Lexington, KY – Ariat International, the leading equestrian footwear and apparel manufacturer, has created a collection of high-performance athletic gear for our nation’s top equestrian athletes that will debut in mid-summer. Through the newly-signed sponsorship, Ariat becomes the “Official Apparel Supplier” of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

As part of the category-exclusive sponsorship, Ariat has created an assortment of signature USEF garments to debut with the U.S. Team at the 2006 FEI World Games beginning August 20 in Aachen, Germany. The USEF Collection by Ariat will be worn by the USEF high-performance teams and staff at the 2006 FEI World Games, this summer’s Samsung Super League, and at all sanctioned competitions in 2007 where the U.S. Team competes.

The collection includes shadbelly and pinque coats; polo shirts; button-down oxford shirts; lightweight, wind- and water-resistant jackets; waterproof jackets; ball caps; and gear and laptop bags. Each of the items in the USEF Collection by Ariat will be designed in the official USEF red, white and blue colors and will incorporate the Ariat logo as well as a newly-designed U.S.A. team logo.

“Ariat’s partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation® represents a meaningful collaboration between two organizations committed to equestrian excellence,” said Beth Cross, Ariat’s founder and chief executive officer. “We are proud to outfit the top equestrian athletes in the country with our performance apparel, which incorporates climate-control technology designed to keep riders comfortable throughout, and after, competition. We believe our apparel will give these athletes an important competitive edge as they compete against the best the world has to offer, beginning at the 2006 FEI World Games.”

“The USEF is honored to add Ariat, a world-class brand, to our lineup of leading corporate sponsors,” said John Long, Chief Executive Officer of the USEF. “In the equestrian world, the Ariat name is synonymous with performance excellence, making them a natural fit with our organization and our team of world-class equestrians. We are pleased to have the support of a company whose products are so well-known and well-loved by our athletes.”

Ariat International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, belts and apparel. Featuring patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat is the pioneer of integrating athletic shoe technology into equestrian footwear. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at (800) 899-8141 or visit www.ariat.com.

~~~For more information, please contact Jeannie Putney, National Marketing Manager, at (859) 225-6974, or via e-mail at [email protected].