Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
Rule change season is here, and one proposal now open for comment on the US Equestrian website would change how dexamethasone, a go-to steroid in many barns, can be used at USEF-licensed competitions.
Tracking #023-26 was submitted by the USEF Veterinary Committee. It would amend GR410 to move dexamethasone (a corticosteroid often used to treat swelling, itching, hives and other allergic reactions that can be given IM, IV or orally) from a quantitatively permitted substance to a prohibited one.
The proposal follows US Equestrian’s decision earlier this year to reclassify cetirizine (Zyrtec®) as a permitted substance. Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine, so unlike first-generation drugs such as hydroxyzine – which remain prohibited – it doesn’t readily cross the blood/brain barrier and shows no apparent sedative effect in horses. With a non-steroid option now legal for allergies, the committee sees less need for dex:
“Because cetirizine has been reclassified as a permitted substance, the Veterinary Committee wanted to eliminate the use of dexamethasone for treating or preventing allergic reactions because corticosteroids can have negative effects on horses,” said Dr. Stephen Schumacher, US Equestrian’s Chief Veterinary Officer.
Dex wouldn’t disappear entirely, though: it could still be used therapeutically under GR411 if a Medication Report Form is filed on time, and in a couple of other provisions in the General Rules.
Comments on #023-26, and on every other General Rule proposal, are open here until February 15, 2027. To find this one, jump to Tracking #023-26, where you can download the proposal and leave a comment. Draft 2 of the General Rules and Draft 1 of the Discipline Rules open for comment on March 1, 2027. You can see a full timeline and learn more about the rule change proposal process here.
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
None!
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
The Event at TerraNova (FL); Ram Tap H.T. (CA); Full Moon Farm’s Fall H.T. (MD)
Other News & Recommended Reading
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- How volunteering became an option for even the non-horsey at TerraNova
Sponsor Corner: Fitness Done Right with KPP Rider Lisa Barry
Tim Price on course at Kentucky with Global Quest. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.
With the fall season winding down, plenty of us are already planning a 2027 move-up. Before you circle that first 2027 start, though Kentucky Performance Products sponsored five-star rider Lisa Barry has a reminder: your horse’s fitness plan should match the level you’re aiming for. Lisa got much of her base knowledge from the legend Karen O’Connor herself, and built on that knowledge throughout her career.
Moving from Novice to Training? Your daily work doesn’t need to change much. Moving from Training to Preliminary and up is a different story. Here’s Lisa’s approach:
- Trot sets: Start at 10 to 15 minutes straight, with a walk before and after. Build toward about 25 minutes once or twice a week.
- Canter sets every five days: Begin with a “3×4.” That’s a 10-minute trot, then three 4-minute hand gallops, with a 2-minute walk between each one.
- Build gradually: Add a minute every four sessions, so 3×4 becomes 3×5. Before a CCI, aim for about 3×7 for Prelim and 3×8 or more for Advanced. Add hills and some speed work as the horse gets fitter.
- Count the breaths: After the last set, count breaths for 10 seconds. At 10 to 14, your horse is ready to progress. At 15 to 18, stay at the current level. At 19 or higher, scale back and add more daily work and walking.
Breeding and genetics matter too. A Thoroughbred going Prelim will usually need less galloping than a warmblood at the same level. And at every level, Lisa swears by long walks on hills.
Read more on Lisa’s fitness planning here
Coaching Corner
- Jim Wofford: The Eyes Have It
- How to balance your half-seat
- A simple exercise to improve rideability
Go Eventing
Ride around some of the Bouckaert Farm CCI4*-S track with this weekend’s winners, Sharon White and Jaguars Duende. This was the first US Equestrian Open Qualifier of the 2027 season, so our 2026 champion is off to a great start. Full scores from Bouckaert Farm can be found here.
