E-Newsletter, April 2011
2011 E-Newsletter April Issue!
Welcome to the April issue of the 2011 e-newsletter!
ATTENTION PC USERS!
Due to a change in the Microsoft policy regarding the autorun feature for USB drives on all supported Microsoft operating systems, we've updated the instructions for updating and accessing the USEF Rulebook USB drive. You can access the updated instructions here: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/RuleBook/PCInstructions.aspx.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) rule change reminders:
The USEF Board of Directors voted in 2010 to further restrict the use of NSAIDs to only one of the seven currently restricted NSAIDs at a time; the effective date of this rule is December 1, 2011. Since April 1, 2010, competitors have been required to submit a NSAID Disclosure Form if they had administered two different NSAIDs to their horse in the five days preceding competition. The NSAID Disclosure Forms will not be required after November 30, 2011, as the presence of two NSAIDs in a horse at the time of competition will not be permitted.
Additionally, at the recent USEF Annual Meeting in January of this year, the Board of Directors voted to permit the emergency use of flunixin (Banamine®) to treat symptoms associated with colic and ophthalmic (eye) emergencies. This rule change will go into effect on December 1, 2011 along with the Single NSAID rule change. It will require a 24 hour withdrawal from competition, the filing of a Medication Report Form, and must be administered by a veterinarian.
Please contact Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator of Drugs and Medications, with any questions.
ATTENTION EVENTING LICENSED OFFICIALS & COMPETITION MANAGERS:
The new Eventing Accident/Injury Report Forms are now available!
Due to the passage of Eventing Rule 113.2 regarding mandatory medical suspension periods, which went into effect immediately following the USEF Annual Convention on January 23, 2011; a new Accident/Injury Report Form was created for Eventing competitions only. These new forms are required to document all suspected head injuries, concussions and/or loss of consciousness that occur during Eventing competitions. The new form is now available on the USEF website as both a regular download and a “fill-in” version at http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/FormsPubs/Default.aspx.
The new Eventing Accident/Injury Report Form is to be used for any injury that occurs on the competition grounds during a USEF competition. The Cross-Country Fall Report Form (http://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/CrossCountry_FallReport.pdf) is still required for all falls (both fence and non-fence related) that occur anywhere on the Cross-Country course. If you have any questions about the either of these forms, please contact Beth Taylor at btaylor@usef.org or (859) 225-6981.
RETURN TO COMPETITION REMINDER FOR ALL COMPETITIONS:
Please note that per, General Rule 1317.2 regarding Return to Competition and Accidents Involving Competitors, any competitor who has a fall or accident and is apparently unconscious or concussed is not allowed to compete further until he or she is evaluated by the qualified medical personnel at the competition. If the competitor refuses to be evaluated, then he or she is to be disqualified from the competition and will be placed on the USEF Medical Suspension List until proper medical clearance documentation is received by the USEF office. Any incident that falls under this portion of the rule, is to be treated the same way as any other medical suspension report, and must be submitted to the USEF office no later than 6 PM the day following the end of the competition.
To help with the administration of GR1317, a revision to the Accident/Injury Report Form (for all Breeds & Disciplines except for Eventing) has been made available on the USEF website (http://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/AccidentInjuryForm.pdf). The new version of the form has an acknowledgement section for the competitor to sign that states that they understand that per GR1317 they will be placed on the Medical Suspension List if they refuse to be evaluated at a competition. There is also a “Fill-in” version of this form available on the USEF website at: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/FormsPubs/Default.aspx.
If you have any questions about GR1317 and Medical Suspensions, please contact Beth Taylor at btaylor@usef.org or (859) 225-6981.
INTRODUCING THE STEWARDS AND TECHNICAL DELEGATES COMMITTEE
The Stewards and Technical Delegates Committee would like to introduce themselves and the committee’s purpose and directives. A letter was sent to all Stewards and Technical Delegates on January 13, 2011 and is now available on the USEF website (http://www.usef.org/documents/competitions/USEFletterhead.pdf). Please review the letter at your convenience and if you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the committee members as listed in the letter.
Changes Affecting Saddlebred, Hackney, and Roadster Divisions of USEF Recognized Competitions in 2011
A Presidential Modification to the ratings chart specific to Saddlebred, Hackney, and Roadster Divisions (see USEF GR313, page GR38) has been granted for the 2011 competition year. The USEF Saddlebred, Hackney, and Roadster Committees requested that all three divisions be run as “A” Rated for the 2011 USEF Licensed Competition year; regardless of the number of classes or prize money offered. This modification will necessitate compliance with all other rules related to “A” rating (USEF License Fees will not be affected by this modification). No other division rules are affected by the Presidential Modification. This request was made in an effort to simplify the process for USEF Licensed Competitions holding these divisions and is consistent with proposed rule changes that were approved during the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting to eliminate ratings in these divisions for the 2012 competition year.
Hackney Division Revised Effective April 1, 2011
The American Hackney Horse Society and the USEF Hackney Committee worked together to draft a revision of the Hackney Division rules effective April 1, 2011. Rule references and some class specifications have changed. Therefore, secretaries need to be aware that the class specifications featured on the back of the judges’ cards will change. Class specifications found on the USEF website for download will be updated prior to April 1 and can be found here http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/FormsPubs/Default.aspx.
Change regarding Completing Affidavits in Saddlebred Division
Effective April 1, 2011 a person cannot complete a Saddlebred Affidavit unless they have submitted all required paperwork and fees to the American Saddlebred Registry. Exhibitors may continue to complete the affidavit if the horse is in the correct ownership but the registration certificate is not in their possession.
Master Classes added to Saddlebred Division
Effective April 1, 2011 a competition may offer Master classes within any section of the Saddlebred Division. These cases are restricted to amateur rider/drivers age 50 years and older. Classes are to be judged according to amateur class specifications. They are never to be stripped for conformation judging.
Changes to qualification criteria regarding National Horse Show “Good Hands” Saddle Seat Event
Those riders seeking to qualify for the 2011 National Horse Show Saddle Seat Event “Good Hands” Championship/Final must place first or second in an official class of at least three competitors in order to qualify. To apply to hold an official NHS Good Hands qualifier, please contact the National Horse Show Association of America, PO Box 386, Greenvale, NY 11548, enclosing a fee of $35.00 or email NationalHS@aol.com.
Use of Electronic Communication Devices in Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney and Roadster Divisions
In the Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, and Roadster Divisions electronic communication devices used for the purposes of coaching, etc., between competitions and individuals outside the ring is prohibited unless a presidential modification has been approved and presented to the competition steward prior to entering the competition ring. In the Hackney division a presidential modification is not currently required. Those handicapped drivers/riders must submit written proof to the Federation steward.
Competitions
USEF Announces 2011 Triple Point Competitions for USEF Horse of the Year Awards - Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster Divisions
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced the 2011 Triple Point Competitions for the Saddlebred, Hackney and Roadster Divisions of the Horse of the Year Awards. Each year, the Saddlebred Committee votes to award "triple point" status to one competition in each of their 12 regions. The Hackney and Roadster divisions will award triple points at the Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show. Points won at the designated competitions will count as triple points for the 2011 USEF Horse of the Year Awards program.
Saddlebred Division
Region 1 #317874 - UPHA Chapter One, Woodside, CA (May)
Region 2 #711 - NWSA Fall Classic & Futurity, Salem, OR (September)
Region 3/4 #1595 - Wisconsin Futurity Horse Festival, Madison, WI (September)
Region 5 #600 - UPHA American Royal National Championship, Kansas City, MO (November)
Region 6/7 #5674 - Oklahoma Centennial, Oklahoma City, OK (April)
Region 8 #423 - Rock Creek, Louisville, KY (June)
Region 9 #3355 - Asheville Lions Charity, Fletcher, NC (May)
Region 10 #370 - Southeastern Charity, Conyers, GA (September)
Region 11 #5131 - ASHAV, Lexington, VA (September)
Region 12 #2922 - UPHA Spring Premiere, West Springfield, MA (April)
For more information on the USEF Triple Point Competitions, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director National Breed/Discipline Affiliates and Youth Programs, via email at jmellenkamp@usef.org or call (859) 225-6955.
SELECT RIDER CLASSES FOR 2011
ELIGIBILITY: Status is determined as of December 1, 2010. If you qualify as “Select” as of this date in a particular section, you are eligible to remain “Select” in that particular section until December 1, 2011. If you have surpassed the AWARDS CRITERIA listed below, you will then be ineligible for Select status for the 2011 competition year and beyond in that section. If you have not surpassed the AWARDS CRITERIA listed below, you would continue to be eligible as “Select” and can continue as such each year until you have exceeded the AWARDS CRITERIA below.
SECTION: A section is defined as any grouping of classes within a Subchapter in the Arabian Division rules in the USEF Rulebook. As an example of a section: English Pleasure section. Regardless of which class you win in this section (Open AT, JT, etc.) under the AWARDS CRITERIA listed below, it counts toward this section. When you are no longer eligible to compete as “Select” in a Select rider class in the English Pleasure section, you may start over again as “Select” in Dressage, In- Hand, Western Pleasure, Trail, etc.
AWARDS CRITERIA: If you win any of the following classes, you are no longer eligible to exhibit as “Select” in that section during the next competition year (2012) and beyond.
1. 1 AHA Regional Top 5 or higher in that section
2. 1 AHA National Top Ten of higher in that section
3. 2 AHA Regional Champion awards in a Select class in that section
4. 2 AHA National Top Ten or higher awards in a Select class in that section.
NOTE: The changes to this rule for the 2012 competition year will be available on line at www.usef.org later in the year.
HOW TO AWARD HOTY POINTS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS
GR1113, GR1131.7 and HU148
GR1113.2b
2. No credit will be given in classes if less than three entries have shown and placed.
Exceptions:
b. At an “A” or “AA” rated hunter/jumper competition where it is required that the division be held over two days, if there are less than three exhibitors the second day, Zone and National Horse of the Year points will still apply.
What this rule means:
There is an exception to the rule where 3 are needed in a class to complete the course and be pinned. In this instance, on Day 2 in an A or AA competition where a section is held over 2 days, on the 2nd day, the classes can be counted for HOTY and Championship points with less than 3 entries.
GR1131.7
7. Number of entries. The number of entries is determined by the number of entries shown in the first performance class of the section. Sections may not be split if there are less than 40 entries. Sections may be split if there are 40 but less than 50 entries. Sections must be split if there are more than 49 entries. Competition management must post within 12 hours of the completion of the class, in a prominent place on the competition grounds, the number of entries shown in the first performance class of each rated Hunter section, signed by the officiating Judge.
What this rule means:
GR1131.7 says that the number of entries in the first performance class of a section will determine the number of entries for the Increment Chart. It follows, due to GR1113.2 (no credit will be given in classes if less than 3 entries have shown and placed) that if credit is not given for any class where there are less than 3 that complete the course, then the first class that does have 3 complete the course will be the one used for the Increment Chart. No class can receive points toward a HOTY award or Championship unless three entries show and place, other than under the GR1113.2b exception, where in A or AA shows, classes with less than 3 entries on day 2 will count for HOTY and Championship points.
HU148 General
1. Championships must be offered in “A” and “B” rated sections.
2. A Championship may not be offered in a section unless a minimum of two over fences classes and one Under Saddle class are held (Exception: Ladies Hunter Side Saddle). If a competition offers more than one Under Saddle class in any one section, only one will count towards the Championship. (Exception: classes divided as to weight, height, age or breeding.) The prize list must specify the class to count.
What this rule means:
Hunter sections must hold a minimum of two over fences classes and one under saddle class with at least three entries that show and place in order to award a champion and reserve.
Exception (GR1113.2b): At an “A” or “AA” rated hunter/jumper competition where the section is held over two days and classes have less than 3 exhibitors on the 2nd day, a Champion and Reserve may still be awarded even if a minimum total of two over fences classes and an under saddle class did not have 3 entries.
Examples of different situations:
1) At an “AA” competition that has two over fences classes and one under saddle on day one and two over fences classes on day two:
Day One: one over fences class and one under saddle class have 3 entries place; in the other over fences class less than 3 complete the course.
Day Two: the remaining two over fences classes have less than 3 place
• HOTY points are awarded for the over fences class and the under saddle class that filled with 3 entries on day one. No HOTY points are awarded for the other over fences class on day one that did not have 3 complete the course.
• HOTY points are awarded for both of the over fences classes on day two that had less than 3 entries because of the GR1113.2.b exception.
• A Champion and Reserve will be awarded in this section because GR1113.2.b creates an exception that allows less than 3 entries in a class on the second day of a hunter section to constitute a class.
2) At an “A” competition where the section is held on one day with three over fences and one under saddle:
Day One: In the first class only two complete the course. All three entries place in the other two over fences classes and the hack.
• HOTY points are awarded for all classes except the first class where less than 3 completed the course. Because the first class did not have three show and place, the second over fences class will determine the point scale on the increment chart.
• The Champion and Reserve are awarded because three horses were placed in two of the over fences classes and the under saddle class.
3) At an “A” competition where the section is held on one day with three over fences and one under saddle:
Day One: In the first and second class only two complete the course. In the third over fences class and the under saddle class all three entries place.
• The Champion and Reserve will not be awarded because three horses were not placed in at least two over fences classes. Only one over fences class was complete along with the under saddle.
• HOTY points will count for the third over fences class and the under saddle class where at least three entries placed.
Officials
What’s new for Licensed Officials in 2011?
A synopsis of the more pertinent rule changes affecting licensed officials for 2011 has been prepared for this newsletter. To view the actual wording of the rule changes, please refer to the changes posted on the Federation’s website.
Recorded Judges
Effective December 1, 2010, special cards will no longer be necessary for ‘r’ Arabian, Friesian, and Morgan judges to officiate alone at “A” rated competitions.
Arabian Judges
Starting with the 2011 competition year, judging the Arabian division at an Equine Canada/Arabian Horse Association approved competition will be considered a suitable substitute to maintain status as a USEF Arabian judge. Written verification must be submitted and the competition must have been judged during the same three-year time period as the officiating requirement. Example: to be eligible to renew for 2012, an Arabian judge must have officiated the Arabian division at a minimum of one USEF licensed competition during the three-year period of 2009 - 2011. If the judge officiated an Arabian division at an EC/AHA competition in 2009, 2010, or 2011, written verification to substantiate could be submitted and this information would then fulfill the officiating requirements for the 2012 renewal. A verification form was emailed to each Arabian judge, and is available on our website.
Carriage Pleasure Driving Judges
Officiating at an ADS recognized Pleasure Competition with 15 or more classes can be counted towards maintaining status as a Federation Carriage Pleasure Driving Judge. In addition, ADS recognized Pleasure Driving competitions can be counted towards promotion. Each of these new rules goes into effect December 1, 2010 with written verification required. Verification can be in the form of the ADS stewards report or other similar documentation.
Dressage Judges
FEI licensed Dressage judges who attend an FEI judges clinic (refresher seminar or course for promotion) will be required to attend a Federation Dressage judge’s clinic only once every five years instead of every three years. Permission must be granted by the NF before you can attend a foreign FEI course; contact the Licensed Officials Department.
National Show Horse Competitions
Effective April 1, 2011, an Arabian judge or a Saddlebred judge can officiate National Show Horse classes without a Guest Card. (GR1004.17)
There are additional changes to Chapter 10 rules which may be viewed in the 2011 Rulebook. The 2011 Rulebook changes throughout the year as new rules are approved by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. When in doubt, always refer to the online rulebook! It is the most up-to-date version.
Contact: Mary Smith, Director of Licensed Officials
ADS Pleasure Driving Clinic
The American Driving Society’s Clinic for Licensed Pleasure Driving Judges, Technical Delegates and Learners is open to any American Driving Society and United States Equestrian Federation officials interested in continuing their education, or those needing to fulfill their clinic attendance requirement in the Pleasure Driving/Carriage Pleasure division. It is also available for audit for any American Driving Society Breed Partner Association official, for auditing. The clinic will be held June 11 - 12, 2011 at the 17th Annual Brandywine Carriage Driving Show (BCDS), held at the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area; Fair Hill, Maryland. Information for the BCDS is in the Jan- June 2011 ADS Omnibus (pg. 43) or the online Omnibus.
Clinicians are Marsha Himler,( Stillwater, NY) a “R” Pleasure Driving judge for ADS and USEF; and Ed Young (Geneseo, NY) a “R” Pleasure Driving Technical Delegate with ADS and USEF.
The closest major airport is Philadelphia International Airport. The Courtyard Marriott Newark is locate 3 miles away, mention that you are attending the Brandywine Show for a 10% discount.
(400 David Hollowell Drive, Newark DE 19716, phone 302-737-0900 or the hotel website)
Registration information will be available on the ADS Web site, April 12, 2011. We would like to get a headcount of interested officials BEFORE April 12th as we need at least 5 participants. If you are interested e-mail Ellen Ettenger to declare your intent to attend. Approximate cost will be $130.00 per person.
Car pooling arrangements can be facilitated to and from the airport, and to the show grounds.
FEI Tests
Please discard any and all FEI score sheets downloaded before January 28 2011. The FEI has posted revised score sheets for all tests including FEI freestyles and Young Horse tests. The calculation of errors has changed based on new FEI rules, and these changes are reflected on the new score sheets.
Directives for Rider Scores
The directives for rider scores have been updated by the Dressage Committee. Because the Dressage Tests are copyrighted and were published several months ago, the changes to the directives will not be made on the score sheets. However, we’ve attached them below. These directives should help guide judges in assigning scores.
RIDERS’S POSITION & SEAT
Posture and alignment. Stability, elasticity, weight placement, follow mechanics of gaits.
RIDERS’S CORRECT AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE AIDS
Subtle but effective aids – correct Basics, accuracy of the exercises.
HARMONY BETWEEN RIDER AND HORSE
Ease and fluency of execution, calmness. Willingness, and trust in rider. Overall presentation of test.
DSE Judge Training
As in previous years, there will be an opportunity for judges to receive training in the Dressage Seat Equitation Program at Lamplight Equestrian Center, in Wayne, IL, August 25-26. The USEF Dressage Committee has approved this training session taught by Lois Yukins and held in conjunction with the Dressage Seat Medals Finals and the Developing Horse and Young Horse National Championships.
Young Horse Training
Attention all USEF “S” Dressage Judges: The USEF Dressage Committee would like to inform you of three opportunities this year for USEF-approved Young Horse seminars:
(1) USEF-sponsored clinic August 25-26 at the Young Horse National Finals at Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois. Watch the USEF website for complete details on this clinic.
(2) IDOC-sponsored clinic for IDOC members (all FEI and “S” judges eligible for membership) in Verden, Germany, at the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses, August 4-8. If you are not already a member and want to join, contact Cara Whitham in Canada about membership at caraw@allstream.net.
(3) The German National Federation is holding a Young Horse clinic for all interested parties at the German Young Horse Championships (Bundeschampionnat) in Warendorf, Germany, September 3-6. At the same time, but with separate presenters, the FEI will hold an examining course for Young Horse judging for FEI judges. Our “S” judges may attend the German National Federation section, but only current FEI Dressage judges can attend the FEI examination course and must receive prior approval to attend from the NF.
In 2012, USEF will also sponsor a Young Horse judge’s clinic in March or April in either Florida or Maryland, dates and places TBD.
Please keep in mind that for 2012, USEF recommends that for the qualifying competitions for the USEF Young Horse National Finals, at least one of the 2 “S” judges one the panel for these classes should have completed a USEF-approved Young Horse training session. For 2013, this will be a requirement.
Changes to DR rules
At the March Meeting of the USEF Executive Committee, significant changes were made to many of the DR rules which are effective immediately. Many of these changes pertain to judging and scoring for dressage. Please reference these updated rules that are effective immediately in the attached document located here.
Staff Directory
Competition Licensing, Evaluation & Safety Department
Leigh Anne Claywell, Director, lclaywell@usef.org (859)225-6959
Diana Campbell, Assistant Director, dcampbell@usef.org (859)225-6914
Becky Francis, Competition Reports Analyst, bfrancis@usef.org (859)225-6980
Rachael Zilboorg, Competition Evaluation Analyst, rzilboorg@usef.org (859)225-2047
Beth Ann Taylor, Competition Safety & Federation Representative Coordinator, btaylor@usef.org (859)225-6981
Licensed Officials Department
Mary Smith, Director, msmith@usef.org (859)225-6948
Diane Shawback, Assistant Director, Licensing, dshawback@usef.org (859)225-6971
Jan McKinney, Continuing Education Coordinator, jmckinney@usef.org (859)225-6988
Abigail Cook, Project Development Coordinator, acook@usef.org (859)225-2057
Education Department
Chuck Walker, Director, cwalker@usef.org (859)225-6970
Amanda Bassett, Assistant Director, abassett@usef.org (859)225-2044
Regulation Department
Emily Patrick, Director, epatrick@usef.org (859)225-6956
Julie Bernier, Assistant Director, jbernier@usef.org (859)225-6953
Adrienne Dumke, Regulation Representative, adumke@usef.org (859)225-2048
Terri Grothpietz, Regulation Representative, tgrothpietz@usef.org (859)225-6917
Kristen Brett, Regulation Representative, kbrett@usef.org (859)225-6945
Weekend Emergency Hotline
(859) 312-5186
Drugs and Medications Hotline
(800) 633-2472