Image via US Equestrian.
The US Equestrian Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting is taking place virtually this year, from Monday June 22 to Tuesday June 23. A few key notes from the Monday session:
Tom O’Mara Elected President of US Equestrian for 2021-2025 Term
The Board unanimously elected Tom O’Mara as the organization’s new president with his term beginning in January 2021. O’Mara has been a member of the Board for four years and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the past two years. He took on the task of heading the Drugs and Medications/Lab Review Task Force and has been active in promoting varsity equestrian. O’Mara will take office at the 2021 US Equestrian Annual Meeting, currently scheduled for January 12-17, in Austin, Texas.
Noteworthy Updates & Rule Changes
- Membership and Horse Recording Fees: The Board of Directors voted not to refund membership or horse recording fees or to extend the term of membership or horse recording for 2020 despite the 11 week suspension of USEF-licensed competitions.
- Junior Year Reinstatement: While the Board recognized the disappointment that some equestrians in their final junior year may be experiencing resulting from event cancellations, the decision was made not to extend junior member status for members currently in their 17-year-old year.
- Horse of the Year Points & Awards: The 2020 USEF Horse of the Year program will continue without any changes despite the interrupted competition season.
- Rule Change for GR845.6 – Accident Preparedness Plan: All competitions must have in place, prior to the start of the competition, an accident preparedness plan and isolation protocol for horses on-site who show signs and/or symptoms of a potentially infectious disease.
Board Approves Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement and Development of Action Plan
The Board approved a public-facing Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement, as well as the development of a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
The Commitment Statement reads as follows:
“Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to US Equestrian’s vision: To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.
“We recognize the need to achieve increased diversity and that our growth and success depends on the inclusion of all people.
“We are committed to providing access and opportunity for people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active military personnel, people with disabilities, and those of all ages, religions, ancestries, and genders and gender identities to harness the synergy of diverse talents.”
The Board also approved the development of a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, aimed at delivering specific requirements and goals of US Equestrian staff and programming, as well as provide resources to the equestrian community. US Equestrian is in the process of developing a dedicated Diversity and Inclusion webpage and Resource Center.
Post-Meeting Wednesday Webinar Open to Members
US Equestrian will host a webinar following the Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting to review key board decisions and approved rule changes. Important updates on the COVID-19 Action Plan and return to competition will also be reviewed. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Please submit your questions in advance. The webinar will take place Wednesday, June 24, at 4 p.m. ET.
