October marked the first in a series of virtual horse welfare town halls on Oct. 20, as well as a well-attended in-person event held at US Dressage Finals in Wilmington, Ohio on Oct. 30.  

Members gathered digitally and in person to provide their feedback and questions on US Equestrian horse welfare programs and proposed rule changes.  

A replay of the virtual town hall is available here. 

Both events were wide-ranging, but a few of the topics generating discussion included:  

• An upcoming project to redefine the roles and responsibilities of licensed officials and hear from officials, professionals, and amateur members on ways they can be better supported. 
   

• A proposed rule change (GR 401.1 Tracking 027-25) which would institute a 60-day provisional suspension for horses testing positive for the most serious banned substances (not therapeutic drugs), in addition to the trainer, rider, and owner. This idea had received positive feedback at prior events due its ability to prevent trainers from evading penalties for serious violations by transferring horses between barns. At these two events, however, attendees expressed concern about the potential impact this could have on owners who are not hands-on with their horses each day, and on lessees and catch riders.  
   
  This proposed rule change came about in response to member frustrations that a finding for the most extreme substances (like Class IV drugs, which are found extremely rarely) might not penalize the person responsible for the positive if a horse could be transferred to new connections and continue competing. This was also proposed in an attempt to change the culture around ownership by encouraging greater involvement with trainers about horse management and welfare. It’s designed to allow the level of involvement of owners and riders to be determined by USEF investigators; suspensions for those parties wouldn’t be obligatory if the evidence shows they weren’t involved in or had knowledge of a drug administration.  
   
  Anyone with strong feelings about this proposed rule change (whether in favor or opposed) is encouraged to submit feedback on this and other proposals here: https://www.usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rule-changes 
   

• A proposed minimum eligibility requirement system for hunters and jumpers has been a topic at several town hall events. There is no existing proposed rule change around this project, but USEF and USHJA continue to ask for feedback on the concept. This idea came about in response to requests from trainers and members who expressed concern about riders moving up heights too quickly against professional advice, which can compromise both rider and horse safety and welfare. . 
   
  Although the concept has met with support generally in the past, there seems to be disagreement on how best to implement it. Requiring a certain number of clear or competent trips at a certain height could help improve rider proficiency but also creates a financial obligation that could be hard to meet for amateurs who compete infrequently, or who often move between recognized and unrecognized competitions. Members have wondered whether the experience requirement should be on the horse or the rider. The latter could be challenging for professionals who compete with a combination of schooled, green, and client horses.  
   

• We received considerable feedback from members who want to see more drugs and medications testing take place on the basis of performance, rather than random selection. Our drugs and medications program team is currently evaluating the selection process for 2026.  
   

• At US Dressage finals, attendees had many insightful questions about the rule change process – why some rule changes have been implemented in the midst of the competition year, while most typically to go into effect at the start of each season. Many who identified as amateur competitors also wondered aloud about the reasons for some rules changing what equipment is permitted – whether that includes a particular bit or a saddle that has a monogram. Lisa Gorretta, USEF Dressage Technical Delegate and co-chair of the Dressage Sport Committee, explained the rule change timeline and the philosophy behind some recent decisions. Rule change proposals typically come about as a means of dealing with a problem that’s been identified by the proponent. The restrictions on monogrammed saddle pads for amateur riders, for example, exist because a fine line exists between some monograms and some logos, and amateurs are not permitted to advertise a brand or company and maintain amateur status. 

These events will continue, both in-person and virtually, through the winter and into 2026. As ever, they are designed for our members to ask the questions that matter most to them and get to know USEF leadership. Registration links for virtual events will be emailed to membership and posted on the US Equestrian Facebook page. New events will be added to the town hall schedule posted here once confirmed.  

If you have questions or comments in the meantime, feel free to reach out to [email protected].