Rule Changes to Know from the Rule Change Open Forum at the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
Most eventers across the country are preparing for the holidays, hunkering down in the cold weather, and not thinking about the competition season quite yet, but now is the perfect time to brush up on rule change proposals for the 2026 season and beyond!
Attendees at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention last weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana, got a chance to make their voices heard at the Rule Change Open Forum, moderated by Malcolm Hook.
Three types of rule change proposals (RCPs) were discussed—those that align with the FEI rules for eventing, extraordinary RCPs, and standard RCPs.
USEF Subscriber and Active members have the opportunity to submit their commentary on all RCPs online via your My USEF dashboard. The open comment period for general rules opened on Sept. 15, 2025, and will close on Feb. 15, 2026. The open comment period for eventing rules will open March 6, 2026, and close April 19.
The 2025 rulebook went into effect on Dec. 1, 2025, and can be found here.
To view a full list of RCPs, click here.
Read on for some of the key RCPs discussed in the Rule Change Open Forum:
A proposal around Appendix 3 would align the national Modified level to match the FEI standards of the CCI1* level. The highest point of a spread on a jump on cross-country would be adjusted from 4’3” to 3’11”, drops would go from 4’11” to 4’7”, and speed would go from 490 mpm to 500 mpm.
Also proposed was some clarifying language to Appendix 1 that would apply to the national Beginner Novice and Novice levels. This new language clarifies that liverpools are prohibited and that triple combinations and lines of less than five strides would be prohibited at these levels. Also, at the Novice level, the following language has been proposed: “No oxer is allowed in a one stride combination.”
Changes to EV127 would implement the Compulsory Retirement (CR) rule at all levels, which Starter, Beginner Novice and Novice are currently not impacted by. This regulation requires that if a rider receives 20 penalties in show jumping prior to running cross-country, they will receive a CR and cannot continue the competition. For those riders who do continue on to cross-country after receiving a CR, the following language has been added: “An Athlete who starts Cross-country after receiving a CR will be issued a Yellow Warning Card or Recorded Warning.”
If a change to Subchapter EV10 is approved, then ear plugs will be allowed in all phases.
In an attempt to make the sport more accessible, proposals to change Subchapter EV9 would remove the stock tie requirement for dressage and replace it with the following language: “Neckwear must be worn that may include a closed shirt collar, stock tie, or choker type collar.” There is also the addition that breeches of any conservative color would be allowed.
Adjustments to EV156 are as follows in bold: Must eliminate any horse that is lame, sick, or exhausted; and any athlete who is unfit to continue. If a horse’s fitness to compete is questioned in any regards, the president of the ground jury in consultation with the veterinarian and technical delegate will convene to determine the best options for the welfare of the horse and education of the rider. See also ev112, ev105. There is no appeal against a ground jury determination for these circumstances.
To align with a proposed FEI rule change, EV122 Cross-Country Phase Definitions of Faults, would assess a 9-point penalty if the horse’s head, neck, and points of both shoulders do not pass between the flags. If the flags are dislodged, the hindquarters must jump the height of the solid part of the obstacle. The current FEI rule assesses 15 penalties for a “missed flag.”
About the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention takes place each December and brings together a large group of dedicated USEA members and supporters to discuss, learn, and enjoy being surrounded by other eventing enthusiasts. The USEA organizes multiple seminars in addition to committee meetings, open forums, and tons of fun! The 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Dec. 11—14. Click here to learn more about the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention.
The USEA would like to thank the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Sponsors: Adequan, ARMA, Bates Saddles, D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Marshall+Sterling, Nunn Finer, Nutrena, PulseVet, Rebecca Farm, RevitaVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, SmartEquine, Standlee, and World Equestrian Brands.
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