United States Eventing Association

USEA Announces New Partnership with Bates Saddles, the Official Saddle of the USEA

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the new partnership with Bates Saddles, the Official Saddle of the USEA. Bates Saddles will also join as a Platinum Level Sponsor of the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), a Silver Level Sponsor of USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Team Championships, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the USEA Young Event Horse Program, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the USEA Future Event Horse Program, and a Contributing Level Sponsor of the Hylofit USEA Classic Series. As a Platinum Level Sponsor of the 2019 AEC, Bates Saddles will provide $10,000 worth of Bates tack/products as prizes. This year’s AEC will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

As a Silver Level Sponsor of the 2019 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Bates Saddles will provide $10,000 worth of Bates tack/products to be used towards the Mare of the Year and Lady Rider of the Year leaderboards. This year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will be held in Boston, Massachusetts on December 11-15, 2019. Bates Saddles will also be offering prizes for competitors of the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships, Hylofit USEA Classic Series, and the USEA Young Event Horse and Future Event Horse Programs.

“We are beyond excited and sincerely honored to announce our partnership with the USEA as their Official Saddle Sponsor. Bates Saddles has long been a brand associated with eventing worldwide and we are thrilled to support and work alongside such a valuable association – focused on the development of our sport. It is imperative that our partners genuinely believe in the quality of our saddles, and working alongside organizations of the USEA’s caliber and top riders such as Shane Rose (eventing) and Isabell Werth (dressage) is instrumental in our pursuit to deliver saddles of unparalleled performance,” said Ron Bates, Managing Director of Bates Saddles.

Since 1934, Bates Saddles has focused on saddle performance and comfort for both horse and rider. They develop saddles that put the welfare of the horse as primary importance. Bates Saddles works alongside elite riders to develop highly specialized saddles in each of their chosen disciplines. Their global success lies in identifying the changing needs of horses and riders. Bates Saddles enlists the services of expert physicists, veterinarians, and saddle fitters to assist in appraising their saddles, ensuring complete confidence in the quality of their product.

Bates Saddles offers a variety of tack including dressage saddles, jump saddles, all-purpose saddles, and stock saddles. Whether it’s jumping, dressage, eventing, or leisure riding, innovations in Bates saddle design coupled with fine European leathers provide instantaneous comfort, optimal balance, and seamless close contact.

“We are honored to enter into this new partnership with Bates Saddles,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “At the USEA we take very seriously the products and companies that we designate as officially endorsed by our Association. In our research, Bates Saddles was a natural fit for our members. This company is extremely thorough in their research when developing a saddle that’s comfortable for both horse and rider. For over 85 years, they have created a product with the horse’s welfare as a top priority which is something that all eventers should prioritize. We truly appreciate their support of U.S. eventing and we’re excited to welcome them on as the Official Saddle of the USEA!”

For more information on Bates Saddles, visit their website at www.batessaddles.com and make sure to stop by their booth at the 2019 AEC!

About the USEA American Eventing Championships

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, the best junior, adult amateur, and professional competitors gather to vie for national championship titles at every level from Beginner Novice to Advanced. This ultimate test of horse and rider draws hundreds of horses and riders from around the country to compete for fabulous prizes, a piece of the substantial prize money, and the chance to be named the National Champion at their respective levels. The 2019 USEA American Eventing Championships will be held August 27-September 1, 2019 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Click here to learn more about the USEA American Eventing Championships.

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.