The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to welcome back longtime sponsor, FITS Riding, Ltd. for 2022. They are returning as a ‘Bronze Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (AEC)’, a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC)’, a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Classic Series’, and a ‘Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships.’ As a sponsor of these USEA programs, FITS will generously provide gift certificates as prizes for the Intercollegiate championship competitors, AEC and ATC competitors, and Classic Series winners.
This year, the 2022 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships will take place on May 21-22 at Chattahoochee Hills H.T. in Fairburn, Georgia. The 2022 AEC and the 2022 ATC will take place on August 30 -September 4 at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana.
"FITS is excited to once again be a USEA sponsor for another successful year of eventing! We love supporting the sport and being able to help provide quality products to event riders of all levels," 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 thrilled to continue the partnership with FITS,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “FITS is a wonderful company and it’s loved by our members nationwide. Their products are of the highest quality, and we look forward to offering FITS gift certificates as prizes at the Intercollegiate Championships, AEC, ATC, and Classic Series Events!”
For more information on FITS, please visit their website.
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.
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.