Six months after the U.S. Eventing Association announced that it would be recognizing the starter level for the 2024 show season, USEA, in conjunction with Equestrian Events Inc. and Mary Fike, announced Thursday that starter level will be included at this year’s USEA American Eventing Championships, to be held Aug. 27-Sept. 1 in Lexington, Kentucky.

The championships will offer two starter divisions, open and junior.

“The USEA is proud to provide another opportunity for a new pool of competitors to experience the thrill of eventing in a safe and supportive manner,” USEA CEO Rob Burk said in a USEA press release. “The USEA Board of Governors approved the introduction of the starter level to recognized competition with the hope of expanding access to the sport. Thanks to the support of our event organizing team with EEI and Mary Fike, the USEA is now able to open the door to a national championship experience for these competitors as well.”

While riders and horses do not need to be registered with USEA to compete in starter throughout the year, riders wishing to compete at the AEC or appear on the year-end leaderboard must be members (qualifying memberships—junior, collegiate, full and life—start at $95 per year) and their horse must hold at least a limited status registration. Those competing at starter will have a 14-day grace period to register with USEA for their points and championship qualification to count.

To qualify for the AEC at starter, the horse and rider must complete three USEA recognized horse trials and must earn first or second at least once. This does not have to be done as a combination. In order to enter the junior championship, the rider may not have competed at novice or higher in the last five years.