USEF Rule Changes

In case you missed it, the USEF issued a memo regarding rule update to DR121.3a-Crownpieces. Effective as of September 1, 2024, padding on the crownpiece “must be smooth and continuous across the poll and while on the horse and rectangular or in the same shape as the crownpiece. Padding may extend no more than 1.5cm beyond the dimensions of the crownpiece.”

Their reasoning is that such padded bridles contribute to unnecessary pressure, since the poll and area behind the ears carry the weight of the bridle. Examples listed in their memo include the Passier Fantastic and the PS of Sweden Nirak bridles.

I popped in at the Iberian event held at WEC last week to meet with several vendors, and they all told me the same thing…that none of the bridles they carried were now legal. I saw one bridle which cost nearly $2,000 (!!) and the tack vendor told me that it was only legal for FEI sanctioned events. Furthermore, she told me that she, as well as other tack stores and vendors, who had no advance notice of this rule, are out of thousands of dollars in bridles that they cannot possibly sell.

But yet tight nosebands, rollkur training abuse and other abusive tack and training methods are allowed…..

…however, kudos to the USEF for putting into effect the changes to GR838, “Unethical Treatment of a Horse.” While I have been outspoken about them taking way too long to implement this much needed power, hopefully the abuse and suffering of horses will finally come to an end when the rule goes into effect on December 1, 2024. This rule will enable the USEF to investigate reports of abuse that occur outside of a USEF competition and be able to act on those who abuse any horse. I only hope that this is not just window dressing and that abusers will be dealt with much swifter and more harshly than in the past, where the USEF seems to take the approach that hopefully people will just forget about the abusers if they keep it out of the news long enough. Such is the case with Cesar Parra. A google search fails to reveal any updated news past February 2024. In addition, there are several other proposals up for consideration by the Board of Directors in January, that if approved, will continue to strengthen their position on equine welfare. You can view these rule changes on their website Rule Changes | US Equestrian

In other musings….

I am always amazed when another month has closed its door and I ask myself how is it that we have gotten this far along in the calendar year? It is true when they say that time flies by the older you get and I am only glad it’s true in the sense that our summer did seem to fly by quickly and now I am able to open my windows and enjoy some much needed cooler weather (I do apologize to my northern readers, who are sad to see summer come to an end!)

In one week, I will by flying to Massachusetts for Equine Affaire, where I will give my Fire Prevention talk on Sunday. I have always enjoyed going to Equine Affaire. When I was the U.S. rep for Hilton Herbs, it was an event I looked forward to every year. I stay with a good friend and always spend Monday driving around to photograph the incredible barns in the area, while oohing and ahhing over the fall colors, which I miss so very much!

If you have never been, I suggest you put it on your equine bucket list. First of all, it is a shopping mecca! The clinicians are the best in their field and where else can you see so many incredible horsemen in one place for just one low fee? Did I mention the shopping?

You can get your tickets here: www.equineaffaire.com and please come by the Seminar Stage in the Better Living Center on Sunday at 2:00 to learn all about fire prevention in barns. I will also be signing my book on Saturday at the Plaid Horse booth, as well as in the Shared Presenters Booth. I will have my book and also will have my popular laminated quick reference guide. My show special is $40 for the set, while the guides last!

Looking forward to saying hi to you at Equine Affaire!

Don’t forget to hug your horse!