US Equestrian hosted two horse welfare town hall events in the month of July as part of an ongoing schedule of conversations about prioritizing horse welfare. The most recent events took place July 18 at HITS-Hudson Valley in Saugerties, N.Y., and July 25 at The Oaks in San Juan Capistrano.  

Since both discussions took place at hunter/jumper events, the topics of discussion focused on welfare concerns specific to those disciplines. The goal for these events is productive, positive, solutions-based dialogue between the USEF and sports participants, and both audiences came prepared with detail-oriented discussion points and ideas. 

Audience questions and topics of interest were similar across the two events, but each had different subjects that seemed to be prominent in attendees’ minds. At Saugerties, much of the discussion centered on drug and medication rules and testing – not just in regards to the new hair testing rule, but also questions about reporting and case processes, and how the existing blood and urine testing program functions. At The Oaks, the audience focused more intensely on concerns about overuse of horses – both in competition and in training. At both events, the group discussed provisional suspensions for the horse, owner, and rider in addition to the trainer after a positive for a prohibited medication. 
 
USEF recently released a statement on equine overuse, which does not provide sport-specific limits for horses, but rather describes the symptoms of overuse so stewards can make individual determinations on when a horse is being worked too much. That statement is available here. 

Here are a few of the topics and suggestions the audience brought up during the two events:  

• Evaluate judging criteria for hunters and encourage judges not to penalize horses for expressiveness that’s appropriate for the level 

• Increase the number of shows and horses that are drug tested 

• Drug test the top placed horses in all classes 

• Require horses on the grounds for 24 hours prior to competing in any class $10,000 or more 

• Task USEF with assigning stewards to competitions to reduce concerns about conflicts of interest 

• Guidelines for blood (a rule change will be considered by the Board on August 26) 

• Minimum requirements for horses and/or riders to demonstrate aptitude at a level before they can move up to a new level 

• USEF’s approved policy on equine overuse 

• Installation of surveillance cameras at stalls, in wash racks, in lunging and schooling areas 

• Offer educational programs for grooms on ethical treatment, and also educational programs helping trainers know how to teach new grooms about proper handling 

 

Attendees got an overview of the USEF ’s investigation process, as well as recent rule changes driven by open discussions similar to these town hall events. This includes the presidential modification to the collapse rule for hunter/jumpers, and a rule change enacted July 1 allowing USEF to collect and test hair samples for prohibited substances. USEF staff also provided an overview of what makes a helpful tip for those who need to report horse mistreatment.  

The July 25 town hall has already spurred action beyond USEF. After the audience brought up concerns about the treatment of horses in the wash racks at shows, The Oaks show organizer Nilforushan Equisport Events posted signs at the wash racks in both English and Spanish the next day, letting grooms and competitors know that spraying horses in the face is prohibited there.  

US Equestrian sends our thanks to the show organizers at both events for their support and facilitation. 

The next town halls will be Aug. 5 at USEF Pony Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., and Aug. 22 at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions at HITS Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Ill. The full schedule of 2025 horse welfare town halls can be found here, and will be updated as new events are added. An online town hall will take place later in the year for those who cannot attend an in-person event. If you have ideas about rule changes or horse welfare concerns, email [email protected].