The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is thrilled to welcome back longtime sponsor, FITS Riding, Ltd. for 2021. They are returning as a Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Adult Team Championships, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Classic Series, and a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships. As a sponsor of these USEA programs, FITS Riding will generously provide gift certificates as prizes for the Intercollegiate championship competitors, AEC and ATC competitors, and Classic Series winners.
This year, the 2021 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships will take place on May 27-30 at Virginia H.T. in Lexington, Virginia. The 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and the 2021 USEA Adult Team Championships will take place on August 31-September 5 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
"FITS Riding is pleased to be working with the USEA for 2021. Eventing is one of the largest markets for our technically innovative products, and we love being able to be a part of rewarding riders for all of their hard work that goes into this amazing sport,” 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 extremely thankful for the continued support of FITS,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “FITS offers exceptional riding apparel for eventers, and we look forward to offering FITS gift certificates as prizes at the AEC, ATC, Classic Series, and the upcoming Intercollegiate Championships! Thank you, Lida and the team at FITS for supporting the sport of eventing.”
For more information on FITS, please visit their website.
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.