Jul 04, 2023

USEF Board of Directors Approves Rule Changes at Annual Mid-Year Meeting

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) held its annual Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting on June 19 and 20 in Lexington, Kentucky. During the meeting, the Directors heard updates from around the sport, learned from leading experts, and made several important decisions that directly impact USEF members and their horses.

Dr. Stephanie Bonin is a lifelong equestrian who is a renowned expert in the field of brain injuries and helmet protection. Dr. Bonin’s presentation focused on the history of protective headgear in sport, the current testing standards, and where helmet technology is today.

Dr. Katie Flynn is USEF’s Senior Staff Veterinarian, a role she stepped into earlier this year following a career as an equine staff veterinarian for the California Department of Food and Agriculture and, most recently, was the State Veterinarian for Kentucky. Dr. Flynn presented on her role with USEF, the recent outbreak of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in Southern California, and the importance of continuing biosecurity efforts to prevent its spread.

Finally, the Board acted on a round of rule changes at the Mid-Year meeting. Each change below, unless otherwise noted, will go into effect on Dec. 1, 2023, for the 2024 competition year.

Equine Safety & Wellbeing

GR1101.1 (036-22) - Microchipping
Beginning December 1, 2025, all horses competing in USEF licensed or endorsed competitions must be microchipped with a 15-digit ISO compliant 11784/11785 chip that is implanted in the nuchal ligament of the horse’s neck. The microchipping of horses is fundamental to equine well-being, especially during times of disease outbreaks, natural disasters, in cases of theft, and to protect against fraud.
GR1215.3 (033-22) – Requiring Adequate Rest for Horses at Competitions
In the interest of health and the wellbeing of the horse, minimal lighting and noise are mandated at all licensed competitions for a minimum of six consecutive hours overnight. The USEF Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee proposed this rule change to assist in allowing horses adequate rest and REM sleep which are necessary to avoid undue stress and impaired performance

GR1033.5 (023-22) – Number of Stewards, TDs, and/or Certified Schooling Supervisors Required to Officiate
As the number of horses or competition rings increases, the number of instances where a Steward, Technical Delegate, or Certified Schooling Supervisor is needed also increases. In order for Stewards, Technical Delegates, and Certified Schooling Supervisors to properly complete their designated duties, the number of licensed officials required during a compeition will be increased as necessary to better align with the total number of horses competing and the number competition rings being utilized.
GR1215.5 (045-22) – Barn/Temporary Stabling Identification
All permanent barn structures and temporary stabling on competition grounds must have clearly visible identification, such as numbers, letters, or names. This rule further supports equine (and human) safety and wellbeing, as it will allow medical personnel, veterinarians, stewards, safety coordinators, etc. to respond to emergency or general stabling situations promptly.

Human Athlete/Participant Safety & Welfare

GR848.6 (032-22) – Return to Competition Protocols
Licensed Physical Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are added to the list of individuals authorized to provide medical clearance for return to competition following an individual’s suspected head injury or concussion.
GR801.2 (030-22) – Helmet Certification
The USEF Board approved the expansion of acceptable international testing standards for protective headgear at USEF licensed competitions. A full list of acceptable standards will be made available on the USEF website before Dec. 1, 2023.

Fairness/Level Playing Field

GR1304.1 (049-22) – Conflict of Interest Rules for Licensed Officials
The conflict-of-interest rules for USEF Licensed Officials will become consistent across all breeds and disciplines and the nature of conflicts of interest will be better clarified.

To view all of the rules changes, click here.

Sep 23, 2023 Eventing News

Stellar Show Jumping Round Puts Saville in the CCI4*-S Lead at Plantation Field

As Tropical Storm Ophelia brought soaking rains to the region today, the Plantation Field International continued its four days of competition with CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S show jumping and cross-country for CCI1*-S, CCII2*-S, and CCI3*-S divisions.

Sep 23, 2023

Meet the Newest Area IX Champions

The USEA Area IX Championships took place during two different horse trials this summer, with the Modified Championships as part of the The Event at Archer (Cheyenne, Wymoming) in August and the Preliminary, Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice Championships taking place during The Event at Skyline (Mount Pleasant, Utah) in September. In addition, Area IX offered additional championship tests at the Starter and Tadpole levels at Skyline.

Sep 22, 2023 Eventing News

Martin and Luke 140 Take CCI4-S Dressage Lead at Plantation Field International

The CCI4*-S division at the 2023 Plantation Field International Horse Trials kicked off today with 39 horses headed down centerline. Local rider Boyd Martin of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, topped the leaderboard riding Luke 140, owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate, and is also tied for third (28.8) with the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B. Martin is also placed 23rd with Contessa, owned by the Turner family.

Sep 22, 2023 Young Event Horse

The Dutta Corporation Returns as Title Sponsor of the USEA Young Event Horse Championships

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is humbled to announce the return of long-time partner The Dutta Corporation as the “Title Sponsor of the 2023 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Championships,” which include the East Coast Championships at the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland, on Oct. 19-20 and the West Coast Championships at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, on Oct. 27-28.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Real Estate Partner of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA