One Big Thing: All the Happenings at the AEC
Today marks the start of the 2026 American Eventing Championships! This also means that, starting today, the hundreds of competitors throughout the Kentucky Horse Park have tons of activities and events to attend and learn from all week long.
Follow along with us here at EN and at useventing.com to get all the action. Check out some Fast Facts for the 2026 USEA AEC here, or listen in to the USEA Podcast for Everything You Need to Know about #AEC2026.
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Learn from the Pros by joining a Cross-Country Course Walk at the AEC this week. Whether you need advice on a particular question on course or you just want one more rep around the Kentucky Horse Park, the USEA has planned a course walk for you with a top professional to help solidify your plan before the big day.
[Find all the AEC courses here in CrossCountry App]
At KHP for the AEC and ready to explore? Take part in the Scavenger Hunt, available exclusively in the USEA AEC mobile app throughout the week! Follow the prompts as you make your way around the grounds to discover landmarks, uncover fun facts, snap photos, and explore some of the unique features that make the AEC experience so special.
There are no points or prizes, so grab your friends, have some fun, and see how many challenges you can complete throughout the week! The Scavenger Hunt is all about exploring the AEC, discovering new things around the KHP, and making a few memories along the way.
[Download on the Apple Store] [Download on Google Play] [Join the AEC Competitor WhatsApp Group]
Calling all AEC competitors, grooms, volunteers, family, and fans — it’s time for Cartpool Karaoke!
Join the AEC Marketing Team for a ride around the Kentucky Horse Park, pick your song of choice and show off your karaoke skills along the way. Think you’re ready to take the mic? Sign up at the link below for the chance to grab a seat on the golf cart during AEC week!
And finally, for all those spectating or attending in support, sign up an open volunteer shift to help support the event and make it all possible.
[Click here to sign up for a volunteer shift]
Wishing the best of luck and best of rides to everyone at #AEC2026!
US Events Opening Entries Today
Morven Park International & Fall HT, US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final (VA); Poplar Place Farm October HT (GA); Redefined Equestrian HT (CO); The Event at Isaacks Ranch (NM)
US Events Closing Entries Today
The Fork at Tryon (NC); Otter Creek Fall HT (WI); Aspen Farm HT (WA); Flying Cross Farm HT (KY); GMHA September HT (VT); Marlborough HT (MD)
Other Links and Reading
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
Sometimes it’s pretty obvious something is painfully wrong with your horse and the veterinarian should be summoned. Other times mild clinical signs might accurately reflect a mild colic that easily and quickly responds to minimal management without a vet even seeing the horse. Then there are those times when mild clinical signs don’t indicate the severity of a problem that could result in death if treatment is delayed.
Do you know what to do — and just as importantly, what not to do — if your horse displays vague, mild, or serious signs of what might be colic? How do you handle the situation? Actions to take/avoid with your horse’s recovery plan? How to minimize the risk for colic in the first place?
Drs. Michael Fugaro, Amy Plummer Weatherly, and James Carmalt along with Kentucky Performance Products and TheHorse.com bring us 33 expert tips for Dealing with Equine Colic. From first signs to transport to surgical treatment, learn all about the do’s and don’ts for every step of your horse’s critical health process [here].
Training Tip of the Day
We’re bringing you the first in this OTTB series from Noelle Floyd+ featuring Tik Maynard and Dr. Yates, focusing specifically on the process of purchasing an OTTB yourself. Today’s video is discussing the team you should be building to evaluate, assess, understand, and make informed decisions:
Go Eventing
Join USEF’s Dr. Katie Flynn and the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation’s Dr. Michelle Hollis to learn about the dangers of poor air quality and high heat for horses and humans, and what you can do to keep you and your equine partner safe:
