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.

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

Dutton and Possante Lead the Advanced Division at Millbrook Horse Trials

The Millbrook Horse Trials kicked off on July 25 with lower level dressage at Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park in Millbrook, New York. There are more than 400 total entries competing at Millbrook, from Beginner Novice to Advanced level. Today the upper level horses cantered down the centerline, while the lower levels headed out on cross-country.

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

Adams Horse Supply to be Title Sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is thrilled to announce Adams Horse Supply as the new title sponsor of the USEA Adult Team Championships (ATC) at the American Eventing Championships (AEC). The ATC will now be titled “The Adams Horse Supply USEA Adult Team Championships at the AEC.”

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

One Spun, All U.S. Horses Pass At First Olympic Eventing Horse Inspection

The world’s best eventing horses and riders will be first out of the starting blocks when the equestrian action gets underway at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Versailles, France, tomorrow morning with the opening dressage test.

Jul 26, 2024 Eventing News

USEF Announces Changes for U.S. Olympic Eventing Team Before Start of Paris 2024

The U.S. Equestrian Federation has announced a change to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team prior to the start of competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Traveling reserve combination Liz Halliday and Nutcracker will move into the three-member team, replacing Will Coleman and Diabolo.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle 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

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA