughbreds and otherwise – on their accomplishment in making it to this milestone event,” said RRP’s Executive Director, Jen Roytz.
Founded in 2010, the RRP exists to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in equestrian sports and serving the farms, trainers, and organizations that transition them. Since its 2010 founding, the RRP has inspired thousands to choose an off-the-track Thoroughbred. Thanks to 160,000+ Facebook followers, 3,000,000+ website hits annually, constant press coverage, and sellout crowds at horse expos, the popularity and value of off-the-track Thoroughbreds are on the rise.
The RRP's educational programming along with its cornerstone event, the Thoroughbred Makeover, have made a significant impact on the Thoroughbred aftercare industry by jump-starting demand for retiring racehorses and serving as a complement to other aftercare organizations and initiatives.
“We are proud to partner with the RRP for another year, “said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “We look forward to seeing all the Thoroughbreds that will be competing at the 2021 AEC. We are also looking forward to the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover, which is the RRP’s signature event that showcases the many talents of off-the-the track Thoroughbreds. As a lifelong fan of the Thoroughbred breed, I am incredibly thankful for all of the work of RRP.” For more information on the RRP, please visit their website.
About the USEA American Eventing Championships
The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is the pinnacle of the sport for 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 horses and riders 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 2019 AEC garnered over 1,000 entries and took place with 925 starters, now standing as the largest eventing competition in North American history. The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds will be held August 31 – September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.
Karma is developing into one of the fastest and most-reliable cross-country horses in the West. The 9-year-old bay Oldenburg mare and James Alliston won their third-straight blue ribbon together at either the four-star or Advanced level in the CCI4*-S at the Twin Rivers Fall International in Paso Robles, California, with the only double-clear cross-country round on Saturday.
Most couples share a kiss and part ways at 8:00 a.m. as they head off to their own work days, but eventing power couple James and Helen Alliston do it all together. We gave our USEA members the opportunity to submit their questions for this West Coast-based couple, and USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown gets them to share all on many topics: eventing in the U.S. versus the U.K., who is the most competitive of the two, dealing with warmer temperatures, why James likes to drive illegally slow, and so much more!
The Plantation Field International CCI4*-S concluded today with the cross-country phase, and the final standings were nearly a matter of “last one standing.” As Tropical Storm Ophelia brought a torrential downpour to the area, a number of riders decided to opt out: of 39 competitors, only six completed, and 17 withdrew before the start of cross-country.
After 15 years of successfully cultivating and establishing the Future Event Horse (FEH) program for eventing breeders and owners, the United States Eventing Association (USEA) has merged the FEH program with the Young Horse Show Series (YHS). The updated YHS allows for a more comprehensive show series for sport horses in the U.S., as the YHS is now open to young talent with a future in eventing, as well as hunters, jumpers, and dressage.