United States Eventing Association

The Road to AEC: A New Partner with a Familiar Face

My name is Cece Jones and I’ve officially qualified for Training level at the AEC. This past year has been a hard one for me and my family. My heart horse, Dragon, was diagnosed with a neurological disorder. We went through everything together. He was definitely not an easy ride. He made you work for the success, but that’s ok. I rehabbed a suspensory tear for a year with hopes after that we would get back into eventing. We had a successful season but deep down towards the end he did not seem like himself. After we found out about his condition I was heartbroken. He tried his heart out for me and I loved him endlessly. All I wanted was for him to be happy and comfortable.

My family and I decided to make a very hard decision, but I knew it was doing right by him. He was a true goofball and I’m so lucky I was able to learn from him, even if it was not always sunshine and rainbows. After I had to say goodbye to my best friend, little did I know what would happen next.

My amazing trainer, Megan Cleary, worked hard every day to find my next partner. As most people know, finding the next horse with enough talent and heart to get me to the top level of eventing is not easy. Our first stop was at Megan Moore’s lovely barn in Kentucky, just minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park. I tried a few of her extremely talented and beautiful eventers. But as Mooney Maguire walked out of his stall, I immediately fell in love. The first trot step I knew he was the one. Everything about him was perfect - his heart, gaits, jump. Not only did he know his job, he wanted to please me. What got me the most was how much he looked like Dragon. They both have the same goofy personality and kind face.

Competition season in Florida started off amazing. I was blessed to get to know him in the warmth instead of cold Ohio! We made a move up to Training at Spring Bay Horse Trials at the Kentucky Horse Park. I went in hoping to just get through my first Training with confidence. Little did I know we would win on our dressage score out of an open division of 30 other riders, qualifying us for the AEC.

I can’t thank my parents, trainers, and friends enough for their endless love and support. I have high hopes for Maguire and I at the 2019 AEC and I can’t wait to continue my path as an aspiring Area VIII Young Rider.

About the USEA American Eventing Championships

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) 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. The 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.