Beth Cross (left), founder and chief executive of Ariat International, and Lisa Lazarus (right), chief of business development and strategy at the International Equestrian Federation, at the agreement signing ©FEI/Dirk Caremans

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has signed an exclusive licensing and sponsorship agreement with Ariat International, who claim to be the the United States-based leader in western and English footwear and apparel.

Working alongside the FEI, Ariat will develop a new co-branded product collection to launch at the 2016 Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final in Gothenburg.

A share of the sales proceeds will go to FEI Solidarity, the body’s global sport development programme.

The product range will also be available for purchase on-site at the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Western European and North American League qualifier events from 2016 to 2018, as well as at Ariat retailers and online in Europe and North America.

Additionally, the new three-year partnership includes a supporting sponsorship of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Finals, starting in 2016.

“The partnership with the FEI represents a perfect opportunity for Ariat International to extend its visibility and brand awareness by engaging with our global equestrian fan base,” said Sabrina Zeender, the FEI secretary general.

“With Ariat’s additional sponsorship and a share of the proceeds from the sale of the new product ranges going back into the sport via FEI Solidarity, this is a win-win situation.”

Jur Vrieling of The Netherlands is one of the riders who are sponsored by Ariat
Jur Vrieling of The Netherlands is one of the riders who are sponsored by Ariat ©Getty Images

Ariat was the first company to bring athletic shoe technology to equestrian sports and is now one of the leading brands of equestrian footwear and apparel in the world, operating across the US, Europe and Australia, they claim. 

Ariat also sponsors top equestrian athletes from a variety of disciplines, including America's Beezie Madden, Germany's Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum and The Netherlands' Jur Vrieling.

“The FEI is revolutionising equestrian sports on a global basis, bringing every discipline to the highest level of competition,” said Beth Cross, founder and chief executive of Ariat International.

“Ariat is proud to partner with the FEI as the official equestrian footwear and apparel supplier.

“We offer the most innovative performance footwear and apparel for the world’s top equestrian athletes, making our partnership with the FEI a terrific match.

“Our goal is to work together to continue to grow the sport globally.”