Lexington, KY— Due to the current economic climate, three Presidential Modifications were approved by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) February 17, 2009, which will effect the 2009 competition year for Hunters. The changes to the rules are as follows: 1. HU112.5: This will allow for the combining of the Green and Regular Working Hunter Sections at AA competitions when there are not enough to fill. This was approved at the USEF Annual Meeting to go into effect 12.1.09, in an effort...

The American Horse Council (AHC) has announced that the focus of this year’s National Issues Forum will be the “Welfare of the Horse.” The Forum will be held June 16, 2009, in Washington, DC, as part of the AHC’s annual meeting. Over the last year, concerns about the welfare of horses used in racing, showing, recreation, or work have been raised by our fans, the general public, the media, and Congress. Such concerns have been expressed before, but perhaps not as broadly as now. “Those involved...

In recognition of the current economic climate, promoters of all the major winter circuits are examining ways to help exhibitors minimize ancillary expenses in an effort to maximize their opportunities to show and enjoy their winter circuit experiences. While United States Equestrian Federation rules do not mandate braiding, the winter circuit managers from Gulfport, HITS, Jacksonville and the Winter Equestrian Festival have decided to go on record advising all judges that exhibitors who opt...

Lexington, KY— Following the decision of the General Assembly FEI Registration has been mandatory for all riders and horses competing in FEI competitions since January 1, 2006. Beginning January 1, 2009, any points acquired at a Competition where the rider or horse are not registered for that Competition year will not be included in the cumulative points. Competitions may not let these riders and/ or horses compete. However, registration is not required for riders and horses who participate...

Lexington, KY - The National Safety Officer, Malcolm Hook, has released the following report on the safety measures implemented to advance safety in the sport of Eventing. The following protocols have been put into effect, and some came out of the USEF/USEA Safety Summit held June 7-8, 2008 in Lexington, KY. This report was submitted to the FEI in August. The Watch List specifications are nearing completion to inform competitors of potentially dangerous riding at USEF and USEF endorsed...

Content from a FEI Press Release The FEI press release contained an update on two issues: doping / medication cases at the 2008 Olympic Games and the report by the second FEI Vice President on Dressage. DOPING CASES The following combinations will not be competing in the Jumping individual final competition held tonight (Thursday, 21 August). They have been provisionally suspended by the FEI further to doping/medication control tests that indicated the presence of capsaicin in each horse. Rider...

What is Post-Arrival Elective Testing (PAET)? For the first time in the history of anti-doping and medication control at the Olympic Games, Post-Arrival Elective Testing (PAET) will be made available to the participants in the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events held in Hong Kong. The objective of this procedure is to minimize inadvertent medication violations at the Olympic and Paralympic equestrian events by assisting the competitors to determine whether or not residues of legitimate...

The participants for the 23rd FEI World Cup™ Dressage Final are ready and waiting, having all arrived at the ‘Brabanthallen stables in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where the prestigious title will be awarded for the eighth time. This is the first truly international meet of the season, and with the Olympic Games looming in the not-so-distant future, eyes will be riveted on every performance, particularly when it comes to title defender Isabell Werth with powerful chestnut Warum Nicht FRH against home...

As we enter the summer months, we all must be aware of the weather around us. We have had a watchful eye on the wildfires spreading throughout Canada, and the resulting worsened air quality throughout Canada and the eastern coast of the United States. We know concerns over air quality are ever-present as both humans and equines can be equally impacted. USEF believes the decision by organizers to operate, suspend, or cancel competitions due to compromised air quality is best made by each...

Lexington, Ky. – In our effort to strive for an environment that is safe for our participants and that is free from abuse, USEF aims to ensure all participants are properly trained in abuse prevention. Awareness of abuse prevention, how to recognize abuse, and how to report abuse is critical to our goal to safeguard our participants. The United States Equestrian Federation’s Board of Directors approved amendments to the Federation’s Bylaws during its April meeting, modifying...