USEF continues to work closely with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), competition organizers, and participants to manage the EHV-1 situation in CA and provide updates to our membership. The information provided below is based on information available to USEF at the time of distribution.
In an effort to mitigate the risk of further spread of EHV-1, all USEF Licensed competitions in CA were suspended through March 17. In line with the CDFA release issued March 3, USEF does not have any hunter/jumper competitions taking place until after March 31.
USEF has implemented a return-to-competition protocol that applies to any horse that has been on the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) or Rancho Mureta showgrounds, or any horse that has been exposed to a horse confirmed positive for EHV-1 off competition grounds in the past 14 days. This will allow the horse to be released from the EHV-1 Ineligibility List.
The Return to Competition Declaration Forms are now available, as affected competitors begin preparing to compete again. Please complete both forms and follow the return to competition protocols:
USEF EHV-1 Return to Competition Declaration and Testing Result Form is to be submitted online along with evidence of negative test results to remove horses from the ineligibility list.
USEF Competition EHV-1 Declaration Form is available at competition grounds for all competitors to complete when they arrive at a show. This form can also be filled out in advance of arriving at the competition and submitted upon arrival.
These documents will be required under the return to competition protocol in order to get a horse’s ineligibility status lifted.
FEI Return to Competition Protocols
In order for an affected horse to return to FEI competition, the following requirements must be met:
FEI horses MUST have a negative EHV-1 PCR test to return to competition
OR
USEF Return to (National) Competition Protocols
In order for an affected horse to return to USEF (National) competition, the following requirements must be met:
OR
OR
It is critical that everyone follow biosecurity protocols in order for this situation to improve. Please note that the USEF protocols for testing to return to competition may be more extensive than those of the CDFA.
If you have questions on the USEF protocols, please email USEF at [email protected]. For additional information, please refer to the California Department of Food and Agriculture and Equine Disease Communication Center websites.
As they hiked through the Galway Irish countryside, Shelley Bridges and John Whelpley soon found themselves amid a herd of curious Irish Draught mares grazing calmly around them. Bridges, an endurance rider extraordinaire with a well-known, educated eye for all things horse, noticed one of the mares in particular and said, “What about that one?” and our unlikely story began.
With the holiday spirit in full swing and the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to get ready for the 2024 eventing season. From paperwork to packing, there’s quite a bit to do before you’re ready to get out there and enjoy the season with your horse. Check out these tips from the team at STRIDER, and get your 2024 season kicked off in the most organized way possible.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2024, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Emerging Programs. In addition to these Eventing Pathway Program updates, several opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes.
The United States Eventing Associations’ (USEA) Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) is pleased to announce the dates and location of the upcoming 2024 ECP Symposium. The annual ECP Symposium, which is held in the southeast to accommodate the migration of eventers for the winter season, will be hosted at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida, on Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2024. This three-day immersive educational experience is recommended for anyone who is interested in learning more about eventing coaching, including current coaches, riders, parents, owners or avid supporters. Click here to download the registration form today!