Latest News from USEF and USDF....
USEF Rule Changes for Dressage Sport Horse Breeding
4. All handlers and assistant handlers
entering the competition ring must be identified by show management with a
wristband or other form of identification to ensure each individual has signed
an entry form and/or separate handler/assistant handler release form. Competition areas must be monitored by
ring stewards to ensure that only eligible handlers and assistant handlers are
permitted to enter the arena.
Judges must excuse horses with handlers and/or assistant handlers who are
not properly identified.
5. Management is responsible for having one
or more safety officers or ring stewards at the gate(s) of the competition
arena(s) to monitor safe conditions for horses, handlers and spectators. Separate gates for entry and exit and
separate holding areas for fillies/mares and colts/stallions are
recommended. (For purposes of this
rule, a “safety officer” is
any individual
appointed by competition management to assist in the enforcement of this
rule.)
Important Notice for Dressage Exhibitors and Officials
The International
Equestrian Federation (FEI) has issued updated Freestyle Tests for the
following levels:
• Grand Prix Freestyle
• Intermediare I Freestyle
• Young Rider Freestyle
• Junior Freestyle
Please note these tests have been updated in format only (e.g. new logo,
additional comments and clarifications). Actual required test movements have
NOT changed.
These new test versions must be used by all CDIs as of May 2, 2005.
USEF-recognized dressage competitions may use either “old” or “new” test
versions from May 2 through the end of the competition year (November 30).
For more information, please contact Jennifer Keeler, Sport Manager Dressage,
by phone (859) 225-2024, or e-mail to
jkeeler@usef.org.
Foreign Rider License No Longer Required
Lexington, KY—The USEF Executive Committee, on December 21, 2004, approved
extraordinary rule changes to the Federation rules regarding the Foreign Rider
License. These changes will become effective on January 1, 2005 in conjunction
with the new FEI General Regulations.
These changes, which can be viewed at
http://www.usef.org/documents/rules/ruleChanges/2004/ApprovedEC12-1-04.pdf ,
now provide that a non–U.S. Citizen may compete in USEF national competitions
with proof, in English, of membership in good standing in their home Federation
or proof of membership with the United States Equestrian Federation. For
further information please contact the International Department at the USEF, on
(859) 258-2472.
USDF Membership/Registration Online Information
USDF membership and registration information can be found online at:
http://www.usdf.org/Join/search.asp
Please attach all membership/registration information to your entry blank.
Collection of the $15 USEF Measurement Fee
Mr. David O'Connor has approved a Presidential Modification to GR505.2, DR134.5, JH129, HP128 and DC Appendix D.5 of the Federation's Rules. These Rules pertain to the collection of the $15 measurement fee for horses or ponies that have reached the age to receive a standard measurement card.
The Presidential Modification will waive the requirement of collecting this fee until June 1, 2005. Federation staff will be internally evaluating the issue in the coming months. Please note, two rule change proposals have been submitted from committees to waive the fee entirely. We will notify you of any changes as they happen.
Regional Championship: Qualifying & Horse Names
According to USEF Art. 1927.2, “Horses must be entered in qualifying classes under their official recorded names and ownership as specified in Art. 811.4 and transfers of ownership or lease registrations must be completed in compliance with Art. 812 and 87 prior to the competition in order for the horse to compete under the name of the new owner or lessee.”
Regional Championship: Qualifying & Judges
To qualify for Great American/USDF Regional Championships, “a horse/rider combination must earn a total of two qualifying scores …from two different judges or combination of judges. In addition, the same judge may not have officiated in classes from which qualifying scores are earned, except in FEI classes.” (Clarification: If you earn a qualifying score from Judge A, judging alone, and your second score is from a panel of Judge A and Judge B, the second score cannot count as a qualifying score.)
Regional Championship: Qualifying & Pony Tests
Beginning with the 2005 Championship season, riders may use either the FEI Pony Individual Test or the FEI Pony Team Test to qualify for the Second Level Junior/Young Rider Championship class. However, they will ride the Second Level test, not the FEI Pony Tests, in the Championships.
New Materiale Score Sheets
As of December 1, 2004, competitions holding Materiale classes must use the new USDF Materiale class score sheet. This sheet greatly simplifies the recording of scores for this class because it lists all horses on one sheet.
Also, there is no conformation score, thus, no stripping of horses.
Mares in Cosequin/USDFBC Series & Year-End Awards
USEF Art. 1937.16 states that “for competition purposes a mare’s breeding status on January 1 will remain the same until December 31 of the same calendar year (i.e., a mare in foal or nursing will remain a broodmare for competition purposes after her foal is weaned, regardless of her actual breeding status, until December 31 of the same year. If she is not in foal on January 1 of the next calendar year, she will remain a Yeld mare, for competition purposes, throughout the next calendar year, even if successfully re-bred.”
New Score Sheet Requirements
As of December 1, 2004, Individual Breed classes (IBCs) must use the USDF Sport Horse Prospect score sheet.
Amateur/Junior/Young Rider Handler classes must use the USDF Amateur Handler score sheet.
Attention: Cosequin/USDFBC Series Qualifying Shows
The USDF blue/white neck ribbons can be given only to the Champion and Reserve Champion. In no cases should a Qualifier neck ribbon be given to a third-place horse, even if the Champion or Reserve Champion have previously qualified.
Affidavit Fees No Longer Refunded
As of January 1, 2005, USDF will no longer refund the $5 fee for USDF affidavits.
Members are required to have proof of membership and horse registration at the competition. USDF provides many ways for members to access their membership information. Membership cards, horse certificates, and verifications of payment can be downloaded from the USDF Web site at www.usdf.org/Join/Search.asp. If members cannot access these services and they do not have their proof of membership at the competition, they must complete a USDF affidavit.
Reminder: A rider or owner may submit BOTH a membership affidavit and a horse affidavit on the same form for one $5 fee. If an individual applies for membership or horse registration at the competition, it is NOT necessary for that individual to also fill out an affidavit for that membership or horse registration.
Fee for Printed Non-Member ID Cards
Beginning January 1, 2005, USDF will charge a $10 fee to nonmembers who wish to receive a printed Non-Member ID card from the USDF office. Non-members who do not wish to pay the fee can download a card for no charge at www.usdf.org/Join/Search.asp.
“Junior Participating” Changed to “Youth Participating”
With the new 2005 participating-membership year, starting December 1, 2004, the category formerly known as “Junior Participating” will be known as “Youth Participating.” The dues for this category are now $35. Individuals who have not reached their 21st birthday by December 1, 2004, are considered Youth Participating members.