Philippa Humphreys and Rich N Famous at Millbrook. Photo by Jenni Autry.
The USEF has implemented several rule changes that went into effect on Dec. 1. You can reference the existing Rule Book here, and we’ve outlined the portions of each rule that have changed below.
EV106: Entries & Withdrawals, Section 2e
- Entries must now be received by the end of the day on the closing date of the event. Previously, entries were only required to be postmarked by the closing date for acceptance.
- NQRs earned at a Horse Trial or CIC must be achieved 10 days prior to the cross country phase of competition, or 24 days prior for a NQR earned at a CCI.
EV119: Athlete Representative, Sections 2 & 3
- Each event organizer must designate an Athlete Representative out of those competing, with that athlete’s permission. The selection must occur prior to the opening of the cross country course for walking.
- The Athlete Representative will serve as a liaison between the riders and the event officials, but does not remove the right of the riders to speak directly with officials.
- The Athlete Representative may call a meeting before 6 p.m. the day before cross country competition for riders to discuss the course and any concerns they may have. The meeting minutes will be handled by the Technical Delegate and Athlete Representative.
- Riders may appoint two other Athlete Representatives to facilitate discussion with the the officials and organizing committee. These additional representatives do not have to be competing at the event.
Note from the USEA: This added layer of participation by the Rider Representative does not in any way lessen the burden each competitor bears to actively voice his or her concerns either to a) the Rider Representative, who will then communicate said concerns to the Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury or b) directly to the Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury.
Further, competitors bear the responsibility in determining their own and their horse’s fitness, preparation and readiness. Communication of concerns to the Rider Representative, Technical Delegate or President of the Ground Jury does not remove nor shift that responsibility away from the rider.
EV136: Dressage Scoring, Section 1
- Half marks, from 0.5 to 9.5, may now be used for both movement and collective marks, at the judges’ discretion.
- Scores must be recorded using a decimal.
EV172: Additional Judges, Section 2
- At an Advanced Horse Trial, additional judges must carry the designation of either Senior (S) Eventing Judge or Registered (R) or higher eventing judge.
- For Intermediate Horse Trials, additional judges must carry either Registered (R) or higher eventing judge or recorded (r) dressage judge designation.
EV173 : Technical Delegate, Section 1a
- Advanced Technical Delegates must have Senior (S) status.
- Intermediate Technical Delegates must have Registered (R) or higher status.
- For National Three-Day Events, either the President of the Ground Jury or the Technical Delegate must have current Registered (R) or Senior (S) licensing.
EV175: Course Designer, Section 1
- Advanced Horse Trials course designers must have Senior (S) status.
- Intermediate Horse Trials course designers must have Registered (R) or higher status.
- Preliminary and National Three-Day course designers must have recorded (r) or higher status.
Appendix 3: Participation In Horse Trials
- A competitor or horse may be entered in a horse trial without the required qualifications provided the qualifications are achieved prior to the cross country phase on the following scale:
- 10 days for NQR achieved at a Horse Trial or CIC
- 24 days for NQR achieved at a CCI
