Click on the hyperlink beneath each rule title to read the full text of the change and learn more about the purpose and origin of each.
Rule change proposals go through multiple rounds of comment, consideration, and revision before they come before the USEF board. Members are encouraged to submit comments on proposals throughout this process, and members who have been in good standing for at least five years can also submit rule change proposals to go through this process. You can learn more about the rule change process in this article.
Learn more about the rule change process, timeline, and submit a rule change here.
Please note: The rule language in the linked pdfs below represents the final draft passed by the board. Rule change proposals go through three comment periods during the year for committees and members, and are edited in between to address concerns or confusion raised during those comment periods. This means the same proposal may have gone through three different drafts from inception to passage. Committees may or may not submit comments on each draft during this process. Some of the comments you see from members and committees may be on Draft 1 or Draft 2, and not the final Draft 3 that is included in the pdf and passed into the rule book. Some of the changes between Drafts 1, 2, and 3 may be significant.
Objectives, Purpose, and Standards of Levels
Tracking 049-25, modifying DR 118.2
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/29EmbAqtfeo
Aligning Young Horse Procedures with FEI Young Horse Events
Tracking 072-25, modifying DR 122.14
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/_Q--LeehQYY
Aligning Spur Length for Pony Rider and Children's with FEI
Tracking 073-25, modifying DR 120.4
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/J_2Uh9xPTLI
Adding Statement on Ethical Treatment of Horses
Tracking 136-25, modifying DR 101.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/_s44_4zlZhE
Participation in Dressage Competitions
Tracking 137-25, modifying DR 119.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/v1KLD_PM46w
Aligning Deductions for Voice Aids with FEI
Tracking 138-25, modifying DR 122.3
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/9Fn4EYEgG1Y
Procedures for Dressage Seat Equitation
Tracking 139-25, modifying DR 133.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/_whDC4JTC5o
Eligibility for Geldings of Different Ages to Compete
Tracking 140-25, modifying DR 203.7
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/4aEoaIsYv1o
Standards for Dressage Sport Horse Breeding In-Hand Classes
Tracking 141-25, modifying DR 208.0
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/F1gguHzGv_E
Conduct of In-Hand Classes
Tracking 142-25, modifying DR 209.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/0llWOPOttMM
Judging Procedures for In-Hand Classes
Tracking 143-25, modifying DR 211.4
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/hC4L-h2doro
Levels Where Double Bridle is Permitted
Tracking 144-25, modifying DR 121.0
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/pzwiDvaztPM
Execution and Judging of Tests
Tracking 145-25, modifying DR 122.5
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/rI-FCeLVp5o
Aligning Permitted Spurs with FEI
Tracking 225-25, modifying DR 120.4
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/Jkx43oq030w
Safety Stirrups
Tracking 226-25, modifying DR 121.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/SJOMP0EMdsA
Bits
Tracking 227-25, modifying DR 121.2
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/HATZfnSPdx8
Half-Cheek Bits
Tracking 228-25, modifying DR 121.21
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/pAU1yWfl6qM
Execution and Judging of Tests – Freestyle
Tracking 229-25, modifying DR 122.7
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/eJUgUeqtduw
Updating Terminology to Reflect Current Dressage Tests
Tracking 230-25, modifying DR 123.3
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/SYLdvC7g3Yg
Musical Freestyle Procedures
Tracking 231-25, modifying DR 129.6
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/sjyzsmcLinc
Pony Measurement
Tracking 232-25, modifying DR 135.1
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/w8wJ1MdmzZY
Curb Mouthpieces
Tracking 233-25, modifying DR 121.6
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/7akAIWkw7aQ
Tack Inspections for Fly Hoods
Tracking 257-25, modifying DR 121.8
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/lyp4Az-xpKA
Aligning Crownpiece Rules with FEI
Tracking 261-25, modifying DR 121.3
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/JAQ3D0BMLg4