United States Eventing Association

USEF Approves COVID-19 Rule Modifications for 2020

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has approved additional modifications to the USEF Rules For Eventing in accordance with a resolution approved by the Board of Directors to address issues related to the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The full listing of rule modifications related to COVID-19 impacts can be viewed by clicking here.

The first eventing rule modification extends the validity of Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) already earned from 12 months to 18 months to allow U.S. athlete/horse combinations to compete as planned for in early summer 2020. Those who do not achieve an MER during the remainder of the 2020 competition year will be required to move down one height level in 2021 before resuming completion at the next highest height level. The second modification extends the period of time for site and course inspections for the cross-country test of horse trials from 12 months to 18 months prior to the competition.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) – Eventing
USEF COVID-19 Rule Modifications – updated 5/21/20

EV105 – Loss of Qualifications

For certain levels of competition, horses and riders must meet qualifying requirements. Those requirements are detailed in Appendix 3. Loss of these requirements (qualifications) is outlined below and pertains to any combination of USEF and FEI Events.

1. ESTABLISHMENT OF QUALIFICATION. When a horse and/or rider obtains a Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) at a level, then they are “established” (qualified to compete) at that level. This “establishment” does not expire; however, it is important to remember that in all cases, when entering an Event at the CCI1* level or above, at least one MER must be obtained in the 12 18 month period prior to the competition.

APPENDIX 3 - PARTICIPATION IN HORSE TRIALS – (Eventing)

A competitor and/or a horse may be entered in a Horse Trial without having fulfilled the qualifications noted below, provided the qualifications have been fulfilled at least 10 days before the Cross-Country Test of the competition for which it is needed if the MER has been achieved at a Horse Trial or CCI-S or at least 24 days if the MER has been achieved at a CCI-L. For Preliminary and Training Classic Three-Day Events, qualifying competitions must be completed within a 24-month period of the start of the competition. At the CCI* level and above, at least one MER must be obtained in the twelve eighteen-month period prior to the competition. e.g. a horse and/or rider who have achieved a MER at a CCI4* level of competition and who have not competed for over twelve eighteen months must first achieve a MER at the next lowest height level

4. LEVELS OF INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS AND EVENTS
4.1 UNCATEGORIZED RIDERS Listed below are the USEF requirements to compete in an FEI Competition. Additionally, all horses and riders must meet the minimum eligibility requirements (MER) published by the FEI which must be achieved by competitor and horse as a combination. Where FEI requirements refer to a “CCI” this may be satisfied by achieving an MER at a CCI-L or CCI-S of the level stated. When multiple MERs are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test.

All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination. At the CCI1* level and
above, at least one MER must be obtained in the twelve eighteen-month period prior to the competition (e.g., a horse and/or rider who have achieved a MER at a CCI4* level of competition and who have not competed for over twelve eighteen months must first achieve a MER at the next lowest height level).

4.2 CATEGORIZED RIDERS Listed below are the USEF requirements to compete in an FEI Competition. Additionally, all horses and riders must meet the minimum eligibility requirements (MER) published by the FEI. When multiple Minimum Eligibility Requirements are required, one of the Minimum Eligibility Requirements can be achieved incurring 20 penalties at the obstacles of the Cross Country Test. All USEF requirements do not need to be achieved as a combination. At the CCI1* level and above, at least one Qualifying Result must be obtained in the twelve eighteen-month period prior to the competition (e.g., a horse and/or rider who have achieved a QR at a CCI4* level of competition and who have not competed for over twelve eighteen months must first achieve a QR at the next lowest height level).

The above rules require U.S. Athletes, competing at the CCI1* level and above, to achieve one of the required Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) to compete within the twelve eighteen-month period prior to the competition in question. This is a requirement in addition to those prescribed by the FEI; due to the COVID-19 outbreak, it will, in some cases, put U.S. Athletes, otherwise qualified and prepared to compete at a certain level, at a disadvantage.

Cross-Country Test of Horse Course Certification - Eventing

EV175 Cross Country Course Designer
[…]
2. DUTIES.
a. The Cross Country Course Designer is responsible for the layout measurement,
preparation, and marking of the route for the Cross-Country Test of Horse Trials and Events,
including Phases A, B, and C of the latter. The Cross Country Course Designer is responsible
for the design and construction of all obstacles used in the Test.
b. In order to fulfill the responsibilities noted above, the Cross Country Course Designer must
visit the site and review changes to the courses or obstacles at least once within 12 18
months of a competition. The Cross Country Course Designer should be present during the
competition.