The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to continue their partnership with FITS Riding, LTD for 2019. As a longtime supporter of the USEA, FITS has provided sponsorship to several programs. As a Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), FITS will provide prizes for competitors at the AEC which will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition, FITS will now be a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2019 Adult Team Championships, Intercollegiate Eventing Team Championships, and USEA Classic Series, providing prizes to winners in those events as well.
“FITS Riding is thrilled to be a sponsor with USEA for another great year,” said Lida Bard of FITS. “We love being able to support eventers at all levels and are happy for the opportunity to provide prizes to top riders every year."
FITS offers several styles of distinctive breeches, coats, tech shirts, stock ties, and other accessories. Their patented products are the result of an intense pursuit of giving the wearer an enduring advantage and comfortable fit. They continually research the physics of riding, the spectrum of technical materials, and the newest sewing techniques, seeking the characteristics that matter most—high performance, outstanding comfort, and flattering fit. FITS riding wear is the first and only choice for thousands of equestrian athletes.
“FITS continues to be a wonderful partner to U.S. eventing,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “Eventers love their apparel not only for the beautiful styles and comfortable material but for its performance. Every piece has science and art blended together to make exceptional riding wear.”
About FITS
The FITS design team are themselves riders, with years of state of the art athletic product development experience. All FITS designs are born out of repeated trial and unmatched commitment to quality. FITS is proud to have raised the bar for technical innovation in equestrian wear. For more information, visit their website.
About the United States Eventing Associaton
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.
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.