There is no one-size-fits-all protocol for environmental conditions like air quality at equine events. Competition management must base their decisions on the competition discipline type, the venue layout and topography, the equine and human athlete demographics and all environmental factors.

Please note: This guidance does not replace veterinary judgment, governing body rules, local emergency procedures, or official weather alerts. When there is uncertainty, decisions should prioritize horse welfare and human safety.

These guidelines are based on human and equine studies and are focused on the average healthy, fit equine. Horses with equine asthma, recurrent airway obstruction, recent respiratory illness, advanced age, very young age, or other underlying health concerns should be considered more vulnerable and managed conservatively.

During competition, measurements should be taken on-site because air quality can vary across the venue depending on tree cover, wind, stabling layout, and crowding.

Check AQI every three hours when conditions are mild, hourly when risk is elevated, and every 30 minutes when conditions are severe or changing rapidly.

Decisions regarding delays should be made a minimum of 90 minutes before start of competition. Mitigation breaks based on air quality should be at least 90 minutes long. If there is a cancellation or modification to the schedule, staff should ensure horses are not being worked or lunged during these times.

For competitions which don’t have an on-site air quality monitoring system, the AirNow website is recommended for obtaining the air quality index data for decision making.

AirNow (https://www.airnow.gov/) reports air quality using the official U.S. air quality index number. AirNow is a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state, and local air quality agencies. Take note of where the AirNow AQI reading is coming from in your area. In some cases, the monitoring station may be very close or very far from you.

Depending on the location and layout of your venue, it may be more effective to have your own AQI monitor which can be used on-site. USEF recommends using the Temtop Air Quality Monitor, which provides PM2.5 and PM10 Particular Counter as well as an overall AQI reading. This is one of relatively few monitors that is designed for outdoor use. We do not recommend using one created for indoor-only use.

Site Evaluation

Before the start of the competition, a site-specific assessment should be performed to determine venue specific risks and possible mitigation measures.

In addition to monitoring weather alerts and your local AQI rating, consider the topography of your facility and be prepared to pay special attention to low-lying areas, valleys, or areas enclosed by trees or buildings. Also keep in mind the existing air particulates that come from roads, dust footpaths, or arena surfaces.

AQI should not be the only factor in deciding whether to delay or cancel a competition. Decisions should account for duration of exposure, intensity of exercise, heat and humidity, dust generation, wind direction, availability of indoor or cleaner-air alternatives, and the presence of sensitive horses or people.

Conservative modifications such as reducing exertion, limiting exposure time, increasing rest breaks, improving dust control, delaying high-intensity classes, or suspending activity when conditions worsen are appropriate risk reduction measures when air quality may compromise equine or human safety.

Additional measures may include:

• Reduce exertion. Shorten warm-up times, reduce lunging time, reduce schooling intensity, avoid unnecessary galloping, and schedule lower-intensity activity during poorer air quality periods.
• Reduce exposure duration. Limit time horses spend standing in smoky or dusty outdoor areas.
• Encourage competitors to control dust. Avoid sweeping or raking with horses in the barn and use low-dust bedding. Wet hay to decrease dust.
• Support hydration and cooling. Provide accessible water, shade, and cooling areas while avoiding excessive air movement that increases dust exposure.
• Protect sensitive horses. Seek veterinary consultation and avoid strenuous work for horses with respiratory signs.

Mitigation measures for humans should focus on reducing inhaled dose by limiting time outdoors, decreasing exertion, improving access to cleaner air, and protecting individuals at higher risk. Measures should be scaled to the AQI level, visibility, smoke or dust intensity, heat and humidity, and the type and duration of work or competition activity.

• Reduce exposure duration. Limit time spent in smoky or dusty outdoor areas, rotate staff assignments, move spectators away from affected areas, and provide frequent breaks in cleaner-air locations.
• Support hydration and heat safety. Provide water, shade, cooling areas, and rest breaks, especially when poor air quality occurs with high heat or humidity.
• Protect sensitive individuals. Encourage people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, pregnancy, older age, young age, or significant symptoms to reduce exposure, follow their personal medical action plans, and seek medical care for worsening or concerning signs.

Pre-Event Advisory

Competition management is monitoring local air quality conditions for this event. Participants should review current conditions before travel, monitor horses for cough, nasal discharge, increased respiratory effort, or poor recovery, and consult their veterinarian if they have concerns. Management may modify the schedule, reduce activity, delay classes, suspend competition, or cancel portions of the event if conditions create an unacceptable risk to horses or people.

Day-of Modification Notice

Due to current air quality conditions, competition management is implementing modifications to reduce exposure and exertion. These may include shortened warm-ups, adjusted ride times, additional breaks, arena dust control, veterinary monitoring, or delayed classes. Please monitor your horses closely and report any respiratory concerns to the event veterinarian or show office.

Suspension Notice

For the safety of equine and human participants, competition management has determined that current air quality conditions require immediate suspension of affected competition activities. Competition will not resume until air quality has improved to a reasonable risk level. Management will provide a minimum of 2 hour notice of resumption of activities. Management will provide updates on revised scheduling, refund or credit policies, and any additional horse care or stabling instructions as soon as available on the [competition website] and [social media].

Cancellation Notice

For the safety of equine and human participants, competition management has determined that current air quality conditions require immediate cancelation of today’s competition activities. Management will provide updates on revised scheduling, refund or credit policies, and any additional horse care or stabling instructions as soon as available on the [competition website] and [social media].