At the annual mid-year board of directors meeting on 17 June 2024, the United States Equestrian federation has approved an extraordinary rule change to "modernize the horse abuse rule".
The board meeting was held in Lexington, Kentucky. The rule change proposal went through an extensive review process. Stakeholders and affiliates across all breeds and disciplines provided feedback, which was instrumental in the creation of the final draft of the rule.
The rule change means that the scope of USEF’s jurisdiction tis expanded to include horse abuse that occurs outside of competition, including at home facilities. It clarifies examples of what constitutes abuse in our sport; and it mandates reporting of horse abuse. Fourthly it clarifies that competition management and officials are empowered to eliminate, disqualify, and issue warnings for horse abuse at competitions.
The rule provides an updated description of what constitutes unethical treatment of a horse and provides definitions for both “Participants” who are bound by the rule and a “Covered Horse” expanding the ability of USEF to protect horses.
This rewrite of GR838 was proposed as an extraordinary rule change in February, following the major Cesar Parra horse abuse case that erupted in the U.S.A. in January 2024.
Related Links
USEF Proposes Rule Changes to Allow for Intervention in Case of Horse Abuse on Private Property
FEI Provisionally Suspends Cesar Parra (USA) for Alleged Animal Abuse
German Equestrian Federation Investigates German Involvement in Alleged Abuse Case