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Jul 16, 2024
Bates Returns as the Official Saddle of the USEA
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.
Jan 21, 2025
Young Event Horse
First Class of YEH New Judge Education Program Graduates Added to the YEH Judges List
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is proud to announce the first class of USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Judges have completed their certifications through the YEH New Judge Education Program, which was led by YEH Faculty Member, Marilyn Payne. Rebecca Barber Tyler, Bonnie Barr-Briggs, and Ashley Giles passed their in-person final examination for the judge education program at The Dutta. Corp USEA YEH East Coast Championships last fall and will now be certified to judge YEH qualifying events in 2025. Congratulations to our newest YEH Judges! Learn more about each judge and their excitement to join the program below.
Jan 21, 2025
News
Now On Course: Patience Pays Off for Nazila Hejazi & Her 20-Year-Old Missouri Foxtrotter
Nazila Hejazi and her 20-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter mare, Tessa, may have made for an unconventional pair at the USEA Area VI Championships, but they didn’t let that hold them back. It’s uncommon to see a horse in her twenties still competing in eventing, and even more rare for a gaited horse to compete in a jumping sport. Apparently, no one told Hejazi and Tessa that. Together, the pair galloped through the timers at the end of their show jumping round to become champions of the Area VI Senior Beginner Novice division. Together, Hejazi and Tessa are an excellent reminder to not let anything hold you back– let alone what is considered conventional.
Jan 20, 2025
News
Echoing the Dream: Small Acts of Kindness in Eventing
Today, we pause to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on the powerful moment in 1963 when he stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and shared his vision for a better future. Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech was more than just words; it was a call to action that transcended time, culture, and boundaries—a beacon of hope that continues to inspire.
Jan 19, 2025
That “Forward” State of Mind
We’ve all been there—on the horse who pokes his way around the warm-up ring, needs leg, leg, leg coming into the combination, or brings up the rear on every trail ride. None of us wants each and every ride to be a lower-body squeezefest, nor do we wish to do anything with our crop except maybe wave it at that annoying deerfly. In this excerpt from his book The Sport Horse Problem Solver, former international eventer Eric Smiley explains the essential quality of forwardness and how to prepare the horse to expect you to look for it in all that you do together.
