United States Eventing Association Tabs Two Venues for Future Championships
Galway Downs in Temecula, California, will host in 2025; Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts from 2026–2028
Posted On: January 26, 2024 By :The United States Eventing Association will hold the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships at Galway Downs in Temecula, California, with the event then moving to Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington for 2026 through 2028 before having the option to return to Temecula in 2029.
The dates for the 2025 AEC at Galway Downs is scheduled for August 26–31. The 2026 AEC at the Kentucky Horse Park will be from August 25–30, while the 2027 edition is August 31 through September 5 and the 2028 event will be August 29 through September 3. The Board of Governors decisions come after the USEA sent out a request for expressions of interest in October 2023 with a preference of locating a western venue for the 2025 championships and a more central location for the years 2026-2028.
“We are beyond excited for the AEC to make its debut at Galway Downs in 2025,” said Rob Burk, USEA chief executive officer. “Robert Kellerhouse and his team at Galway Downs Equestrian are committed to creating an AEC experience unlike any other and we have full faith that they will truly make this a destination event for eventers of all levels. We look forward to working collaboratively with their team to put on another great championship for our members.”
“Returning to the Kentucky Horse Park for the AEC was an easy decision for the USEA Board of Governors,” Burk added. “We look forward to working with their teams, once again, to provide an outstanding championship experience for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028.”
Galway Downs is a multi-purpose equestrian facility. Spanning over 240 acres, it includes 400 permanent stalls, a 1-mile racetrack, a 5/8-mile training track and 14 arenas for training and competition. Galway Downs hosts competitions for multiple disciplines throughout the year, including hunter/jumper, dressage, and eventing.
“Galway Downs is excited to bring the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships to the West Coast,” said Robert Kellerhouse, Galway Downs equestrian facility manager. “We wish to thank to the USEA for the opportunity and are looking forward to working together with them in furtherance of a successful event.”
After several successful years of hosting the AEC at the Kentucky Horse Park, the USEA will return to the venue for a three-year term. The Kentucky Horse Park maintains 600 acres of cross-country courses, 1,200 permanent stalls with accessibility to additional temporary stalls and Rolex Stadium. The Kentucky Horse Park was host for the AEC in 2019, 2021 and 2023 and will also host the 2024 championships.
“EEI is grateful for the trust that the USEA places in EEI and Kentucky Classique to consistently deliver top-notch championships,” said Erin Woodall, executive director of EEI. “We eagerly anticipate providing competitors across all levels of competition with a unique and unforgettable experience.”
Posted in: Latest News, Recently Awarded, Sports Organizations