Rules

Competitions

Rule Refresher: Understanding Cross-Country Faults

Eventing combines three phases: dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. It is arguable that many eventers compete in this sport because of the cross-country phase. It's a fan-favorite for sure with its wide open galloping tracks, a wide variety of obstacles to jump, and the ability to encounte...

April 6, 2025
Competitions

Rule Refresher: Extraordinary Rule Changes Effective April 1, 2025

Equally as important as staying brushed up on your knowledge of the USEF Rules for Eventing, it is also important to stay up to date on any rule changes coming through the pipeline. In this month's edition of ...

March 3, 2025
Competitions

Rule Refresher: Planning Your 2025 Season? Time for a Refresh!

As you sit down to map out your 2025 eventing season, its important to consider your current qualifications and what qualifications you will need to meet in order to see your plans through! Now is...

February 13, 2025
Competitions

Rule Refresher: Not a Non-Compete? Not Allowed on Grounds

Bringing your future eventing prospect with you to a horse trial as a non-compete can be a wonderful educational opportunity for horses not used to the hustle and bustle of the show grounds. However, horses must be registered with the show office as a "non-compete" horse in order to be allowed on...

January 11, 2025
Competitions

Rule Change Open Forum Recap from 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

With longtime Rule Change Open Forum moderator Malcolm Hook unable to attend this year’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, Alison Lloyd with the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) took over the forum on Saturday.

December 14, 2024
Competitions

Myler Combination Bit Approved for USEF Eventing Competitions

Following review of the Myler Combination bit, the USEF Eventing Sport Committee, at the recommendation of the Administrative Working Group and Eventing Athletes Working Group, approved a national exemption for the Myler Combination bit.

September 2, 2024
Competitions

New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect December 1, 2024

Following the United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF) summer meeting, 11 new rules changes for the 2025 eventing season were approved to go into effect starting Dec. 1, 2024. Now is a great time to begin familiarizing yourself with these upcoming adjustments to make sure you are in complianc...

July 18, 2024
Competitions

Rule Refresher: The Five Tenants of Schooling

You’ve made it to your event, your trailer is unloaded, your tack room is set, and your horse is settled—time for a little bit of schooling the day before the competition begins! Did you know there are rules around schooling under section EV111 of the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rules for E...

June 9, 2024
Competitions

Rule Refresher: Everything You Need to Know About Microchips

To chip or not to chip? That won’t exactly be the question anymore as of Dec. 1, 2025. In order to help prepare USEA members for this upcoming rule change, which was approved in December of 2023 by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), we have dedicated this edition of Rule Refresher to...

April 14, 2024
Competitions

Rule Refresher: Rules You Should Know for Competing at the Starter Level

With the Starter level now fully endorsed by the USEA, many competitors are taking advantage of competing at this level in hopes of accruing year-end points on the USEA leaderboard and securing their qualifications for the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds...

March 22, 2024