Dear USEF Members, Competition Licensees and Managers, In October 2024 we provided you with information regarding the new amendments to the Horse Protection Act (HPA or Act). This is a follow-up to that communication. Since release of the new amendments to the Act, USEF leaders have participated in Zoom meetings and webinars with the American Horse Council (AHC) and with USDA/APHIS to voice our concerns and to gain a better understanding of the upcoming implementation of the HPA changes,...

As an FEI athlete, it is your responsibility to be aware of and adhere to the FEI and US Equestrian rules. Below is a highlight of some of the key rule changes in FEI Veterinary Regulations effective January 1, 2025. The updated language is shown below in strikethrough/bold/italics. Please note that there are additional changes and the marked up FEI Veterinary Regulations can be found here . Article 1004 – TRIMMING OF THE EARS Article 1004 Prohibited Methods Horses are not permitted to...

Why should I be concerned that screwworm has been detected in Mexico? Screwworm has expanded uncontrollably in the last several months from South America and now into Mexico. If not controlled the screwworm flies will continue to move north into the United States. There is the additional risk illegal horse entry into the United States could bring in screwworm. If screwworm were to enter and spread in the United States, it would have significant impact on you and your equine athlete. Depending...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the dates and locations of the 2025 Vaulting Observation Events ahead of the 2025 FEI Vaulting World Championships for Juniors and Young Vaulters to be hosted in Stadl Paura, Austria, from July 30 - August 3, 2025. During the Selection Period, Athletes must attend either: 1. Three (3) Designated U.S. Observation Events; or 2. Two (2) Designated U.S. Observation Events AND one (1) Designated European CVI Observation Event The following have...

Lexington, Ky. - Following thorough debriefs and in-depth program assessments after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the USEF Dressage coaches, team staff, and key stakeholders have been hard at work reviewing the structure and criteria of the pathway programs. Entering the start of the new home quadrennial period leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games the vision is set on realistic and achievable goals for sustainable success and improvements. Effective December 1, 2024, changes have...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian would like to update pony hunter owners and exhibitors on the current qualifying criteria and qualification period for the USEF Pony Hunter National Championship green pony division at the 2025 USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling. ©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian Green pony hunters can qualify for Pony Finals by winning one championship or two reserve championships at a national or premier rated competition during the qualification period....

Lexington, Ky. – The 2025 USEF Annual Meeting returns to Lexington and will adopt an agenda that builds off the interactive format and strategic topic of social license and horse welfare, which became a major focus two years ago and continues to be at the forefront of our industry. Under the theme, It’s All About the Horse , we will bring in a well-known media expert to help with crisis communication challenges many of you may face, veterinarians to address the latest horse health...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2024 Horse of the Year nominees. The International and National Horses of the Year will be announced at the 2024 SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25 during the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky. Horses of Honor are nominated by their USEF affiliate organization or USEF breed or discipline committee, and the finalists are selected by the USEF Awards Committee. The final Horses of the...

Lexington, Ky . - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the host locations and dates for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Qualifier Events. The US Equestrian Open of Dressage will consist of 24 qualifying events around the country leading into the series final, to be hosted at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., November 13-16, crowning the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage champion. All FEI registered athletes (U.S. and foreign) and horses are invited to...

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award and Junior Equestrian of the Year, both of which will be awarded at the Pegasus Awards Dinner at the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting . Dressage trainer and educator Lendon Gray will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Hunter, jumper, and equitation athlete Paige Walkenbach is the Junior Equestrian of the Year. Lendon Gray. ©Mary Livernois Lifetime Achievement Award: Lendon...