The Troops Arrive at the American Eventing Championships

Defending Advanced champion Lainey Ashker poses below a billboard of herself! Photo via Lainey's IG.

Defending Advanced champion Lainey Ashker poses below a billboard of herself! Photo via Lainey’s IG.

It’s AEC week! The most ambitious eventing riders are traveling from all over the country to the Texas Rose Horse Park, to engage in battle for the top title of the year: Nutrena USEA American Eventing Champion. Sally is on hand to bring you updates all week, with dressage starting tomorrow. With thousands of dollars on the line, and year-long bragging rights available, the competition will be stiff. Let’s check out some pictures and updates from the brave competitors who have arrived in Texas.

Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships & ATC  [Website] [Entry Status/Times]


Sad faced Jon Holling with a perfect hoof on his shirt. Photo via Jon's FB.

Sad faced Jon Holling with a perfect hoof on his shirt. Photo via Jon’s FB.

Jon Holling had a less than stellar beginning to his AEC experience, starting off on the wrong hoof foot with a kick to the gut. From Jon: “And a fantastic finish to the day! Just got kicked in the stomach while unloading the horses. Lesson to all you kids out there. Don’t get in a rush even after a long trip when all you want to do is get finished up. After a thorough exam by the medics I was given the all clear to whine and complain while all of my friends unload my trailer. Ugh. Only wish is that Jenn were here to listen to me cry and moan.” Sorry Jon, hope your kick doesn’t affect your abs while you try to sit the trot tomorrow!


Hap & Flaxen getting some scratches in Texas. Photo via Mary McKee.

Hap & Flaxen getting some scratches in Texas. Photo via Mary McKee.

Matt Brown is on a literal cross-country trip, with the AEC’s as his pit stop on the way to Fair Hill CCI2* and CCI3* with Happenstance and Super Socks BCF. Both are getting their last prep run in at the Intermediate and Advanced levels, respectively. Matt comes all the way from California, and here are his two fantastic horses after arriving in Texas, enjoying a little friendly brother time!


I’m sorry, did we say that dressage began tomorrow? Nope, seems that show jumping has started for some already!


Photo via Lainey's FB.

Photo via Lainey’s FB.

Lainey Ashker won last year’s Millbrook Advanced, and went to Texas to win the AEC Advanced. Can she do it again this year? She defended her title at Millbrook, and she’s the heavy favorite with Al to take the cake this year as well. I’m rooting for her!


Photo via Earl & Jen McFall's FB.

Photo via Earl & Jen McFall’s FB.

Jen McFall and High Times, or “Billy” have travelled from California to run in the Advanced section. Jen and Billy completed Rolex this spring for the first time, with what must have easily been the biggest smile throughout all three phases.


Caroline Martin & Lainey Ashker. Photo via Lainey Ashker's FB.

Caroline Martin & Lainey Ashker. Photo via Lainey Ashker’s FB.

Team BDJ is out in force this weekend, with almost all of them coming straight from domination at Plantation to the long trip south to Texas. I wonder, do they ever sleep? Actually, for Buck, this weekend might as well count as a nap, as he only has one horse entered in the Advanced and one horse in the Intermediate. Think of all that extra time he’ll have on his hands!

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