Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event Welcomes Ariat As the “Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor”

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) is excited to welcome Ariat as the “Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor” of its internationally renowned Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event.

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 28-May 1, 2011. One of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions and the only Four Star event in the Western Hemisphere, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event annually attracts 50-100,000 spectators and millions of viewers on international telecasts including a 90-minute domestic broadcast on NBC.

Ariat is the world’s leading performance equestrian brand and is America's number one English and Western performance footwear brand. Ariat was the Official Apparel and Footwear Sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the title sponsor of the Games’ volunteer program and creator of a special limited edition line of WEG apparel that sold out in the first few days of the 16-day event.

“Ariat received worldwide recognition with its incredibly successful sponsorship of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Lisa Ball, president of EEI, producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. “Their position as the world’s leading equestrian apparel and footwear makes them a perfect fit for our event which also commands respect worldwide.”

As part of its sponsorship, Ariat is developing a line of Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event merchandise that will feature a collector's edition event jacket in navy and “Rolex” green. They are also developing specially designed polo shirts for the event’s volunteers. It is expected that the Ariat clothing for the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will generate the same level of interest and excitement as their WEG apparel.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,” said Susan Alcala, Vice President of Marketing at Ariat. “We pride ourselves on providing equestrian athletes and enthusiasts with the highest quality footwear and apparel, and are honored to be a partner to one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world.”

“Rolex Kentucky,” as the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is commonly known, is part of the HSBC FEI ClassicsTM and features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motors Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession.

Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. 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. Ariat is also the Official Apparel Supplier of the U.S Equestrian Federation, and the Official Boot of the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR).
Further information on the 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Bridgestone, is available at the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org. Tickets may be ordered at the website, or by printing the ticket order form from the website and returning it via mail or fax (859)-254-5116 to Equestrian Events, Inc. Tickets may also be ordered by calling 859-254-8123. To receive a printed ticket brochure, please send name and mailing address to EEI at P.O. Box 12110, Lexington, KY 40580-2110 or tickets@rk3de.org.