In a continued effort to strengthen equine welfare and support the integrity of equestrian sport, the US Equestrian (USEF) Board of Directors approved a series of impactful rule changes during its Mid-Year Board Meeting, held June 16–17 in Lexington, Ky.
Among the key updates were initiatives to broaden anti-doping testing methods, enhance communication protocols for veterinary services at events, and improve rule clarity in the sport of eventing.
Expanded Anti-Doping Measures: Hair Testing Approved
In a significant move to bolster anti-doping efforts, the Board approved an amendment to GR402.1, allowing the use of hair testing in addition to traditional blood and urine samples. Hair testing enables detection of certain prohibited substances—including barbiturates like euthanasia drugs—for much longer periods of time, offering a more comprehensive tool in the fight against illicit drug use in horses. This change will go into effect July 1, 2025, with a full list of banned substances to be published prior to implementation.
Veterinary Registration Requirement for Competition Grounds
Another new addition, GR843, mandates that veterinarians treating horses on competition grounds must register with the Federation, though they will not be required to become USEF members. This rule, effective December 1, 2025, is designed to help event organizers communicate efficiently with attending vets regarding biosecurity measures, disease outbreaks, and other critical veterinary concerns. The goal is to better safeguard the health of horses at competitions across the country.
Clarifying Technical Eliminations in Eventing (Effective December 1, among other rule changes across disciplines)
In the discipline of eventing, the Board approved EV104.8, which offers a comprehensive definition of “Technical Elimination” (TE). Effective December 1, 2025, this rule aims to clearly distinguish between eliminations due to performance issues and those stemming from technical errors, such as failure to wear the correct attire or starting at the wrong time. By creating a standardized framework for officials and competitors, USEF hopes to improve fairness and reduce confusion across events.
A link to the complete rule change document is available here; be sure to brush up before the changes take effect, whether you are an official or a competitor.
These rule changes are part of USEF’s broader strategy to elevate equine sport ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with an emphasis on integrity, safety, and consistency.
Stay tuned to usef.org for further updates and educational resources surrounding these rule changes as their effective dates approach.
