United States Eventing Association

The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships were an incredible success, ushering the programs forward as the first standalone championships knock on the door for 2026. The Intercollegiate and IEL Programs were merged for their year-end championships to ensure that the USEA’s junior and young adult members have a goal to continue to pursue their passion for eventing throughout their educational years and beyond, and the support the event has received in the last two years has been astounding.

Balance and stability are fundamental to success in eventing, where precision and control are demanded across three distinct phases. At this year's USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, our partner, Bates Saddles' expert presentation on saddle fit and rider position highlighted a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our sport: how small adjustments to our equipment can lead to significant improvements in our riding.

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce Bates Saddles has returned as the “Official Saddle of the USEA,” as well as a “Platinum Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships” (and Preliminary division sponsor), “Silver Sponsor of the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention,” “Contributing Sponsor of the Young Event Horse Series,” “Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Team Championships,” “Contributing Sponsor of the USEA Classic Series,” “Title Sponsor of the USEA Lady Rider of the Year,” and “Title Sponsor of USEA Mare of the Year Leaderboard.”

Katie Crowley didn’t have intentions of breeding horses, but when her Hosteiner mare Travita proved to have a bit too much fire to handle, it was suggested that breeding her might settle her some.

Are you saddle shopping or just hoping to brush up on your skills for proper saddle fit for horse and rider? You won't want to miss this episode of the USEA Podcast where Host Nicole Brown chats with Emily Bates, Head of Product Innovation at Bates Saddlery. Learn about what types of saddles might be suitable for your needs, how to connect with a qualified saddle fitter, and more!

Saddles are one of the most important pieces of tack for horse and rider. Ensuring your saddle is maintained properly through correct leather care is vital to ensure your saddle’s performance. Prevention is the best cure for leather, and regular care will dramatically increase the life of your saddle. Remember to protect your leather before exposure to sun, rain and sweat.

Discover a position so natural and a connection so sensitive your saddle all but disappears as your performance comes to life. This saddle celebrates the art of dressage – the sculpted performance conducted by horse and rider in choreographing every movement with emotion, power, and grace.

The inaugural “Applied Anatomy and Biomechanics Conference” proudly supported by Bates Saddles, was held successfully at the end of 2019 in Perth, Western Australia.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the new partnership with Bates Saddles, the Official Saddle of the USEA.