Day One in Montana: AEC is Officially Underway!

Name a better backdrop, I’ll wait. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’re having our usual FOMO scrolling through social media as beautiful image after beautiful images pop up from those riding at USEA American Eventing Championships this weekend. While we’re sad not to be there in person this year, we’re cheering hard and following along from afar all week long!

Day one of competition brought dressage for the Modified through Advanced riders. The AEC always run on a bit of a staggered schedule to allow for a balanced schedule. Tomorrow, the lower levels will begin their competition while the upper levels will tackle Ian Stark’s cross country challenge.

Helen Alliston praises Ebay for a job well done. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Don’t forget, a ton of action is available via live stream all week long thanks to Ride On Video, Horse & Country, and the USEA. More info on the live stream here.

More #AEC2022 content over on the USEA’s website here.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II strike quite a profile. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Let’s recap today’s scores:

$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final: Helen Alliston and Ebay (25.2)
USEA Intermediate Championship: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (25.3)
Bates USEA Jr./YR Preliminary Championship: Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar (25.0)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse Championship: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (24.1)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider Championship: Haley Dwight and WS Radagast (28.4)
Festival Open Preliminary: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (20.0)
Festival Open Modified: Sarah Sullivan and La Copine (22.4)

USEA American Eventing Championships (Kalispell, MT): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Livestream]

Auburn Excell Brady traveled from her California base to contest the $60,000 Advanced Championship. They’re off to a solid start, scoring 29.9 to sit second after dressage. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As always, Shannon Brinkman Photography and her crew are on the ground as official photographers. You can click here to order your photos from the week.

Last but not least, enjoy some social snippets from the early days of #AEC2022: