Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, GA (October 18, 2021) – C U at X Tack has supported the USDF Region 3 Championships annually since the store’s inception and 2021 was no exception. As vendors, sponsors, and competitors C U at X Tack owners, Katie and Sarah Hoog seemed to be just about everywhere at the Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation Region 3 Dressage Championships at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia earlier this month. Of course, their trendy tack shop was set up in the main shopping pavilion at the show, but they were also active hosting parties and presenting awards and winning championships in the winner’s circle! “If we are going to a show, we are going to be omnipresent,” said Sarah Hoog with a chuckle!
It’s a family affair for sisters Katie and Sarah Hoog, owners of C U at X Tack shop. Their shared love of horses and their first-hand dressage experience helps them spot the fashionable and functional equestrian trends that make C U at X Tack a unique shopping experience. Both sisters share the uncanny knack of being able to steer customers in the right direction whether it’s a flattering pair of breeches, custom boots or combining the perfect bit on a luxurious bridle.
Because they have both in the sport since childhood, Sarah and Katie also know how important it is for vendors to support the shows. C U at X Tack participated as a silver sponsor at the show and hosted the Sparkling Pony Competitor’s Party. At the Thursday evening gala, competitors were treated to the party’s signature cocktail, the Sparkling Pony, a refreshing mix of champagne and lemonade over ice.
Not only do they bring something extra to the table when it comes to trendy tack and apparel, the sisters are also dressage competitors. Katie Hoog decided to use the GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships as a practice for her recently revamped freestyle that she plans to ride at the 2021 US Dressage Finals. The practice proved successful and she won the FEI Freestyle Adult Amateur High Point Award. Katie captured the award aboard Zhivago, her 2004 KWPN gelding (Obelisk-Lady) by scoring a 69.362% in the Intermediaire I Freestyle to win her class, as well as the Futral FEI Freestyle award. The award is named in honor of Michelle Futral, who recently lost her hard-fought battle against cancer. Futrel’s friends banded together with the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association to create the High Point Award, which included a beautiful trophy, an attractive horse cooler and a gorgeous neck ribbon along with a $500.00 check. “We had to make our freestyle a little bit more difficult now that we have a better partnership,” Katie said of her year-and-a-half partnership with Zhivago.” So, I came out and did tempis on a curved line, and I did a lot more extended trot. The trot is definitely a highlight for him.” Katie believes that competing in dressage gives her the edge when it comes to seeking out the best equestrian trends and finest equipment.
“You have to be in there to know what people need,” she said. “Period. End of story. I even found a new shadbelly that I decided to test at regionals. The entire garment is perforated, and I could move freely while I rode. My dad used to always joke that the moment the coat went on, I stopped riding. It’s so true because I used to be restricted by the fabric in my shadbelly and then I found this new coat.” The perforated coat passed the test and will be available at C U at X Tack.
Not only did Katie win the Futral Freestvle Award, but C U at X Tack presented an award of their own at the show, the X Factor Award, given for an outstanding score along with great turnout and that little something extra in their attitude and how they show. The award was presented to Julio Mendoza and Baylen Dream TWF, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Benetton Dream-Revlon) owned by Mendoza and Alison Head. Medoza and his horse scored a 71.176% in the Intermediaire I class. The pair won the X-Factor ribbon, a commemorative pendant and a $50.00 store gift card.
Next stop for C U at X Tack is the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2021 US Dressage Finals, to be held Nov. 11-14, in Lexington. “We will bring our new inventory from Kingsland’s winter lines as well as lots of horse fashion,” Sarah said. The C U at X Tack shop will also set up their Custom Design Studio where shoppers can design customized boots, coats, helmets, bridles and more to complement the rider and the horse. The sisters search the world for uniquely fabulous and useful items and feature them at their pop-up shops as well as their Wellington based store and seasonally at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.
Check out the C U at X Tack mobile store at the US Dressage Finals or at their Wellington store location or visit online at cuatxtack.com.
