Starting Dec. 1, 2026, all Endorsed levels of eventing (Beginner Novice through Training) will transition from USEF Endorsed to USEF Lite levels, and will now include Starter. Here’s what you need to know about the change.
If you are currently competing at Starter through Training and someone else signs the Coach or Trainer portion of your entry blank:
- You are not required to have a USEF membership or USEF Annual Lite Pass to compete at Lite levels. Please be aware that if you compete without a USEF competing membership, your results will not count toward USEF annual awards.
- USEA registration of horses will still be required, and you will still be required to pay for a full USEA membership.
If you are currently competing at Starter through Training and do not work with a Trainer or Coach:
- In this situation, you are likely signing the entry blank as Trainer and Coach. This means you will need a USEF Annual Lite Pass ($15) unless you decide to purchase a full USEF competing membership. USEA will cover the cost of the Annual Lite pass. The USEA and USEF are working together to create a seamless process to provide this.
- Learn more about the Annual Lite Pass here.
- The person signing as Trainer or Coach must be compliant with Safe Sport training. You can find instructions on how to access training here. Training must be refreshed annually.
- USEA registration of horses will still be required, and you will still be required to pay for a full USEA membership.
If you currently sign the entry blank as a Trainer or Coach for a horse or athlete competing Starter through Training and/or you compete at Modified or above:
- If you sign the entry blank as Trainer or Coach for horses and athletes at the Lite levels and you do not participate as an athlete at Modified or above, you do not need a USEF competing membership. You need a USEF Annual Lite Pass, which costs $15. USEA will cover the costs of this pass. The USEA and USEF are working together to create a seamless process to provide this.
- If you sign the entry blank as Trainer or Coach for horses or athletes at the Lite levels but also compete at Modified or above in Regular licensed competitions, you will still need a USEF Competing Membership.
- USEA registration of horses will still be required, and you will still be required to pay for a full USEA membership.
Not sure who should sign an entry blank as rider, coach, or trainer?
The rider field on an entry blank should contain the name of the rider.
The “Coach” field is designed for someone who is providing instruction to the rider only – not the horse.
When deciding who should sign the entry agreement as the “Trainer,” consider who is responsible for the care, custody, and control of the horse before and during a show. In cases where an owner or rider cares for their own horse, they would sign the blank as Trainer since they are the person making decisions or giving instructions about the care, feeding, stabling, and preparation of the horse. If an owner or rider cares for the horse away from shows, but the horse is stabled with and cared for by another individual or barn at the show, then that person would sign as trainer. The Trainer on the entry form must be present on the grounds of the horse show.
Questions? Email [email protected].