One Big Thing: Survey Confirms Rolex Stadium Preference for Show Jumping at 2026 AEC
The United States Eventing Association (USEA), in partnership with Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) and Mary Fike, would like to thank the nearly 1,000 members who participated in the recent survey regarding the show jumping and waitlist format of the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds.
The survey was distributed to all available email addresses in the USEA database and was created with one purpose in mind: to gather feedback from the AEC community before any decisions were made regarding championship scheduling and capacity. No decisions had been made prior to the survey. Instead, the USEA, EEI, and the AEC organizing team wanted to better understand what was most important to the competitors and stakeholders who support the championship each year.
The survey focused on a challenging question that the AEC has faced for several years at the Kentucky Horse Park: should the championship expand entry capacity and potentially require some competitors to show jump outside of Rolex Stadium in another championship-worthy arena, or should the event maintain its current format, preserving the opportunity for every competitor to show jump in Rolex Stadium while continuing to utilize waitlists when divisions reach capacity?
The results were clear. About 80% of survey respondents indicated that maintaining the opportunity for all qualified competitors who gain entry to show jump in Rolex Stadium was their preferred option, even if that meant continuing to utilize waitlists when divisions fill.
Based on this feedback, the USEA will maintain its current championship format, ensuring that all competitors accepted into the AEC have the opportunity to show jump in Rolex Stadium.
“We genuinely appreciate everyone who took the time to provide feedback,” said Rob Burk, USEA CEO. “Before making any decisions about the future format of the AEC, we wanted to hear directly from the people who support and participate in this championship. The survey results showed a clear preference for preserving the opportunity for every competitor to show jump in Rolex Stadium. As a membership organization, listening to our members and stakeholders is an important part of how we approach decisions like this.”
The Kentucky Horse Park has served as the eastern host venue for the AEC since 2019, providing competitors the opportunity to compete at one of the most iconic equestrian facilities in North America. The chance to show jump in Rolex Stadium has become a defining part of the championship experience for many riders and remains one of the primary reasons the Kentucky Horse Park was selected as the event venue.
The USEA also recognizes that waitlists can be disappointing for qualified competitors who are unable to gain entry once divisions reach capacity. The decision to maintain the current format does not eliminate those concerns, nor does it mean that every stakeholder’s preference was reflected in the final outcome. However, the survey results demonstrated overwhelming support for preserving the Rolex Stadium experience.
Competitors are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as entries open, even if they are still completing their qualification requirements (entries open Tuesday, July 14). Riders may enter before becoming fully qualified, and early entry is the best way to secure a spot in a division. Historically, several Kentucky AEC divisions have reached capacity and utilized waitlists, particularly at the lower levels, which will be created by level once maximum entry capacities are reached.
With the continued growth of new levels, like Modified and Starter, the AEC will offer up to 28 divisions this year, covering all levels of eventing through the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. While adding more entries may seem straightforward, championship scheduling is a complex process that must balance numerous factors, including cross-country course capacity, daylight hours, horse and rider welfare, volunteer availability, and the extensive commitments made by officials, organizers, and support staff throughout the week. The AEC schedule is carefully designed each year to ensure a safe, fair, and high-quality championship experience for all participants. The USEA remains committed to evaluating the AEC format each year and welcomes continued feedback from competitors and stakeholders as the championship continues to grow and evolve.
For those who did not receive the survey, the USEA encourages members to verify that their email address is current in their member profile and to check spam or junk mail folders to ensure future communications are received.
About Qualifications
The 2026 AEC qualification period is May 20, 2025, through Aug. 11, 2026, and both horse and rider must be qualified for the AEC at the level they wish to compete. For more information, please visit the AEC qualification page, and view the lists of Qualified Riders and Qualified Horses.
Both horse and rider must have qualifying MERs at a total of three USEA Recognized Horse Trials during the qualifying period, although not necessarily as a horse/rider combination for Starter through Preliminary Championships. The placing requirement, where applicable, is included in the total of three competitions and must be achieved by the rider and the horse at the level intended for the AEC, although not necessarily as a horse/rider combination. Placing requirements earned through the USEA Amateur Upgrade Policy only apply to the amateur divisions. To view a full listing of qualification requirements by level, click here.
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