The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to welcome back longtime sponsor, FITS Riding, Ltd. for 2020. They are returning as a Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2020 USEA Adult Team Championships, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2020 USEA Classic Series, and a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2020 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships.
This year, the 2020 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships will take place on May 16-17 at Chattahoochee Hills H.T. in Fairburn, Georgia. The 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and the 2020 USEA Adult Team Championships will take place on August 25-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
"FITS is happy to partner with USEA in 2020 for another great year of eventing! As a favorite brand of eventers, we are excited to continue supporting the sport. The new FITS 2020 line of innovative products is sure to be a big hit with the eventing community and we can't wait for them to try out our new styles," said Lida Bard of FITS.
Founded by Lida Bard, FITS is dedicated to the art and science of riding apparel. FITS offers several styles of distinctive breeches, tech shirts, show apparel, outerwear, and dog coats. 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. Their mission is to create original equestrian products that improve performance for both horse and rider.
“We are very excited to continue the partnership with FITS,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “FITS is an exceptional company and their products are loved by eventers nationwide. Lida and her team of experts are passionate about creating a product that’s made of the highest quality. I recommend all eventers to thank them for supporting our sport!”
For more information on FITS, please visit their website.
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.