Next Generation of US Champion Riders compete at the annual Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover

Press release Land Rover – Future US champion horse and rider eventing combinations took center stage at the 2016 Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Land Rover, held at the stunning Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC), over four days from August 31st to September 4th, 2016.

Featuring over 600 riders from across 38 US states, competing on 690 horses, the AEC provides riders of all ages and levels, from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level, the chance to compete in the only National Championships of its kind. Amateur and junior riders aged from just 12 years old graced the massive stage of the George H. Morris Arena for 18 divisional finals throughout the weekend, which were followed by jubilant award presentations and unrelenting smiles.

Created as a stepping stone for amateurs to get a taste of competing at the top level and experience world-class facilities, the Championship provides the perfect environment for developing the next generation of equestrian athletes. The incredible facilities of the TIEC, comprising of 12 all-weather rings, a covered arena and 1,200 stalls provided an experience that many of the competitors will treasure as lifelong memories.

Annabelle Kress aged 12 from Pennsylvania, winner of Junior Beginner Novice Under 14 Division, who was competing in her first National Championships said: “My horse was a superstar. He didn’t question anything and I’m just really happy with him overall because he was so willing to do his job. I think even qualifying to come here is amazing. I’m so lucky that I even qualified and that I did so well is just insane.”

ADVANCED AEC GOLD CUP FINAL
Ryan Wood took both first and second place honors in the Adequan Advanced AEC Gold Cup Final after three days of top eventing competition against many of the leading US eventing riders including Buck Davidson, Lauren Kieffer, Allison Springer, Lynn Symansky and 2016 U.S. Olympic Eventing Team member Boyd Martin. Riding 10-year-old Powell, Ryan Wood completed on a score of 38.2, and 38.9 on his second-placed horse Woodstock Bennett, with Doug Payne on 41.5 in third riding Vandiver.

The Advanced Final saw 34 starters take to the Captain Mark Phillips designed cross-country course on day two of the competition, with 27 going clear jumping. Doug Payne leapt from 10th position after dressage into second place heading into the final show jumping phase, but Ryan Wood held on to his top spot.

A delighted Ryan Wood said, “It’s pretty awesome to be National Champion – I am pretty lucky to have pulled off both first and second place in the Advanced Final – it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. The organizers and Tryon have done an amazing job – I don’t think there is anyone going home from this competition disappointed.”

The event matches perfectly with Land Rover North America’s long-term partnership with the U.S. Eventing Team. Land Rover North America is a longstanding supporter of equestrian sport with their involvement spanning over two decades and continuing to expand into new events across the United States.

Helen McDonald, Events and Partnerships Manager, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC said, “It has been wonderful to be a part of this multi-competition Championship event as it recognizes, and awards the best riders who have campaigned throughout the year to make it to the final of their respective divisions.  It is important to support not only our top athletes, but also those who are moving up the ranks and this event really captures that.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is a stunning facility offering excellent conditions for the horses and riders in their respective competitions, but also offers entertainment for friends and family alike, which made for a great holiday weekend.”

As well as the top-class equestrian competition, spectators were given the opportunity to test drive the newest range of Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles on a specifically designed off-road demonstration course. The younger drivers aged four to 10 were also treated to a fleet of electric powered replicas of the iconic Land Rover Series I model to drive on a miniature off-road course.

Alongside the Land Rover lineup, on display at the TIEC was also the 2016 Holland & Holland Range Rover, a bespoke limited edition vehicle representing the partnership of two iconic, British brands to create a Range Rover with exquisite detailing and fine craftsmanship befitting only of Range Rover and Holland & Holland.  In addition to the Land Rover models on display, the all-new 2017 Jaguar F-PACE, the brand’s first-ever performance SUV, the 2017 F-TYPE SVR, and the 2017 Jaguar XE compact sports sedan were also featured on site.

About Land Rover
Land Rover, the British maker of Land Rover and Range Rover sport utility vehicles, is renowned for providing its clientele with some of the most luxurious and capable vehicles in the world. Every Land Rover vehicle is equally at home both on and off road, and in any setting; be it in the heart of the city, or traversing the countryside. Today’s Land Rover lineup includes the Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and LR4 (Discovery 4). Land Rover designs, engineers, and manufactures their vehicles in the United Kingdom. Land Rover is fully engaged with sustainability initiatives and social concerns with continuous involvement in environmental and community programs. For more information visit the official Land Rover website at http://www.landroverusa.com.

About Jaguar Land Rover
• The United States is one of the leading global markets for both Jaguar and Land Rover • Jaguar Land Rover employs 32,000 people and sells vehicles in 170 countries around the world
• Jaguar Land Rover has two state of the art engineering and design facilities and four advanced manufacturing plants in the UK
• Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey in the United States, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC has offices across the USA
• Jaguar Land Rover is represented by more than 330 independently operated retail outlets in the USA

About the AEC
The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, this event draws together the best competitors from across the country vying for national titles from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level. This year’s AEC is being held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. August 31-September 4, 2016. For more information visit useventing.com/aec

To learn more about the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover please visit: www.useventing.com/aec

Source: Press release