The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recently announced several new proposed Extraordinary Rule Changes relating to horse welfare. These proposals have been put forward for feedback and review before they are considered by the USEF Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting in January 2025. If approved, these rule changes become effective April 1, 2025.
Three of the most noteworthy proposals include:
Revisions to GR414 Prohibited Practices (Tracking #107-24)
This details a list of substances that individuals will not be permitted to have in their possession or use on the grounds of a USEF licensed competition due to the potential threat to horse welfare and the integrity of sport on the field of play.
Injectable ACTH
Injectable Adenosine
Injectable Formaldehyde
Injectable Magnesium Sulfate
Injectable Oxytocin
Injectable Pentobarbital, except by a veterinarian for the purpose of euthanasia
Injectable Thiamine
Liquid Nitrogen
Any prescription medication in any formulation without a label identifying the horse for whom it is prescribed, pharmacy, prescription date, and prescribing veterinarian, unless it is in the possession of a veterinarian, and not yet prescribed or otherwise prohibited under these rules.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) (Tracking #090-24)
Commonly referred to as Shock Wave Therapy, ESWT is a therapeutic modality intended to aid in the treatment of soft tissue and bone injuries. This rule change further clarifies that only a licensed veterinarian may administer ESWT on competition grounds or a veterinary assistant or technician under direct veterinary supervision. The use of ESWT on a horse as described above must be reported using an Equine Drugs and Medications Report form. The application of ESWT is limited to the back and dorsal pelvis areas of the horse and cannot occur within 12 hours prior to competing. The use of ESWT on the limbs of horses will remain a prohibited practice within 72 hours of competing.
Revisions to EV112 The Use of the Whip in Eventing (Tracking #091-24)
This rule change is proposed to more clearly reflect the intent and spirit of the rule, which is that the whip should be used properly and not as a tool for unethical treatment towards a horse.
A full list of all extraordinary rule change proposals can be found at usef.org. USEF welcomes member feedback on these proposals and encourage members to comment by logging into their USEF member account, navigating to the Rule Changes web page, and then scrolling down to the listing of “Currently Active Non-Standard Proposed Rule Changes” and clicking on the comment button located next to each extraordinary rule change proposal.