AEC Division Question

[Beam_Me_Up]

I have never been, was considering going this year, depending on COVID and being able to get out a few times prior.

Are the divisions as listed the only ones that will be held, or do they sub-divide? (I think last year I saw over-50 divisions, etc.)

There was a “modified rider” division listed for most of this year, but now I see only an open one listed. I’m not sure why they made that change, or if they divide if enough entries?

Thanks for any insights.

[Gardenhorse]

Can’t answer your other questions, but USEA posted this regarding the Modified division.
https://useventing.com/news-media/news/usea-to-now-offer-open-modified-division-at-2020-aec

[Divine_Comedy]

Looks to me like they are offering Modified to anyone regardless of the AEC qualifications in an effort to broaden participation for the level, rather than requiring certain qualifications of placings or number of runs. I think that’s fair considering Modified has limited availability in certain areas of the country still, so it might be difficult to get qualifications for a championship division.

[Beam_Me_Up]

Thanks! I think that article answers my question. It was a “rider” division and now by popular request it is an “open” division.
Obviously as a “rider” I would have preferred a “rider” division, but I get that pros wanted to be included too and perhaps they aren’t anticipating enough entries for multiple divisions.

DC, that article lists the qualifications. I read it as you need 1 QR at modified but the rest can be at any other level.

The new qualification criteria for the 2020 Open Modified Championship at the AEC is as follows:

Open to any horse and rider, not necessarily as a combination, who have qualified under the AEC Modified qualification criteria.

Qualifying Results (QR)

• 1st or 2nd in any USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials
• [B]OR[/B] 3rd in two USEA recognized Modified Horse Trials
• [B]OR[/B] 1st through 5th in any USEA Modified Area Championship

Further to the above QR, horse and rider must have completed a total of three USEA recognized horse trials (H.T.) during the qualifying period. The placing requirements as noted above are included in the total of three competitions. Once the placing QRs have been met, the additional H.T.s required may be at any other level.