United States Eventing Association

The proposed USEF rule change regarding the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary levels is still very much up for deliberation, and the USEA would like to welcome the input of its members.

This proposed rule change, which includes adjustments to the wording of Levels of Horse Trials and adjustments to EV140, is still in the early stages of discussion. It has been accepted only as a proposal, and still has many stages to pass through before it would become a rule. The proposed rule change aims to clarify the levels as they already exist, rather than changing the eventing experience at these levels.

If passed, the rule would take effect on December 1, 2015 for the 2016 competition season. However, there will be multiple opportunities for members to voice their opinions and all comments and concerns will be discussed by numerous USEA Committees and the Board of Governors.

“The entire USEA Board is reviewing all comments received and there will also be multiple opportunities to voice concerns at the Annual Meeting in December,” said USEA President Diane Pitts. “The best way to make your voices heard is to email [email protected] or [email protected] with the subject line ‘Rule Change Proposal.’”

Each and every email will be read and discussed by the USEA leaders and Board of Governors. Now is the time to let the leaders of the USEA know what you think!

In general, rule changes begin as submissions, and any USEF member may submit a rule change (s) through the USEF website. Affiliate members (USEA, USDF, etc.) may also submit a rule change (s).

USEA Committees, such as the Competitions, Organizers and Course Designers/Course Builders Committees, may put forth a rule change submission to the USEA Board of Governors for consideration. Then, the USEA Board of Governors determines if the proposal should go forward to the USEF Eventing Technical Committee, endorsed by the USEA.

All rule changes are compiled by the USEF for publication and review by the membership. A rule change forum is held annually at the USEA Annual Meeting (held this year in Fort Worth, Texas) for the membership to comment on the proposed changes. Members may also contact their Board of Governors to express their concerns. The Eventing Technical Committee discusses the comments made at the December meeting further at the USEF Annual Meeting in January. Depending on the comments received, and the action of the USEF Eventing Technical Committee, the rule proposal is either be submitted as originally presented, submitted with amendments or, withdrawn completely. If the action is one of the first two, the rule goes before the USEF Board of Directors for final approval and goes into effect that following December.

Let your voice be heard! Email all comments to [email protected] or [email protected] with subject line “Rule Change Proposal,” and join us at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention for the Rule Change Open Forum to discuss the proposed changes with fellow eventers.