United States Eventing Association

Hopefully you've marked your calendars for the premier USEA event which draws in competitors from across the country to test their skills and compete for a slew of prizes & cash - the 4th annual Wellpride American Eventing Championships. This year marks a new venue for the Wellpride AEC's - the state-of-the-art, meticulously landscaped, and convenient Lamplight Equestrian Center just outside of Chicago in Wayne, Illinois. If you haven't decided whether or not to make the long haul, then perhaps we can persuade you with some choicy tidbits about this prestigious event.

"We cannot wait to welcome everyone to Lamplight this September for the fourth annual Wellpride American Eventing Championships September 13-16," said Tom Moxley, co-owner of Lamplight Equestrian Center with partner Stephen Cooper. "It's an honor to host the USEA's national championships, and we're thrilled that we'll have the chance to introduce so many eventers to Lamplight and Area IV. We're pulling out all the stops and guarantee a gorgeous site, challenging courses, some of the best footing in the country, and first-class stabling for the horses. The early response we've gotten from people reserving extended stabling, checking on qualifications, and even trying to enter early, has been incredible. It's great to see that the Wellpride AEC has become such a destination event in such a short period of time."

The Missing Link – Wellpride

"The USEA owes the success of the Championships to a long list of people and organizations," said Amy Daum, Wellpride AEC Project Manager. "Two names at the top of that list are Anne-Marie Chalmers and Bo Martinsen, owners of Wellpride, who took a huge leap of faith last summer to sign on as the AEC's title sponsor. Their product, an Omega-3 fish oil for horses (and humans, under the name Omega Cure), is a perfect fit for our hard working event horses, especially the best of the best who make the trip to the AEC. Anne-Marie and Bo have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and I hope we're still singing each others' praises when the event is celebrating its tenth anniversary."

"When we launched Wellpride, initially we were drawn to the racing industry due to the stresses those horses experience," explained Anne-Marie Chalmers. "After considerable success there, we realized that the next logical step would be eventing. These horses are such amazing athletes, as are their riders, and I couldn't be more pleased with the response we've gotten from both in our last year of being part of the USEA and the AEC. We are proud to put our name on the association's national championships, and hope everyone has a fun, safe, and exhilarating time at this year's Wellpride AEC."

No doubt they will, especially those who have the chance to jump the new signature Wellpride cross-country fence, nicknamed "The Missing Link," considering the beautifully carved fish fence, built by Mat Langeliers, has feet—necessary in order to stand up in the water, and also giving the fence the look of something Darwin might have envisioned. (The famous evolutionary creature is pictured above with his creator Mat Langeliers.)

Opening Date is almost here – July 31!

While the event organizers hope everyone will enter early, and on-line (at www.evententries.com), remember that all qualified entries will be accepted through the Close Date of August 28. The earlier you enter, the better chance the organizers have to accommodate everyone's requests for stabling, RV spots, et cetera.

List of Qualified Horses and Riders

View our list of AEC qualified horses and riders (up-to-the-minute recently completed!) or get the qualifications on the 2007 Wellpride AEC Qualificaitons page. If you have any question about whether or not you are qualified, you can easily check current horse competition results and/or rider competition results. If you have further questions, contact the USEA offices at (703) 779-0440.

Video Tour

If you've never been to Lamplight Equestrian Center, or across the street at the Pratts Wayne Woods Forest Preserve where the cross-country phase takes place, check out a 10 minute USEA flash video tour of the site.

Something for the Youngsters

For the first time, the Wellpride AEC will be held in conjunction with the USEA/Spalding Labs Young Event Horse Series Championships, also in its fourth year, which will take place September 12, the day before the start of the AEC competition. This allows top riders, which at past championships has included Darren Chiacchia, Phillip Dutton, and Leslie Law, the chance to attend both events with mounts of every age.

Repeat Performances

One way to judge the success of an event is to see how many people come back year after year. All signs for the fourth year of the Wellpride AEC indicate that we can expect to see an impressive list of return competitors hoping to repeat or improve upon their previous year's performances.

"I'm a big promoter of the Wellpride AEC, and I've supported it every year since its inception," said three-time Olympian Karen O'Connor, who among other AEC accomplishments won the Training Horse division in 2005 and the Preliminary Horse division in 2006, both times with Joan Goswell's Mandiba (pictured left - Amber Heintzberger photo). The pair is looking to make it a hat trick of sorts, with a win in the Intermediate division and their share of the $10,000 prize money. "I look forward to having several horses in Chicago this year, and I'm very happy with the venue that's been chosen for the AEC," O'Connor said. "It's very nicely located in the country so that hopefully we'll get participation from all the Areas. It's a destination event and this is the place to be in September. Don't miss it. It's a great time!"

O'Connor's fellow Olympian Darren Chiacchia will be joining her in September. "I'm really excited about this year's event," Chiacchia said. "Unfortunately I missed last year since I was competing at the FEI World Cup Finals. After missing a year I'm really looking forward to returning because the concept has grown, the interest has grown, and I'll pat the USEA on the back for doing a great job building the sponsorship support to even the next level."

Chiacchia, who won last year's USEA/Spalding Labs Young Event Horse Series Championships four-year-old division with Hanno, will be bringing several young horses for the YEH Championships in addition to his AEC mounts, including one very well known black stallion--Olympic bronze medallist and Rolex Kentucky champion, Windfall. "I'm bringing everything I have qualified, from my newest babies to my star. From all I've heard the venue is going all out to ensure not just a quality competition by way of venue and footing, but also atmosphere and entertainment, which is so important because a lot of people are making an extra special effort to attend. I love reading on the website the carpooling concept. That's great. When you think about a national championships, yes you want it there to create the 'Who the national champion' feel, but at the same time it's a chance to bring everyone together, all levels, all ages, from all over the country. Congratulations to those that have the vision and put the work in to make it all come to fruition." (Above Right: Chiacchia & Huronia competing in the inaugural 2004 AEC's. Shannon Brinkman photo.)

2006's Open Preliminary division winners, Molly Rosin and Havarah's Charley, are planning a trip to Wayne this fall. Rosin, originally from Madera, California, was so inspired by her East Coast experience last fall that she decided to stay in the area and continue training with Danny Warrington in Maryland. "I absolutely would love to go back to the AEC. I'm qualified at prelim, but we're hoping to make the move up to intermediate. Our whole barn is gearing up for it. We all loved the AEC experience and all want to do it again. I also have a lot of friends back in California and in Texas planning to make the trip."

Rosin has been to Lamplight in the past, for the Maui Jim Horse Trials, and was enthusiastic about the new Wellpride AEC location. "I love it. It's absolutely beautiful—really nice accommodations for the horses, definitely a class A facility." She's also looking forward to a shot at the impressive list of cash and prizes. "The prize money last year, that let me finish off the year without being in huge debt. It was awesome. I know I'm not the only one who does it on a budget, and all of us appreciate it. I ride in my Amerigo dressage saddle every day—it's my favorite thing ever. I have friends in California who are trying to get the saddle fitter out there because I told them if they want a new saddle, get an Amerigo. The prizes were great—all stuff you use, instead of getting some stuff that sits in the back of the tack room because you don't really want to throw it away, but you don't really know what to do with it."

Newcomers

The move to the Midwest has piqued the interest from some West Coast riders, none more notable than U.S. team rider Gina Miles, an enthusiastic fan of the event's title sponsor, Wellpride Omega-3 fish oil, which has helped her longtime partner, McKinlaigh. "I'm hoping to attend the Wellpride AEC this year with McKinlaigh if all goes well after this season," she said. "And I'm really excited about trying to get my four-year-old qualified for the Spalding Labs Young Event Horse Championships as well."

If you're still on the fence after hearing all that, here are some other incentives that might sway you….

Beginner Novice Returns – With A Prize Money Bonus

After an impressive debut last year with 50 entries, the Beginner Novice division is back for 2007, with a prize money bonus from Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency that brings the division's cash total to $3,000 in addition to a long list of prizes, including an Amerigo saddle to the winner!

Cash!

Nearly $60,000 in prize money is on the line, with $15,000 for the Advanced division (courtesy of a $5,000 bonus from Pegasus Design Group), $10,000 for the Intermediate division, and $3,333 for each of the additional nine divisions, three each (Amateur, Horse, and Junior/Young Rider) at novice through preliminary.

And Prizes!

More than $100,000 in prizes, including six Amerigo saddles, $15,000 in Bit of Britain gift certificates, three-bottle packs of Wellpride, coolers and gift certificates from Saratoga Horseworks, Nutrena gift certificates, seven-dose box of Adequan, Maui Jim Sunglasses, SSG Gloves, FITS breeches, Fleeceworks saddle pads, Charles Owen helmets, Flair nasal strips, $250 gift certificates from Ovation, Rodney Powell protective vests, Mackinnon Ice Horse products, $5,000 worth of UlcerGard, halters and gift certificates from Equestrian Classics, 25-pound buckets of Platinum Performance, Tipperary vests, APF from Auburn Labs, Mackinnon Ice Horse products, jump standards from Hi-Tech Horse Jumps, and special gift packs from Fiebing for the winning horses' grooms. (Kristin Bachman and Gryffindor need an army of supporters to carry home all their prizes after winning last year's Advanced division! Amber Heintzberger photo.)

Festivities!

Expect festivities of some sort each evening. Thursday night Lamplight will host a wine and cheese welcome reception which will include a dressage exhibition. The USEA's competitors' party on Friday will include an array of heavy hors d'oeuvres, games and dancing, and the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association has promised an evening of fun for Saturday: "IDCTA is thrilled to welcome the nation's eventers to Illinois for the Wellpride AEC. We are looking forward to hosting Saturday evening's festivities and treating everyone to some of Chicago's famous food," said IDCTA board member, Becky Bowen. (Right: Riders put their muscles to the test with an old fashioned tug-o-war contest. Marcia Sizer photo.)

Rise and Shine to a Free Continental Breakfast!

Several sponsors and donors, including Adequan, UlcerGard, and the horses of Area II, courtesy of Steve and D.C. McBroom, are making continental breakfasts available for the riders each morning of the competition. Rise and shine to coffee, juice, muffins, and the usual breakfast goodies—and don't forget to grab an apple for your horse! The sponsor and donor funds will be passed along to the Area IV Young Riders Program. The breakfast tent will be manned by local Area Young Riders. (Left: AEC riders help themselves to a slew of scrumptious delicacies! Marcia Sizer photo.)

A Festival of Eventing – For a Good Cause

Those who have attended the Wellpride AEC in the past remember days filled with free seminars with top professionals, outstanding prizes, free samples, an extensive trade fair, and evenings full of fun. Those will all be back, along with many new and exciting prize packages and activities, such as a pet first-aid class courtesy of the Fox River Chapter of the American Red Cross, the event's beneficiary, which will use the event as an opportunity to raise funds and educate the public about their programs and services.

Seminars

Other free educational opportunities include a grooming seminar with Jennifer Holling courtesy of Fiebing, saddle fitting with Amerigo, barn design with Holly Matt of Pegasus Design Group, a horse rescue demonstration, course walks with top Nunn Finer sponsored riders, and horse health seminars from Practical Horseman, Adequan and title sponsor, Wellpride. All of these seminars and course walks are free of charge, and no pre-registration is necessary. In addition, top FEI show jumping course designer Richard Jeffery will be on hand to offer his expertise on the art of show jumping course design seminar September 12 and 13. Starting Wednesday at approximately 1 p.m., the afternoon will be spent in the AEC Classroom going over the basics of designing show jumping courses for all levels of competition, including distances, what makes courses easy or difficult to ride, and the understanding of the rules for both national and FEI competitions. Attendees will be asked to design a course for a certain level of competition and these will be analyzed on Thursday morning. Thursday afternoon will be spent building and measuring an actual course to be used as part of the Wellpride AEC in one of the show jumping arenas. The fee for this seminar is $85. To register for the seminar, contact Nancy Myers, USEA Education Manager, at [email protected] or (703) 779-0440 ext. 3007.

Trade Fair

Our sponsors as well as vendors from all over the country will be on hand selling their wares. Make sure to check out the USEA tent for exclusive Wellpride AEC logo wear: polos, rugby shirts, T-shirts from Animals to Wear, ball caps, pins, decals, and posters.

Going to the Dogs – the SmartPak Canine Dog Show

Last year's AEC dog show was the sleeper hit of the event, so we're bringing it back, with a slightly revised class list, and a new title sponsor, SmartPak Canine! While we can't guarantee a championship atmosphere, we can guarantee lots of laughs and prizes from SmartPak Canine, Saratoga Horseworks, and Merial. Competitors, grooms, family, and spectators are welcome to enter their pooches into the third annual SmartPak Canine AEC Dog Show. Expect informal classes on everything from Best Trick to Most Mysterious Heritage. (Above Right: A dog show contestant contemplates his spot in the limelight. Amber Heintzberger photo.)

Ride Sharing

If you are looking to hitch a trailer ride or share one, please email your name, city/state, and email address to [email protected] or [email protected]. Your contact information (minus your last name) will be listed on the Wellpride AEC Ride Sharing page to help in your search. If you're not used to trips longer than a few hours, check out the "Happy Travels" article in the January/February issue of Eventing USA for travel tips. And if you're looking for a place where you and your horse can stay the night while getting to and from the event, check out sites like www.horsemotel.com for a list of prospects.

Awards for Thoroughbreds

The North American Thoroughbred Society will offer awards in all 12 divisions for Thoroughbreds competing at 2007 Wellpride AEC. Thirty-inch streamer ribbons with the horse's name imprinted will be given for placements first through fifth; sixth onward will receive Certificates of Merit. The intention of these awards is to honor the long history of athletic accomplishment of Thoroughbreds while also recognizing their equally talented riders. To be eligible for awards at the Wellpride AEC, Thoroughbreds must be recorded with the North American Thoroughbred Society no later than August 15th. Click to download the North American Thoroughbred Society membership application or visit www.hellohorse.com . AEC results will be posted on line for competitors to check before prizes are finalized and awarded. Preliminary Results will be posted on useventing.com on October 8. Deadline for corrections by competitors is October 22. After that date, all standings are final. Results will remain posted on www.useventing.com. The North American Thoroughbred Society will ship awards mid-January. For more info, contact [email protected] or write to: North American Thoroughbred Society, 79 Brittin Street, Madison, New Jersey 07940-2138.

Exquisite Equestrians

The Exquisite Equestrian award will be back for a third year. "The journey is much more important than the destination" best describes the philosophy behind this special Wellpride AEC award, which will be presented to the AEC competitor, regardless of their placing at the competition, who has displayed courage and heart in the face of adversity. Competitor surveys will be used to determine the recipient, and will be available on the USEA website.

Wellpride AEC Raffle

You don't have to be a competitor to win—you just need to be lucky! Several sponsors have generously donated items that will be auctioned on-line in August to support the Wellpride AEC. Check back in the future for additional details.

Tentative Schedule

The tentative competition schedule is dressage on Thursday, dressage and some cross-country Friday, cross-country Saturday, and all show jumping on Sunday.

A Word About our Sponsors

The USEA is thrilled to have a long list of sponsors, including Legacy Sponsors: Amerigo, Bit of Britain, Nutrena, and Saratoga Horseworks; Contributing Sponsors: Adequan, Cover-All Building Systems, and UlcerGard; and Platinum Sponsors: Broadstone Equine Insurance Agency and Pegasus Design Group. Additional Wellpride AEC sponsors include Gold Level: Charles Owen, Finish Line, Flair Nasal Strips, Fleeceworks, Maui Jim Sunglasses, and Ovation; Silver: Equestrian Classics, FITS, Hi-Tech Horse Jumps, Platinum Performance, Rodney Powell, SmartPak Canine, SSG Gloves, and Spalding Labs; Bronze: Auburn Laboratories, Fiebing, Mackinnon Ice Horse, and Phoenix Performance Products. Lamplight Equestrian Center sponsors include John Deere, Guardian Horse Bedding, Oros Saddlery, and Windy Hill Acres. Go to the USEA Wellpride AEC landing page for additional information.