The USEA is proud to announce the continued support of Fleeceworks as a Gold sponsor of the American Eventing Championships, the Presenting Sponsor of the Young Event Horse series, and a Silver sponsor of the Classic Three-Day Series. We are extremely grateful to Fleeceworks for their generosity and longstanding support of the USEA.
Fleeceworks sponsorship of the AEC since their inception nine years ago is a testament to the company’s commitment to the USEA and the Eventing community across the country. In addition, Fleeceworks’ support of the YEH is a natural partnership because of the shared goal to produce the best and cultivate quality in the sport of Eventing. The YEH mission is to showcase the utmost in Event horse talent and it is Fleeceworks’ mission to produce the highest quality products that provide comfort, care and protection for horse and rider.
As a former One-Star rider, Judy McSwain, one of the original founder’s and now the sole owner of Fleeceworks, also wanted to support the Classic Three-Day Series. “I have been involved in the sport of Eventing as a competitor, horse owner and rider sponsor for over 20 years and remain as committed to and enthusiastic about the sport today as the first time I entered the start box. The Classic Three-Day Series provides great education for riders as well as preserving the roots of our sport.”
In addition to providing many of their great products for prizes, Fleeceworks is also sponsoring completion ribbons for all those entered in the Training Three-Day . “I understand how much work goes into just completing a full format” said Judy McSwain, “and I feel that each rider should be rewarded for their efforts regardless of where they place.”
Fleeceworks is the manufacturer of the world’s finest Australian Merino Sheepskin equestrian products. Their pads provide a vital thermal balancing layer without excess bulk to distort contact or saddle fit. Aussie Merino is breathable, extracting heat and moisture off the body, and hydrophilic, able to store 35% of its own weight in liquid. This fact coupled with Fleeceworks patented design technology results in a pad that helps to keep the equine athlete at the top of their game by allowing their back muscles to work at maximum capacity without risk of overheating. Fleeceworks uses an unparalleled, hand selection quality control process to ensure that each pad is superior in fit, comfort, support and thermal protection. Visit the Fleeceworks website to learn more about their products.
Interested in becoming a USEA sponsor? Contact Leslie Mintz.
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
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.