The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that its Board of Governors has awarded the 2010-2012 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) to Chattahoochee Hills Eventing in Fairburn, GA. This will be the third site to host the championships, which began in 2004 at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC, and moved to Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, IL, in 2007.
"We are very excited and energized by our partnership with Carl Bouckaert and his team,” said Kevin Baumgardner, USEA President. “The Chattahoochee Hills facility has the potential to be one of the greatest eventing venues in the world, and Carl and his colleagues have the vision, passion and commitment to make that potential a reality. They are equally committed to working closely with the USEA to make the American Eventing Championships an unparalleled experience for horses and riders at every level. The future of the AEC is bright indeed."
The AEC, the USEA’s national championships from beginner novice through advanced, has grown in popularity over the last six years thanks to the organizers who have worked with the USEA to put on the highest caliber of competition for the riders, and there is no doubt that the Chattahoochee Hills Organizing Committee will continue that tradition,” said Carl Bouckaert, owner of Chattahoochee Hills Eventing. “We are delighted and humbled by the confidence the USEA has placed in us, and will make sure that we provide the ultimate experience for all constituencies involved.”
With work about to begin on the new advanced cross-country course, the management team at Chattahoochee Hills has a busy summer ahead. Two all-weather grand prix arenas are planned along with permanent stabling and an RV park. The property, which extends 12 miles along the Chattahoochee River and totals in excess of 8,400 acres, has more than 2,000 acres reserved for the equestrian center and competition venue and promises to be ideal for spectators, who will be able to view almost every fence of the cross-country courses from the hillside.
Not only can visitors look forward to some excellent competition during the 2010 American Eventing Championships, but there are many entertaining activities planned that will keep both the equestrians and their non-equestrian family members busy all day. The city of Atlanta is just 25 minutes away, and the area has attractions, including the world renowned Georgia Aquarium, Six Flags, and CNN Studios, so there will be something for everyone at Chattahoochee Hills.