With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) announcement in May 2021 that anyone who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can participate in indoor and outdoor activities, large or small, without wearing a face covering/mask or physically distancing, changes were made to the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan accordingly. By definition, an individual is considered to be fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer, Moderna, etc.), or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
At a minimum, competition organizers and all persons at USEF-licensed or endorsed competitions are required to follow state and local regulations for face coverings/masks and social distancing. In the absence of state and local regulations, the USEF and the USEA recommend compliance with the CDC guidelines. Competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.
Competition organizers must communicate to competition staff, competitors, officials and spectators the COVID requirements under which their competition will operate and licensed officials should be aware of that plan.
All persons attending USEF/USEA competitions are responsible for reviewing and complying with the COVID-19 requirements in effect at each competition. This is vital, as requirements may vary between competitions. Anyone who is not fully vaccinated must exercise personal responsibility and wear a face covering/mask wearing and continue to practice social distancing and frequent hand washing. Individuals may choose to wear a face covering/mask even when not required. Anyone choosing to do so, will not be penalized.
The USEF COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan was designed to provide general guidelines for managing incidents in the event a COVID-19 related situation occurs at a US Equestrian Licensed Competition. The COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan can be viewed here.
If all goes according to plan in the first part of the extended weekend, we will see 36 horses galloping across Derek di Grazia's CCI5*-L cross-country course at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (DK3DE). We partnered up with the team at CrossCountry App to bring you a preview of both the five-star and CCI4*-s tracks this year.
Lights, cameras, action! The first formal horse inspection (which some might informally refer to as "the jog") at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE) takes place this afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. While this part of the event is a fan-favorite historically based on the impeccable turnout of the horses and the stylish and forward fashion choices of the riders (we are looking at you Boyd Martin in hopes that you bring back the American flag suit circa 2022), it serves a very important purpose: ensuring that each horse is fit, sound, and ready to compete at the five-star level.
There are so many things to love about the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event and the opportunity to peruse the booths of so many amazing vendors is definitely one of them! Don’t forget to stop by the USEA booth, located just behind the Rolex Stadium next to the large Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event booth, to stock up on all of your favorite USEA apparel.
After the first competition at Modified was held at The Horse Park at Woodside in California in 2023, the level will be under an even bigger spotlight with the Modified Match that will be offered at the 2024 Woodside Spring Horse Trials that will take place from May 24-26.