Broadening the pool of potential candidates for the office of President is important to ensuring candidates with the requisite experience and skills to serve as President.  The task force feels this requires removing the current 6-year prior service on the Board requirement and adding the following statement to the eligibility requirements for the office of President.

Background

Succession planning is an inherent part of operating an organization and with an election for president occurring in 2028, current President Tom O’Mara appointed a task force to analyze the presidential candidate identification, interview, and election process.

The task force was appointed in February and consisted of Ellie Brimmer, David O’Connor, Tim Roesink, Philip Richter, and me. Bill Moroney served as the task force facilitator.

Task Force Work

The task force met multiple times in 2026 to review information on the following topics:

• Eligibility and Qualifications to Serve as President
• Role and Responsibilities of the President
• Presidential Compensation and Agreement
• Term of Service
• Role and composition of the USEF Nominating Committee

The task force reviewed relevant USEF Bylaws and rules, election procedures, information regarding governance structures of other associations, and descriptions and compensation scales for presidents of other organizations. They recommend this amendment.

This amendment to the composition of the Nominating Committee ensures good governance by diversifying representation on the Nominating Committee.

Background

Succession planning is an inherent part of operating an organization and with an election for president occurring in 2028, current President Tom O’Mara appointed a task force to analyze the presidential candidate identification, interview, and election process.

The task force was appointed in February and consisted of Ellie Brimmer, David O’Connor, Tim Roesink, Philip Richter, and me. Bill Moroney served as the task force facilitator.

Task Force Work

The task force met multiple times in 2026 to review information on the following topics:

• Eligibility and Qualifications to Serve as President
• Role and Responsibilities of the President
• Presidential Compensation and Agreement
• Term of Service
• Role and composition of the USEF Nominating Committee

The task force reviewed relevant USEF Bylaws and rules, election procedures, information regarding governance structures of other associations, and descriptions and compensation scales for presidents of other organizations. They recommend this amendment.

The Audit Committee provides independent oversight of the Federation’s financial reporting, external audit, and internal controls. Its purpose is to safeguard the Federation’s financial integrity and organizational well-being by recommending appropriate policies and controls and reporting its findings and recommendations to the Board. This amendment reflects the committee’s broader independent risk management oversight role, i.e. cybersecurity, helping the board fulfill its fiduciary duties.

Add to the age rule for Young Hunter and Jumper Classes to include horses from the Southern Hemisphere. In North America, January 1st is the official birthday for horses born in that year, regardless of when they were born. In the Southern Hemisphere, their Summer is flipped with the Northern and as a result, horses are born in what is Northern fall but Southern spring, making them very young compared to horses born in North America. Fortunately, the FEI already has a rule in place to account for this, and it is recommended to adopt it into our National Rules for Young Hunters and Young Jumpers. In South America, August 1 st is the date to declare the age of the horse during that competition year. Current understanding is that a horse from South America who turns 6 in that competition year is permitted to take part in 5-year-old classes.

In North America, we have January 1st as the official birthday for horses born in that year, regardless of when they were born. In the Southern Hemisphere, their Summer is flipped with ours and as a result, horses are born in what is our fall but their spring, making them very young compared to horses born in North America.  Fortunately, the FEI already has a rule in place to account for this which the committee recommends adopting.

The Committee wishes to change the timeline for when Mileage Exemption Requests may be submitted by an Applicant, from no later than 180 days to no later than 240 days prior to the requested start date. This change will provide more timely notice of requests to the PDH events and will provide a decision to both the Applicant and PDH events further in advance of the requested start dates.

This rule was put forward by the Dressage Committee over fifteen years ago and was, until recently, interpreted as written in the new sentence that is being added to clarify the original intent Due to the many required classes that must be offered for Level 3 and above competitions (including NAYC qualifying, Festival of Champions qualifying and other USEF and USDF programs), it is possible that there are no entries in 50% or more of classes offered in the prize list. With some areas of the country where many shows are trying to add dates, this could discourage some shows from holding Level 3 shows since it could result in a challenge to their comparable date and loss of priority date status if classes not entered are considered cancelled. This is also a problem for Level 2 shows that offer a wide variety of classes in order to attract competitors, especially as so many competitors are now leaving USEF/USDF licensed competitions in favor of schooling shows, due to increased costs and added regulations.

This addition is required to implement the proposal to add Dressage Outreach classes at Level 1 and Level 2 competitions. 

The National Zone Specifications Ad Hoc in conjunction with the Zone Council are proposing a 2’9” Children’s Hunter Division and 2’9” Adult Amateur Hunter Division be added as rated sections for the USHJA Zone Horse of the Year and USEF National Horse of the Year. These additional sections are to bridge the gap between the 2’6” and 3’0” hunter sections, allowing for riders to have access to a steadier steppingstone in fence heights. This will also provide more flexibility for competition managers to combine sections with other appropriate comparable height sections. 

USHJA plans to create and implement a Thoroughbred Renaissance Derby that can be run separately or concurrently with a USHJA National Hunter Derby or USHJA 2’6 Jr/Amateur Hunter Derby with separate class results, Horse of the Year points and class fees..

Additionally, the Thoroughbred Hunter and Thoroughbred Jumper rules need updated to reflect the Jockey Club’s move to the use of microchips from lip tattoos, though there are still currently Thoroughbreds competing with lip tattoos.

Lastly GR312.6 requires some updates to accurately reflect the USHJA program. The USHJA International Hunter Derby Welcome Stake and the USHJA Green Hunter Challenge have been discontinued. The USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby has been added, along with the Thoroughbred Renaissance Derby 2’6” and 3’0”. And in HU172 the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge has been changed to the USHJA Zone Hunt and Go Team Challenge.

USHJA is working towards launching the USHJA Young Hunter Incentive. HOTY Points will be given during the Young Hunter Incentive classes throughout the year and additionally at the Regional and National Championship. Point structure and rules follow the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive.

In HU173, there are additional clarifications needed to be cleaned up in this section that are unrelated to the Young Hunter Incentive. It includes the GHI Stake Class point chart correction to the point value for 9th place at Regional Competitions and adding 12th place and those point values. Additionally, removing the entire chart for the USHJA International Hunter Derby Welcome Stakes. The Welcome Stakes has been removed from the program.

The Federation recently reclassified cetirizine as a permitted substance.  Now that members have an effective permitted medication to treat hypersensitivity reactions, there is less need for dexamethasone.  The Committee believes it is appropriate to move dexamethasone from a quantitatively permitted substance to a prohibited substance.  Dexamethasone may still be used in compliance with GR411, including the filing of a timely Medication Report Form.  In addition, GR414 continues to permit use within six hours to treat acute urticaria (hives) so long as the use complies with the requirements contained in that rule.

The Committee recommends increasing the withdrawal period for intrasynovial (joint) injections from 4 to 7 days preceding competition. This is based on the current scientific understanding of the minimum time period needed for the injection to take effect and for evaluation of treatment efficacy to take place.

The purpose of this proposed rule is to establish a clear, practical, and enforceable standard that reflects the current environment in which the Federation, its members, officials, competition management, and other stakeholders operate. Adoption of the rule is necessary to ensure that expectations are stated in a manner that can be consistently understood, applied, and enforced.

The proposed rule is intended to remove ambiguity by making clear what conduct is permitted and what conduct is prohibited. This clarity benefits members by providing fair notice of their obligations; supports officials and management by giving them an objective framework for decision-making; and promotes consistency in the administration of rules across competitions and related Federation activities.

By aligning the rule with what is realistically enforceable, the Federation can better protect the integrity of the sport, promote transparency, and ensure that all parties are held to standards that are both meaningful and administrable. For these reasons, adoption of the proposed rule is appropriate and necessary.

The purpose of this Rule is to prevent suspended persons from avoiding the terms and consequences of their suspensions by using sham or proxy arrangements, while also protecting the independent rights and due process of other individuals and entities who are not themselves suspended. 

Under the proposed Rule, suspensions are personal to the individual or entity who has been suspended. No spouse, companion, family member, employer, employee, agent, business partner, or other associate is suspended or penalized solely because of their relationship with a suspended person. However, unsuspended persons may not knowingly act as sham, proxy, or “front” participants to allow a suspended person to continue activities that are inconsistent with their suspension.

The use of handheld electronic devices and cell phones while mounted is a serious safety concern at competitions. Distracted riding can lead to accidents and injuries to both participants and their horses. This rule aims to prohibit the handheld use of electronic devices and cell phones while mounted, while the horse is in motion. Should a participant need to use a handheld device while mounted, they must be halted and in an area safe from oncoming horse and vehicle traffic. Additionally, no more than one earbud may be used at a time while mounted, and earbud use must not impede the riders ability to hear communications. 

As competitions have grown in size and duration, there are frequently populations of non-competing horses attending events, as well as competing horses, which require exercising during the competition days. Practices vary across organizers and competitions, as to who is permitted to ride in rings that are designated warm-up/schooling areas for competition rings. Rings can quickly become congested, overcrowded and difficult for competitors to prep their horses for their class. This rule change endeavors to create a solution to overcrowding and congestion concerns in warm-up and schooling rings, so that participants entered into the running or next class, have an opportunity to adequately and safely prepare their horses for competition. 

The intent of this rule change proposal is to address concerning practices observed at horse shows regarding the intentional withholding of water from horses overnight. By explicitly including this example on this list of Unethical Treatment of the Horse, it is clear that this practice is not tolerated by USEF. The FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse provides: "a) Good Horse management Stabling and feeding must be compatible with the best Horse management practices. Clean and good quality forage, feed and water must always be available."

Sensory hairs (whiskers/vibrissae) are sensory organs that each have a distinct nerve and blood supply and assist horses in navigating their natural blind spot around the muzzle and eyes, their sense of distance and special awareness, as well as protecting the inner ear from insects, debris and general irritation.  Clipping inhibits their sensory perception to the stimuli around them creating less awareness and decreasing safety.  Removing sensory hair has been banned by Germany, France and Switzerland under each country's Animal Welfare Act and has been banned by the FEI for welfare concerns since 2021.

The Committee proposes adding 21 days to the current requirement that horses entering the grounds of licensed competitions have documentation of the required vaccinations being administered within six months. The new time period will be 6 months plus 21 days. This change provides additional time to address managing vaccination schedules around competition schedules, travel, and the availability of their veterinarians while also preserving the goal of the rule to protect all horses at the competition. 

The intent of this proposed rule change is to recognize and honor those Judges with a minimum of 20 years of service to the Federation by waiving any further application and fee requirements upon such Judge reaching the age of 79.

The intent of the proposed changes is to streamline procedural language. This clarifies that the Federation may approve, conditionally approve, deny, or place applications on administrative hold; may seek and consider recommendations and other relevant information as it deems appropriate; and may take action on an official’s license, subject to an opportunity for the official to request a hearing if certain adverse actions are taken. The revisions also remove the separate procedural review provision and provide the opportunity for more thorough consideration, and the revisions update applicant acknowledgment language to be more direct and current.

There is currently a Presidential Modification in place to allow individuals who are not licensed officials or have not been approved for a Guest Card to officiate Academy classes. This rule would make those changes permanent.

This rule change proposal eliminates the exception for Vaulting from GR1005, thereby allowing Vaulting judges licensed by FEI to officiate Federation licensed competitions without the need for a Guest Card. 

The division of AHA’s National/Regional level judges into two levels, Regional and National/Regional, necessitates a change to the USEF rules regarding who is eligible to judge AHA regional championship competitions.

(AHA Resolution J-26)

This rule change will permit a guest judge to officiate a Friesian Regional competition. There are several multi-breed competitions hosting a regional Friesian competition that would prefer the judge that they have hired to adjudicate for the other breeds present to also be able to adjudicate the regional championship Friesian classes without needing to hire a separate judge.

This rule change to the Morgan Working Western and Reining officiating eligibility and guest cards will: 

• Combine the Morgan Reining guest card into the Morgan Working Western guest card.
  • This will allow more than just a NRHA licensed judge to officiate Morgan reining classes, giving competitions more flexibility in the hiring of officials.
• Remove the verbiage of an Arabian Horse Association Specialty Card.
  • AHA no longer has a “specialty card”, so this is outdated.
• .Permit USEF Arabian licensed officials to officiate Morgan Working Western without a guest card.
  • As the Arabian breed has extensive offerings of working western classes and there are many officials licensed for Arabians that specialize in the working western classes/disciplines.
  • Gives more flexibility for the hiring of judges to officiate Morgan working western.
• Remove the exception that a Morgan licensed official is prohibited from officiating The Morgan Grand National competition.
  • This exception is not necessary as The Morgan Grand National committee of AMHA can adequately hire an appropriate judge to officiate the Morgan Working Western classes at the competition.

To clarify that judge candidates may sit and scribe while also competing.  To create an exception for Eventing technical delegates and stewards to apprentice during competitions where they have potential conflicts of interest.

Through the Steward/TD Modernization project, areas were identified to ensure that our current Steward/TD structure serves the needs of the USEF equestrian community, establishes clear duties and responsibilities, prioritizes equine and human safety and welfare, and fosters an environment where our members and their horses can safety enjoy equestrian sport at all levels. This rule change is a result of internal and stakeholder discussions regarding Steward and Technical Delegate duties, expectations, and education. The language adjustments align the language in the Rulebook with the goals of the modernization project.

The intention of the Steward/TD rotation rules is to create breaks of officiating contracts with the same Competition Licensee. There are instances where this is not occurring and Stewards/TDs continue to serve in a role as a Steward/TD and similar duties (CSS, acting as a CSS) during these officiating breaks. This rule would help establish the spirit of the rule to create breaks and not have an endless continuity of officials working for the same Competition Licensee.

Certified Schooling Supervisors should be permitted to issue Recorded Warning and Yellow Warning Cards. In the previous version of this rule, they were permitted to issue Warning Cards. Certified Schooling Supervisors have authority over the schooling area and it would be appropriate for them to continue to be permitted to issue Warning Cards.

To increase opportunity for newer officials to gain experience as President of the Ground Jury.  To avoid long-term repetition of the same officials in the same capacity at specific events.  

Add a restriction on judges that they may not serve as on the Ground Jury when a family member is the Course Designer. This restriction previously existed in EV171, but it went away. The concept should be reinstated in GR1039. 

Recent USEF data indicates the majority of horses (97.8% hunters, 97.5% jumpers) registered with USEF compete at an average of 20  or fewer USEF rated competitions throughout the competition year. The majority of these (57.4% hunters, 51.4% jumpers) participated at five or fewer competitions.  15 competitions to apply to HOTY and zone awards seems like a sensible number as it allows for flexibility to accommodate the various types of horses showing (i.e. age, experience, energy level, class type, travel, etc.), gives the trainers/owners the freedom to choose the shows they’d like to attend, and keeps the horses’ welfare in mind. A rule limiting the number of competitions a horse can compete in for points matching the average show attendance aims to protect horses that may be overused for the purposes of point chasing to win HOTY and zone awards. 

The Andalusian/Lusitano chapter has added a Western Dressage section and will be adding a Ranch section as well. With this addition comes the desire to earn HOTY points for participation in these classes. This rule change adds Western Dressage and Ranch classes in the AL Division to the AL and Half AL Specialty HOTY award categories. 

Given the popular nature of the USEF Pony Jumper Championships in 2025, the USHJA Jumper Working Group feels the constituency will support specific classes through the year that reflect the new structure of the championships and offer more opportunities for pony jumpers to be successful.

The Western Dressage Committee wishes to add HOTY award categories for the two new levels within Western Dressage, Advanced Walk/Jog & Level 6 Tests. This will help align these new levels with the existing levels for HOTY Awards. 

Emergency substitutions need to be defined and should include a notification to the Federation. Due to the current lack of notification, the Federation is not aware of the number of emergency substitutions that take place, nor when conflict of interest rules are waived. This rule change would require emergency substitutions to be declared, which can be as simple as an email to the USEF Licensed Officials Department. If the conflict of interest rules need to be waived due to an emergency substitution, the Competition can request a Presidential Modification. This process is preferrable to a blanket waiver as written in the rules currently. 

USEF requires a minimum number of Stewards and Technical Delegates for all competitions based on the competition's unique horse entry numbers from the previous year and the number of competition arenas used simultaneously. The number of Stewards and Technical Delegates does not give allowance for when the number of active arenas at any given time during the competition is reduced to one to three arenas (which occurs primarily in the evening), resulting in all Stewards/Technical Delegates being required to be present, when it is unnecessary. This proposal adds allowance for Arabian Division competiions to lower the required number of Stewards/TDs present on competition grounds to two Stewards/TDs when the competition is utilizing one to three of their arenas.

(AHA Resolution 2-25)

It is vitally important to support the development pathway of officials in our sport. Newer officials benefit from mentorship and guidance from experienced officials, even after receiving their 'r' license. The future of officiating depends on up-and-coming officials, and in order to support their continued education, 'r' Stewards and TDs should be required to be part of the Steward/TD team at larger competitions. This rule change would require a 'r' Steward/TD to officiate at competitions that requires four or more Stewards/TDs per GR1211 (and HJ103 for hunter/jumper competitions). There are enough 'r's to support this rule change and according to 2025 officiating data, 78 competitions required four or more Stewards/TDs. 

The USEF Safe Sport Policy requires certain individuals (18 years of age and older) to undergo a background check every two years. The individuals required include, among others: USEF staff, Board members, licensed officials, competition managers, team athletes representing the U.S., team veterinarians, chefs d'equipe, technical advisors, testing veterinarians, and certain others who provide substantial services to the Federation. In furtherance of the Federation's commitment to safety, requiring all Professionals (as defined in GR1306) to complete a background check is a responsible and appropriate measure to help protect participants and strengthen trust in our sport. Professionals often occupy positions of authority and influence, and it is essential that the Federation take reasonable steps to ensure that they meet appropriate standards of safety and accountability. While no single policy can eliminate all risk, background screening is an important component of a broader safety framework that also includes education, prevention, reporting, and clear expectations for conduct. This commitment reflects the Federation's continued commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and positive environment for all participants and to upholding the integrity of the sport. It also aligns our requirements with other sports. The current cost for a domestic background check through the Federation's vendor, NCSI, is $30.00 every two years.

The intent of this proposed rule change is to (1) protect the safety of all animals on competition grounds as well as the people operating motorized vehicles on competition grounds; and (2) emphasize the importance of the safe and proper handling of horses on the ground. 

Concerns have been raised regarding the conflict of interest rules surrounding Eventing Judges at Federation licensed Eventing competitions. This proposal removes the specific Eventing Judge exception in GR1304. Therefore, Eventing Judges would follow the standardized conflict-of-interest rules in GR1304. For example, an Eventing Judge’s family member would not be permitted to participate in any sections where their family member is competing. However, if the competition has multiple Ground Juries, the family member could participate in a section where the judge is not officiating.

Currently, TDs are able to waive jackets when "extreme heat and/or humidity is forecasted".  Climate change has made those occurrences more frequent, but they have not made all women more confident about wearing only a shirt and white breeches in competition.  This rule proposes banning jackets, rather than waiving them, when TDs warrant conditions include "extreme heat and humidity".  Right now, competitors who are shy about their physical appearance or juniors with strict trainers are less likely to choose the safer and healthier option of not wearing a jacket in very hot or humid conditions.  While sometimes this is fine, it is likely that very high body temperatures negatively affect athletic performance, including muscle strength and recovery, and temperament.  And for some competitors, heat exhaustion--and even heat stroke, a very dangerous condition--can result.  When conditions warrant waiving jackets, this rule change proposes banning them.  This would improve overall health and safety and help alleviate competitor anxiety about appearing less polished or less physically perfect that another competitor who chose to wear a jacket. 

I got heat exhaustion for the first time in 2018 when I was riding my 6th test at a heat index of 107.  Jackets had been waived.  I was still wearing mine, even though it was the height of heat and humidity at the end of the day, because it was a qualifer for the Young Horse Championships, and I did not want to appear disrespectful.  I had to receive fluids and spent the night very sick, and the next day had to scratch all of my clients' horses.  One of the judges kindly took me aside and told me I ride very well, look beautiful on a horse, and that there was no need to "hide" under a jacket.  I didn't listen.  On the same horse, riding the developing PSG in 2024, I had to retire in the arena when I began to black out.  The conditions were similar, and my rationale had been similar.  That time, I got much sicker.  And that time, I remembered what the judge told me and took it to heart.  I no longer wear a jacket when it is too hot to safely do so.  This is an athletic endeavor, and athletic effort requires healthy, strong muscles.  I cannot have those and be a microwaved stringbean.  Last week, I was at a show with very similar conditions and, after the first test on the first day, realized jackets were not healthy.  I chose to go without a coat for the remainder of the competition.  The second day, I was chatting with the ring steward who noticed I was not wearing a jacket and told me that they had 6 cases of overheating the day before--all in women wearing jackets.  We need to remember that the cultural pressure to be thin and look polished is extreme, and that it only gets worse with competition nerves.  Let's take the "choice" out and keep everyone safer.  

The current USEF General Rules guidelines permit safety stirrups that have an opening in the stirrup branch so long as the gap is less than 1.5cm and either aligns with the outside plane of the stirrup or lies inside the plane of the stirrup (https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/2JItw5p1XsY/2026-usef-safety-stirrup-guidelines). In contrast, DR121.1.A does not permit any stirrup with a gap. The purpose of this rule change is to modify the Dressage division of the rulebook to fall in line with current USEF safety stirrup recommendations.

This rule change establishes a clear and consistent policy to always prohibit cell phone / electronics use while mounted in active schooling areas, and elesewhere throughout the showgrounds at the discretion of stewards.

Adding language requiring a yoke or neck strap for draw reins and attachments side reins to the saddle or billets would align the Equitation tack requirements with the existing Hunter rule and create a more consistent safety standard. The existing Equitation tack rule permits riders to school over fences with draw reins between the horse’s legs, while the Hunter schooling rule requires riders using draw reins to use a yoke or neck strap. A rider using side reins in the Hunters must be attached to the billets or the saddle while Equitation riders can attach much lower on the horse's belly.

The proposed change would also require the use of a yoke or neck strap while flatting in draw reins. This is intended to address a safety concern that has become increasingly apparent this year. It has been noted that many riders who are “just hacking” are riding with extremely loose or droopy draw reins. While the existing rule may have been intended to provide flexibility while flatting, an unintended consequence appears to be that some riders are becoming overly relaxed about the proper management of draw reins in schooling areas.

Requiring a yoke or neck strap whenever draw reins are being used would provide a consistent safety expectation regardless of whether the rider is flatting or schooling over fences.

The change would also make supervision of schooling areas significantly easier. Many schooling rings are used by both Equitation and Hunter riders, requiring stewards and schooling supervisors to determine which division a rider is preparing for before determining which tack requirement applies. This can result in stewards having to stop riders or trainers to ask what class they are schooling for. Not only does this create additional work for the stewards and schooling supervisors, but it can also unnecessarily interrupt riders and trainers during their preparation.

A consistent requirement for a yoke or neck strap when using draw reins and attachment of side reins to billet straps would eliminate this distinction, simplify enforcement, reduce interruptions in the schooling areas, and establish a uniform safety standard across both Equitation and Hunter schooling.

The United States Equestrian Trainers Association Board would like foam rails to be allowed when schooling for equitation classes. Equitation classes follow Jumper schooling rules with some exceptions, and we would like foam rails to be included in with the exceptions. Our membership voted strongly in favor of allowing foam rails when schooling for equitation classes. Foam rails are not dangerous for horses and help trainers with their students and horses.

The Jumper and Hunter Schooling Rules have several differences, and it has become more difficult for Stewards and Trainers to know what is allowed when classes are run concurrently or in shared warm up areas. This clarification will make it easier on Stewards and Trainers to determine the differences in the rulebook. 

This restriction is actively causing hardship or unfairness for a multitude of members and horses within the Federation’s jurisdiction. We have included with this submission a list of over 1,600 named riders in support of this rule change request as “Attachment A: Supporter List”, many of whom have expressed their frustrations and disappointment with this rule due to their own experiences as competitive eventers or dressage riders. Many riders have left the sport or transitioned to another discipline because of this rule and their inability to continue competing with their horse after a diagnosis requiring eye protection. This alone is highly upsetting and should be reason enough to address this problem.

The Dressage Sport Committee would like to expand ability to hold Opportunity Classes to Level 5 competitions, in order to increase affordable competition opportunities for new riders.

This is a constant issue for enforcement and this proposal would provide clarity and a definitive basis for enforcement.  This proposal addresses horses receiving shockwave treatment outside of a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship on the grounds prior to the start of a competition.  The need for an proposal is due to the potential impact to horse welfare in the interim prior to when a Standard Rule Change Proposal could be adopted.

The proposed change would require the use of a yoke or neck strap while flatting in draw reins or if using side reins, to attach them to the billets or to the saddle. This is intended to address a safety concern that has become increasingly apparent this year. It has been noted that many riders who are “just hacking” are riding with extremely loose or droopy draw reins. While the existing rule may have been intended to provide flexibility while flatting, an unintended consequence appears to be that some riders are becoming overly relaxed about the proper management of draw reins and side reins in schooling areas creating a safety concnern. This proposal would provide a consistent safety expectation regardless of whether the rider is flatting or schooling over fences.

The change would also make supervision of schooling areas significantly easier. Many schooling rings are used for both hacking and schooling over fences.  With the present rule,  this can result in stewards having to try to determine if the riders are jumping (and that they need education about the rule) or if they are just hacking. Not only does this create additional work for the stewards and schooling supervisors, but it can also unnecessarily interrupt riders and trainers during their preparation.

A consistent requirement for a yoke or neck strap when using draw reins and attachment of side reins to billet straps would eliminate this distinction, simplify enforcement, reduce interruptions in the schooling areas, and establish a uniform safety standard while schooling.

The United States Equestrian Trainers Association Board sent out a survey to our membership and the majority of the membership voted to have augmented nosebands allowed in the hunter ring. Currently rope nosebands are allowed in jumpers, chains on lead shanks are allowed over the nose or under the lip and we feel that augmented nosebands are less severe than either of those. In addition, with the absence of a chain noseband, many trainers have moved to a stronger bit. We want to be clear that we are not asking for permission to have a spiked noseband.

The intent of this rule change is to preserve the integrity and competitive purpose of the Amateur Owner Hunter divisions by establishing a clear separation between amateur hunter competition and riders competing at the highest levels of international show jumping. Riders competing in CSI4*, CSI5*, CSI-W, or CSIO at the same competition should not be eligible to compete in the Amateur Owner Hunter divisions at that show.

CSI4*, CSI5*, CSI-W, or CSIO show jumping represents the highest level of the sport outside of championship and Olympic competition and requires a level of professional experience and competitive expertise that is inconsistent with the intent of an amateur division. This rule is intended to ensure that Amateur Owner Hunter classes remain competitive and equitable for their intended participants, while maintaining a meaningful distinction between amateur and elite-level professional competition.

Following the traditional, Hunter rules, the judging of your horse and round will begin when the horse and rider enters the ring and will end when the Horse and Rider exit the ring. Once the horse has picked up the Canter the following shall apply, a break of Gate will be scored in the range of 55. A complete Stop of forward motion will be scored in the range of 40. There will be one exception allowed. If the horse on the way to the first jump and only the first jump needs to pull up and stand or walk to urinate or defecate, the rider may allow him to do so without penalty.  Upon finishing the rider may reestablish the canter gait make a circle and begin to the first jump.  It should be well noted this is the only exception. 

A note to point out for the validity of this request, is to remind the committee we are most often sharing a venue where show jumpers and hunters are both competing side by side.  And this is already a customary practice for show jumpers. They label this as unforeseen circumstances. At many FEI and national competitions, if:

• the rider raises a hand before crossing the start line, and

• the horse is clearly trying to relieve itself,

the Ground Jury will often stop or reset the 45-second countdown as an “unforeseen circumstance.” This is done for horse welfare and fairness. However, it is customary practice, not language you’ll find written as an actual rule. 

Young Hunter sections are designed to provide introductory competition experience for horses in the early stages of their hunter careers. Requiring confirmed flying lead changes at this development level may encourage riders and trainers to prioritze the flying change before a young horse has developed the balance, strength, and understanding necessary to peform it correclty. Allowing a properly executed simple change would encourage progressive and correct training while permitting young horses to gain valuable competition experience. Horses capable of performing flying lead changes may do so, but horses still developing the skill would not recieve a major fault for performing a controlled simple change through the trot. The hunter discipline is the only one that expects a flying lead change at this stage in their training; other disciplines allow for time to build strength and experience. This would open up more of a pathway for young hunters to enter the sport earlier and progress up the levels. 

The committee does not feel there is a need for a CSS at classes less than $25,000. Over the years, the prize money at events has evolved and classes in the range of $10,000-$24,999 is much more common. The requirement of a CSS is in certain instances cost prohibitive for competition management, and stewards are available to address issues and monitor schooling areas when needed.

Removing this exception will align the JP rule with the new GR 801.6 regarding stirrups.

This rule change proposal will allow riders to stay with their ponies as the riders progress in jump height, regardless of the size of their pony

Riders will be matched with suitability for purpose and not be limited to only riding ponies by size. Age of exhibitor, suitability of ride as far as training and size will sort the exhibitors. A large pony might be a better teacher for that 10-year-old, or the 10-year old might be too large for a small but still need to jump the 0. 65.

You will lose the incentive to put tall riders on shorter ponies in order to jump lower heights. Pony size should be irrelevant to jump height selection. As far as implementing this idea, pony jumper courses do not have related distances in combinations, the number of strides they take between jumps is not a factor in judging the class, so I see no reason in limiting the child to a particular size pony -- rather, base it on the child's age. This would allow younger children to ride larger ponies that might be more seasoned, it will allow children to remain with their pony as their abilities improve and it would allow larger children that are under 12 to ride a pony that's an appropriate size and compete against their peers.

The intent of this rule change is to preserve the progressive nature of Western Dressage training and competition by preventing a horse from competing in levels that are too far apart in difficulty at the same show.

Western Dressage tests are designed to build progressively from one level to the next. Allowing the same horse to compete in non-adjacent levels at the same competition, even with different riders, can create inconsistencies in eligibility, fairness, and the intended developmental structure of the discipline.

Rationale

Western Dressage is based on progressive training principles. Each level is intended to demonstrate the horse’s physical and mental development, balance, relaxation, connection, and increasing degree of difficulty. When a horse is shown in non-adjacent levels at the same competition, it can create the appearance that the lower level is being used for competitive advantage rather than appropriate development.

This proposal does not prevent a horse from being shared by multiple riders, nor does it prevent a horse from moving up appropriately. It simply requires that the horse’s levels at a single competition remain consistent with the progressive structure of the discipline.

For example, a horse may compete at Introductory and Basic at the same show, or Basic and Level 1, because those levels are adjacent. However, a horse may not compete at Introductory and Level 1, Introductory and Level 2, Basic and Level 2, or any other non-adjacent level combination during the same competition, regardless of whether the same rider or different riders are involved.

Benefits of the Proposed Rule

This rule change would:

1. Promote fair and consistent competition.
2. Support the progressive training structure of Western Dressage.
3. Prevent horses from being entered in widely separated levels for strategic advantage.
4. Clarify that eligibility restrictions apply to the horse, not only the horse/rider combination.
5. Provide show management with a clear standard for reviewing entries.

The intent of this proposal is to clarify that Introductory Level eligibility should be based on the horse’s demonstrated level of competition, not solely on the horse/rider combination. Introductory Level is intended to serve as an introduction to Western Dressage and should remain available for horses and riders who are truly competing at the introductory stage of the discipline.

Under the current rule, a horse/rider combination may not compete at Introductory Level if that combination has shown at Level 1 or above in the same competition year. However, the rule does not prevent the same horse from competing at Introductory Level with a different rider after the horse has already competed at Level 1 or above during the same competition year.

This proposal would close that gap by making the Introductory Level restriction apply to the horse, regardless of rider.

This EO implements this new approach to USEF Lite Competitions and Starter into the Eventing Chapter. 

This rule change clarifies how nomenclature typically used in Eventing ("Level") interacts with the new Lite program rules. 

The intent of this EO is to create a new cateogry of participation for non-members, the "Annual Lite Pass". 

The intent of this EO is to rewrite GR310 (Local Competitions) and clean up other areas of the Chapter to implement the new approach to USEF Lite competitions.