Ariat International, a leader in innovative Western and English footwear, apparel and accessories, announces the sponsorship of U.S. Eventing Team member Boyd Martin.

Martin is an accomplished four-star competitor who represented the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games in London riding Otis Barbotiere. He was also the top finishing U.S. rider at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky., riding Neville Bardos. 

In his native Australia, Martin bought an Off the Track Thoroughbred named Neville Bardos and turned him into a four-star event horse. In 2011, he led the horse from a burning barn that claimed the lives of six other horses. Neville sustained severe injuries to his airway, but just seven weeks later horse and rider finished seventh at the Burghley CCI4* in England. Their efforts were rewarded when Neville was named the 2011 USEF International Horse of the Year. Their story was featured on NBC television and on the front page of The New York Times. 

“Boyd’s story is so inspirational; he saved Neville’s life twice and they have so many amazing accomplishments together,” says Susan Alcala, vice president of partnership marketing at Ariat. “He is a great ambassador, both for the sport of Eventing as well as for our brand.”

Martin owns and operates Windurra USA in Cochranville, Pa., along with his wife Silva, a Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer.