The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce Bates Saddles has returned as the “Official Saddle of the USEA,” as well as a “Platinum Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships” (and Preliminary division sponsor), “Silver Sponsor of the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention,” “Contributing Sponsor of the Young Event Horse Series,” “Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Team Championships,” “Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Classic Series,” “Title Sponsor of the USEA Lady Rider of the Year,” and “Title Sponsor of USEA Mare of the Year Leaderboard.”
"As we celebrate our 90th year, Bates Saddles is thrilled to continue our partnership with the USEA American Eventing Championships. We're honored to support riders at every level, from Starter to Advanced as they showcase their skills at this prestigious event. Our team looks forward to cheering on competitors and meeting eventing enthusiasts at our booth. We're proud to equip many riders with our high-performance saddles and to contribute over 150 prize packs to the event annually. The AEC truly embodies the spirit of eventing, and we're excited to play a part in recognizing the achievements of these dedicated athletes and their horses,” said Erin Kenworthy, Bates Head of Marketing and Technology.
Bates Saddles, a long-standing Australian saddle and tack manufacturer, was founded in 1934 in Perth, Western Australia. They have since grown into a global brand and can be found in 36 countries worldwide. Specializing in innovative saddles for both the horse and rider, Bates saddles are known for their adjustability, durability, and comfort.
“We at the USEA are very pleased Bates has returned for another five years as our Official Saddle,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Bates has been a popular brand in eventing for many years, and that is a testament to their quality and innovation. Many of our members ride in Bates saddles, and I encourage anyone to try riding in a Bates. We have been fortunate to work with them for the last five years and are thankful for their continued support for these next five years!”
Bates makes both dressage, jump, and all-purpose saddles, as well as Australian stock saddles. They also have an extensive collection of tack and accessories for the horse and rider. Endorsed by many top event riders, Bates saddles are the essence of cutting-edge technology with classic style. Visit their website to learn more: http://batessaddles.us
About the United States Eventing Association
The USEA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization committed to providing eventing enthusiasts with a competitive level suited to their individual skills. By assisting and educating competitors, event organizers, and officials; maintaining responsible safety standards; and registering qualified competitions and clinics, the USEA offers a strong and continuous training opportunity for an ever-expanding field of world-class competitors. Just as importantly, the USEA provides a means for all riders, regardless of age or ability, to experience the thrill of eventing. To learn more, visit www.useventing.com.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.
At The Event at TerraNova last November, Canadian Jessica Phoenix narrowly missed winning the CCI4*-L with Fluorescent Adolescent, finishing second overall with two rails down. Today, the Olympic veteran found redemption and not only won the B&D Builders CCI4*-S with Freedom GS, but finished second once again with Fluorescent Adolescent.
The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships are just one month away, and time is running out for program members to enter this unforgettable event! The Stable View Local Charities H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 2-4 will serve as host to both program championships again this year, and the max capacity of 400 horse and rider combinations is quickly filling.
Spring is a time to prepare for what’s ahead and many of this week’s international horse trials contenders at Galway Downs International took full advantage of ideal opportunities to build confidence, confirm training and find out where they can push the edges of their horse’s performance.