United States Eventing Association

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to welcome Equine Internal Medicine and Diagnostics (Equine IMED) as a Contributing Sponsor and Educational Partner of the 2026 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), taking place Aug. 25–30 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Through this new partnership, Equine IMED will bring equine cardiology education directly to AEC competitors and attendees with live demonstrations led by equine internal medicine specialist Dr. Amy Polkes, DVM, DACVIM. Demonstrations will offer an up-close look at the equine heart and give attendees the opportunity to learn more about cardiac health and its importance for performance horses.

“Successful performance starts with a healthy heart. That is why I encourage routine cardiac evaluations. It can uncover important findings before a horse shows signs of a problem,” said Polkes.

During the live equine cardiology demonstrations, Polkes will guide attendees through the process veterinarians use to evaluate a horse’s heart. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to a horse’s heartbeat and learn what veterinarians hear during an examination, watch a live cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) to see the heart’s chambers, valves, and movement in real time, and view a normal equine ECG while learning how the heart’s electrical system controls each heartbeat.

Polkes will also explain the differences between heart murmurs and arrhythmias, what those findings can mean for a horse, and when further evaluation may be warranted. Throughout the demonstration, attendees will learn fascinating facts about the equine heart and gain a better understanding of why routine cardiac screening can be an important component of caring for performance horses.

“We are excited to have Equine IMED join us at the AEC in a way that directly benefits our competitors and their horses,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Cardiopulmonary health is a critically important component of the health and well-being of every event horse, at every level of the sport. Just as with any athlete, routine evaluation of heart health should be an important part of caring for the equine athlete. I am grateful to Equine IMED for joining us at the AEC and helping us raise awareness of this important aspect of equine health.”

AEC competitors who attend a live equine cardiology demonstration with Polkes will also be entered for the chance to win a POLAR Equine heart monitor, giving one competitor an opportunity to continue learning about their horse’s heart beyond the demonstration. Equine IMED’s live demonstrations will take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday during the AEC, make sure to stop by to learn more about how you can help your horses heart!

For more information about Equine IMED, visit www.equineimed.com.

About the United States Eventing Association

The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.

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 Aug. 25-30 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 Sponsors: Bates Saddles, Marshall+Sterling Equine Insurance; Gold Level Sponsors: ARMA, Gallaghers Water, PulseVet, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartPak, Standlee; Silver Level Sponsors: Auburn Labs, Kerrits, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Rood & Riddle; Bronze Level Sponsors: 70°, Antech Diagnostics, Athletux, The Chronicle of the Horse, Devoucoux, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Dubarry of Ireland, Equestrian Team Apparel, Foxhollow Farm, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Retired Racehorse Project, Ride EquiSafe, Santa Cruz Animal Health; Contributing Level Sponsors: AnimaSol, CrossCountry App, Kentucky Equine Research, LV Harkness, Only Fools and Horses, #WeRideTogether; and Prize Level Sponsors: ARRO Helmets, The Dad Den, Equiluxe Tack, Equine IMED, FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips, Horse N Rider, I Love My Horse Boutique, The Infused Equestrian, Love Equestrian, Majyk Equipe, Mare Modern Goods, Natalie Hummel Coaching, Neighborly Tack, Outlaw Nutrition, Parkmore Supplements, Peak Performance Equine Spa, Poseidon Animal Health, Saddle Bird Boutique, Sidelines Magazine, Strides For Equality Equestrians, Stylish in the Saddle, VTO Saddlery, and XLR8 Equine.