United States Eventing Association

VTO Saddlery Returns for A Seventh Year of AEC Sponsorship

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is excited to welcome back VTO Saddlery as a sponsor of the 2016 Nutrena American Eventing Championships (AEC) at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC. Returning to the event this year as a Silver Level sponsor, VTO Saddlery will be providing prizes for 1st through 6th place in all 15 divisions.

“We at VTO are thrilled to renew our sponsorship of AEC for a seventh year. We know the new venue at Tryon has generated a lot of excitement and some apprehension among eventers, but having been at Tryon for the US Pony Club East Championships, we are very confident that our friends in the eventing world are going to be amazed at what is in store for them at AEC. They are going to love it. This is a world-class facility and it is obvious that the comfort and safety of competitors and horses was paramount in the design and construction of this venue,” stated Paul Arnold, owner of VTO Saddlery.

VTO Saddlery, the popular family-owned online tack shop which specializes in Eventing and Dressage equipment for horse and rider, began their support of the AEC in 2010 by sponsoring the Novice division. In 2011 and 2012, VTO Saddlery expanded their support to the silver level. From 2013 to 2015 VTO Saddlery was the presenting sponsor for the AEC. The USEA is pleased to have this long time sponsor of the AEC back for the first year in North Carolina.

“VTO Saddlery and its owners Beth and Paul Arnold have been giving back to eventing for years,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “We are very excited to have them return as Silver Level sponsors for the 2016 AEC. We hope that everyone attending the event stops in to show your appreciation to the Arnolds. Speaking from personal experience I can vouch for the fact that VTO Saddlery offers quality tack at outlet prices.”

About VTO Saddlery

VTO Saddlery is a family-owned business that has been serving the eventing and dressage community since 2000. VTO's large retail showroom in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is a base of operations for their e-commerce sales and for their active mobile sales unit, which serves nearly thirty horse trials and dressage shows in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. VTO is a long-time sponsor of AECs and is known for their support of volunteers at show. Find out more at www.vtosaddlery.com.

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 about the USEA, visit www.useventing.com.

About AEC

The Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Land Rover (AEC) is the pinnacle of the sport for the national levels. Held annually, this event draws together the best competitors from across the country vying for national titles from the Beginner Novice through the Advanced level. This year's AEC is being held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. August 31-September 4, 2016.