United States Eventing Association

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 grounds. Bringing horses to an event to school, provide lessons, or to campaign for sale without registering them as a non-compete horse is strictly prohibited.

Text has been taken directly from the USEF Rules for Eventing with emphasis added by the USEA.

EV135. Exercising and Warmup Areas 1. IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS. By 3 p.m. the day prior to the start of the entire Event, or upon arrival if later, each Horse, including non-competing Horses, must be issued a number. This number must be visibly worn at all times when the Horse is being ridden or exercised.

GR1302 Duties 1. Every exhibitor, rider, driver, handler, and trainer or their agent(s) must sign an entry blank (see GR404 and GR908.2). In the case of a rider, driver, or handler under 18, their parent or guardian, or if not available, the trainer, must sign an entry blank on the minor’s behalf.

It is important to note that riding a non-registered non-compete horse puts you and your horse at risk as there is no insurance coverage for those not registered to be on grounds as an entry or a non-compete.

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