Nearly 400 horse-and-rider pairs are set to descend on Galway Downs in Temecula, California, this week as the USEA American Eventing Championships get underway. For the first time in its history, the championship is being held in California, where it has drawn competitors hailing from 15 states.
Amateurs, juniors and professionals from ages 9 to 79 will be competing in 23 divisions, from starter level to advanced, beginning Wednesday. The riders will vie for their piece of more than $100,000 in total prize money, from $60,000 for the advanced championship to $4,000 at the starter level. In addition to the individual championships, the Adult Team Championships will be held from beginner novice to preliminary.
The featured competition is the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final, where the entry list looks a bit different from last year’s field of 41 riders. Just seven combinations will vie for this year’s title, with all based on the West Coast. Washington-based Karen O’Neal as the only return competitor from last year’s advanced class. Every rider competing in the advanced final will also be competing two or more horses at the AEC, with Tommy Greengard staying busy on seven horses.
If you’re competing a cool horse or pony or have overcome the odds to make it to the AEC, email Hannah Sherk at hsherk@coth.com for a chance to be featured.
When: Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 27-31. Find the full schedule here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Where: Galway Downs in Temecula, California
Where You Can Watch: Watch the livestream on Equine Network.
Ride Times and Results: Stay up to date here.
How To Follow Along: The Chronicle will be on-site to bring you live coverage of the championships at coth.com. You also can follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
