The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is happy to announce the debut of a Beginner Novice division for the 2006 American Eventing Championships. The 2006 American Eventing Championships will take place September 20-24 at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC.

The qualifications for Novice through Advanced will remain the same as 2005. The qualifying period for all divisions, Beginner Novice to Advanced, will be August 2, 2005 through August 21, 2006. A new list of qualified horses and riders will be posted on the USEA website soon.

Beginner Novice will be added in 2006 as a trial. This will be a single division, limited in the following way: neither horse nor rider can have competed higher than novice during the qualifying period; and if they have competed at novice, it can be no more than three times during the qualifying period. Regarding qualifying performances, both horse and rider must have finished first at least once, and also achieved another first and/or second place finish during the qualifying period, not necessarily as a combination. Qualifying results are only valid with no more than 20 jumping penalties in the cross-country phase. The horses must be registered and the riders USEA members (with competition privileges), at the time of qualifying and when competing at the AEC. $1,000 in prize money will be awarded.

Riders at various levels have suggested changes be made to the schedule. With that in mind, the USEA and Carolina Horse Park are considering an altered plan for 2006, which would pair an upper level with a lower level each day. For example, beginning the event with Preliminary and Beginner Novice, followed by Intermediate and Training the next day, and then Advanced and Novice.

Check for updates on the 2006 American Eventing Championships on the USEA website, www.useventing.com.


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