What a week in Fort Worth. From the moment we arrived at the Dickies Arena, it was clear that this year’s FEI World Cup Finals would be one for the history books. The "Cowtown" culture of Texas provided a vibrant backdrop for the world’s most prestigious equestrian competition, blending high-stakes sport with unforgettable hospitality.
For our team, being part of the Vendor Village meant we were at the pulse of the event. We were surrounded by a community that truly lives for the sport, and the atmosphere was electric—from the live country music and roping displays that opened each session to the cheers of a packed arena as American riders made history on home soil.
Witnessing History in the Arena
The level of competition was staggering. We were all on the edge of our seats watching Kent Farrington finally clinch his first career FEI Jumping World Cup title aboard his powerhouse mare, Greya. Seeing a U.S. rider take the top spot, accompanied by Katie Dinan on the podium, made the home-crowd energy even more special.
In the dressage ring, the performances were equally breathtaking. We were thrilled to see British Olympian Becky Moody capture the win with an incredible performance on Jagerbomb, and equally inspired by Christian Simonson’s historic second-place finish in his debut Final with Indian Rock. It was a week where every round felt significant, and the caliber of horsemanship on display was a powerful reminder of why this sport is so captivating.
In the Booth: Signing Sessions
Beyond the action in the arena, our booth became a hub for fans to connect with some of the riders who shaped the week. It was a pleasure to host these dedicated athletes for autograph sessions, offering a moment of connection away from the pressure of the warm-up ring:
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KEP Italia: We were delighted to welcome Kevin Kohmann and his wife Devon Kane to our booth. Their time with fans was a highlight for our team and the many dressage enthusiasts who stopped by.
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Samshield: We were proud to host signing sessions with three of the most dynamic names in the sport: Skylar Wireman, Richard Vogel, and Laura Kraut. The enthusiasm from the community was overwhelming, and it was a privilege to facilitate these interactions between fans and the riders they look up to.
Life in Vendor Village
Our time in the village was defined by non-stop engagement. It wasn't just about the gear; it was about the conversations. We spent our days working one-on-one with riders, diving into the technical details of helmet protection, the geometry of custom boots, and the latest innovations in training equipment.
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KEP Italia: Our focus remained on the intersection of safety and fit. Providing back-to-back, personalized fittings kept us busy, ensuring that every rider we helped was prepared for the technical demands of the ring.
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DeNiro Boot Co.: The arrival of Italian master fitters—including a special guest from the DeNiro family—brought a touch of tradition to our booth that felt uniquely "World Cup." The level of craftsmanship on display was a definitive highlight for our team.
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Samshield: Between the helmet fittings and the rush for last-minute show essentials, the Samshield display was constantly moving. It was a testament to how integral this gear is to the rider’s performance and confidence.
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Equestro: Our booth served as an interactive lab. It was rewarding to watch riders test stirrup balance and trial new apparel, discovering pieces that balanced functional, high-tech performance with a modern show-ring aesthetic.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and share their stories. Being part of such a storied event in Fort Worth is an experience that will fuel our team for months to come. We are already looking forward to our next opportunity to support your journey and reconnect with this incredible community.