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Scroll down for more important USEF information--including Instant On-Line  Renewal. __________________________________________________________________ USEF Presents Revised Draft of Proposal For Changes in Dressage Performance Standards LEXINGTON, KY--The United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Dressage Committee has released a revised draft of the Dressage Performance Standards Proposal for member review and feedback. This new proposal would establish a qualification process for competing at Fourth Level and above, at USEF-licensed and USDF-recognized Dressage Competitions. If adopted as a USEF rule change, the proposal would become effective on December 1, 2010 for the 2011 competition year. USDF members can review the new draft posted on the USEF Web site. An on line survey can be accessed by USDF members (PM’s and GM’s) on the USEF Web site. You must log-in through the USEF Web site to fill out the survey by June 15, 2008. If you are not a USEF member you can use your USDF member number. This survey will be used to collect member feedback and comments which will be reviewed by the USEF Dressage Committee at their July 1-2 meeting. The USDF Executive Board encourages your thoughtful participation in the survey. There will also be further discussion at the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention, December 3-7, 2008 in Denver, CO. A dedicated meeting on this important subject is being conducted by the USEF Dressage Committee during the USDF convention. This meeting will be open to all, and will have no conflicting meetings scheduled against it. The USDF Executive Board also is reviewing the revised proposal from a sport and administrative perspective. Member feedback will be important in this evaluation process. Please visit this link for more information, and click on the “Dressage Performance Standards Proposal" icon. ______________________________________________________________       USEA - Important Notice [April 29, 2008] Letter from USEF President David O'Connor and USEA President Kevin Baumgardner Click to read on useventing.com Dear Members of the Equestrian Community, This past weekend at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day, Laine Ashker suffered a serious fall during the cross-country stage of the competition. She is currently in critical condition at the University of Kentucky hospital in Lexington. Laine's horse and another involved in a separate accident had to be euthanized. These accidents come just a month after Darren Chiacchia, an Olympic rider, had a serious fall at an event in Tallahassee, Florida. They also come in the wake of a recent article in the New York Times about 15 rider fatalities in cross country that have occurred worldwide over the last two years. These accidents have hit us hard in the sport of eventing - we are all riders who care deeply about the horses, their welfare and the image of the sport. For us, the issue is also a personal one. This spate of accidents has raised important and potentially troubling questions for those of us who govern the sport: Why are so many riders and horses having accidents? Is there more that can be done to make cross country safer? Is the sport just too dangerous? There is no question that eventing is a demanding and yes, risky sport. Riders cross undulating terrain at high speed and jump a series of challenging fences - all while atop a 1,000 pound horse. So there is a constant need for us to ensure that every precaution is being taken to reduce the risk of injury to riders and horses. Although we have implemented several measures to improve safety over the last year, clearly more needs to be done. In the coming days and weeks, we will be redoubling our efforts to identify additional steps we can take to make sure that riders and horses can compete as safely as possible. We would like to ask your help in this effort - whether you're a rider, trainer, coach, veterinarian, or simply a horse enthusiast. We invite each and every one of you to the USEF/USEA Safety Summit to be held in Lexington, KY June 7-8. We will break the issue of safety down and examine the causes and potential solutions with some of the best minds in the game. In the meantime, if you have immediate thoughts about how we can improve the safety of cross country, please email them to us at: safetythoughts @ usef.org and/or safety @ useventing.com. Over the last few days, we have received emails from people who were at the Rolex event over the weekend and were disturbed by what they saw. They are asking hard questions of us and questioning whether they should continue to support the sport of eventing. To them and to you, we want to say that we too are disturbed by what we see. No matter how much we tell ourselves that injury is a part of our sport, it is always traumatizing to see a horse fall. Therefore, we are working closely with FEI to do whatever we can to better protect riders and horses and to repair the public image of our sport. We are proposing today that within the U.S. the following five initiatives be put into effect: If a horse has a rotational fall, horse and rider are suspended from competing for three or six months If a horse has a rotational fall, horse and rider lose their qualification at the level at which they are competing. If a rider falls off on the course they are eliminated. Open oxers on courses at every level are made frangible. If a horse falls related to a jump both horse and rider are suspended from competing for one month. We don't have all the answers, we are deeply concerned about what is going on in the sport of eventing and we need your help. Sincerely, David O'Connor, USEF President Kevin Baumgardner, USEA President Contact Information of the Sender United States Eventing Association Old Waterford Road, NW Leesburg, VA 20176 703-779-0440 ______________________________________________________ New Draft and Survey Now Available (click link below) For USEF Dressage Performance Standards Proposal By Joanie Morris   Lexington, KY - The USEF Dressage Committee has released a new draft of the Performance Standards Proposal for review and feedback from USDF and USEF members. This proposal would establish a qualification process for competing at Fourth Level and above at USEF-Licensed Dressage Competitions beginning with the 2011 competition year. The Committee invites USEF and USDF members to review the new draft, and then log-in through the USEF website to fill out an on-line survey.  This survey will be used to collect member feedback and comments which will be reviewed by the Committee members at their July 1 – 2, 2008 meeting. Please visit this link for more information, and click on “Dressage Performance Standards Proposal Information”: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allDressage/natdressage.aspx. For more information please contact Jennifer Keeler, USEF Director of Dressage, National Programs. Proposed Change: New Rule Number DR119 Participation in Dressage Competitions. [Chapter DR. Dressage Division] Add new and renumber remaining: 3. Effective December 1, 2010 2009, riders competing in Dressage Competitions at Third Level and above must be eligible according to qualification criteria established recommended by the Federation Dressage Committee and approved by the USEF Board of Directors. USEF Board Supports Concept For Qualification Standards; Action Postponed Until 2009 Lexington, KY - On January 13, the final day of the USEF Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors considered rule change proposals for all breeds and disciplines. Included in this review was the much-discussed performance standards proposal from the Dressage Committee, which would establish a qualification process for competing at certain levels at USEF-Licensed Dressage Competitions. After extensive discussion, the Board voted to officially table the proposal until the next USEF Annual Meeting in January 2009, but also included in their motion to specifically note its support of the concept and charged the Dressage Committee to bring back a detailed proposal for final approval.      "There was overwhelming support from the USEF Board for this concept of performance standards for dressage," said USEF President David O'Connor. "This was an important first step. We look forward to seeing the specific proposals as they are further developed."       The Dressage Committee will further develop the specifics of the "performance standards" proposal over the coming months, with a possible implementation in stages by dressage level. Current plans are to have the proposal ready for distribution to the membership in the summer of 2008, and feedback will be collected from potentially affected affiliates. In particular, the United States Dressage Federation (USDF), the national affiliate for dressage, will develop a communication network through its Group Member Organization (GMO) delegates and USDF Participating Member (PM) delegates this summer, which will allow for a more efficient system of communication and feedback to the Dressage Committee. Opportunities for further discussion of the proposal will be scheduled during the 2008 USDF Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado.       We are pleased to have the support of the USEF Board of Directors for the concept of qualification standards for certain levels of dressage competition, said Marianne Ludwig, chair of the USEF Dressage Committee. The Committee appreciates all of the feedback received from members, and we welcome the opportunity to bring a detailed proposal back to the Board for next year's Annual Meeting. ______________________________________________________ USEF Rule Book Now Available On a USB Flash Drive Sponsored By Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Lexington, KY - Those USEF members who wish to receive a 2008 USEF Rule Book now have a choice of formats. Beginning with the 2008 competition year, the entire USEF Rule Book will be available on a convenient USB flash drive commonly known as a "memory stick." This initiative is sponsored by the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. When you renew your membership for 2008, and if you desire a USEF Rule Book, you can choose to either receive the two-ounce, two-inch lightweight memory stick or the four-inch thick, three-pound printed USEF Rule Book. Since the entire USEF Rule Book can be conveniently accessed and searched online at www.usef.org, most members choose not to have one sent to them. Members of the USEF Board of Directors test drove the virtual version over the last six months and gave it rave reviews.        In addition to being convenient to carry with you, other documents of your choice can be stored on the 256 megabyte memory stick. It comes with a lanyard so you can also wear it around your neck. Use of the memory stick is eco-friendly as it saves a considerable amount of paper and energy used in printing.       If necessary, it is easy to print a hard copy of whatever section of the USEF Rule Book that you need. It is also more cost effective for the USEF to mail to you, thereby saving money for the many USEF breed and discipline programs.        Not only does the memory stick contain the entire USEF Rule Book plus the Roster of Licensed Officials, you can easily download all rule change updates directly from the USEF website onto the memory stick, thereby keeping you as current as possible on USEF rules. You can also conduct searches of the USEF Rule Book stored on it. Except for downloads from the USEF website, you do not have to be online to access the information you need. All of the rules, the roster and the search function can be accessed from nearly any computer by just plugging in your USEF memory stick. T      o request either a printed USEF Rule Book or the memory stick, make your choice when you renew your membership online at www.usef.org or on the appropriate area of the membership renewal form you receive in the mail. USEF OFFERS INSTANT RENEWAL ON-LINE Dear USEF Member     Save $5 by renewing before November 30, 2007 and get your 2008 USEF membership card TODAY when you renew online at www.usef.org. The 2008 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) competition renewal year starts December 1, 2007.  Once you renew or fill out your Life Questionnaire online, you’ll be able to print out your USEF membership card immediately and use it right away. It’s just as valid as the card that will follow in the mail, along with your insurance policy information from Equisure and valuable information about your MemberPerks benefits!   See the offer below on how you can save 20% on your membership by using a USEF Visa Card! In addition to more than 2,800 recognized competitions, as a USEF member, you’ll receive EQUESTRIAN magazine at no additional charge, a million-dollar personal excess liability policy for horse-related accidents that cause bodily injury or property damage to third parties, and the added benefits of USEF MemberPerks—a members-only discount program with unbeatable deals from companies like John Deere, Dodge, UPS, OfficeMax, FarmVet.com and Hertz—just for starters. To Renew Online: Go to http://www.usef.org/aua. After entering your username and password click LOG IN to log in to your Authorized User Account (AUA). Or you can create an AUA if you do not have one by clicking on "Don't have an AUA account? Click here to SIGN UP." Select 2008 Membership Application/Renewal/Life Questionnaire/License Renewal to renew your 2008 membership. After renewing your membership, a page will appear giving you verification of credit card approval. Please print this page for your records. PRINT your online USEF 2008 membership card. Congratulations, You have just joined. Special Offer! Save $20 on your USEF membership by renewing with your new United States Equestrian Federation Visa® Card! Apply Now - Offer expires soon! Here's How it Will Work: Apply and receive your USEF Visa CArd by calling 1-800-853-5576 ext. 9076 - or click here to apply online. Renew your USEF membership* with your new USEF Visa Card by visiting www.usef.org/aua. Your card will be billed the USEF membership fee. A $20 credit will appear on your USEF Visa statement by the second billing cycle. It's a win-win! You get a great new card and receive all the benefits of a USEF membership, plus a $20 credit. All USEF Visa Platinum cardmembers receive: 0% APR for six months on purchases and balance transfers No annual fees No balance transfer fees for six months APPLY TODAY! Just call 1-800-853-5576 ext. 9076 or click here to apply online. Click product name for terms and conditions: Platinum, Cash Rewards, Select Rewards, College Rewards. Offer expires 12/31/07. Valid for new USEF Visa cardmembers only through this special offer. U.S. Bank National Association ND is creditor and issuer of the United States Equestrian Federation Visa Card.   __________________________________________________________________ USEF NO LONGER SUPPLYING TEST SHEETS TO MANAGEMENT USEF has issued new policy on dressage test sheets.  Click here for complete details: Dressage/TestGuidelines New 2007 Dressage Tests Seen on USEF Website LEXINGTON, KY--The new dressage test in movement form are now up on the USEF website: Here is the link: http://www.usef.org/content/equestrianSports/disciplines/international/dressage.php         The test sheets themselves will not be available until November and will be used from Dec. 1st, 2006, through the next four years.   USEF Implements System For Easier Horse Recording LEXINGTON, KY--The United States Equestrian Federation has implemented a new feature on the web site to better serve our members.  When a member applies on-line for a USEF Horse Recording, they will now be able to print off a document verifying that the application has been received by the Federation office.  This document can be used for show verification for 45 days after the date in which the horse recording was applied. As Competition Managers and Secretaries, please be advised that a horse recording affidavit will no longer need to be filled out if the member is in receipt of this USEF Horse Recording Verification and it is within 45 days of the date of submission.  Please be advised, this neither confirms nor denies this horse is in good standing with USEF.  If you have any questions regarding this verification, please contact Ken Ball, Director of Horse Registration and Services, at Ken Ball . United States Equestrian Federation, Inc., 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511, 859-258   NEW FEI TESTS GO INTO EFFECT JUNE 1ST FEI FREESTYLE TESTS: Please note the FEI has just released new Freestyle Tests for Junior, Young Rider, Intermediare-I and Grand Prix levels which must be used by all competitions as of June 1, 2006. The actual movement requirements for competitors have not changed; however, the coefficients for artistic marks HAVE changed, and technical marks have been revised to reflect the addition of a score for halts in each test. Please discard any previous test editions. All FEI tests are available for download on the FEI website. Here is the direct link for test sheets: http://www.horsesport.org/D/d_05_02.html Questions? Contact Jennifer Keeler, National Director of Dressage, Jennifer Keeler or (859) 225-2024. Rule Change Impacts Regional Champions    LEXINGTON, KY--USEF recently approved a rule revision for DR 127.5. This revision allows Champions who do not attain the minimum qualifying score in their Championship ride to continue competing in that level and division at the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Regional Championships, providing they re-qualify. This rule became effective April 1, 2006.           The USDF Regional Championships Committee proposed the change at the 2005 Board of Governors meeting. Stating the Championships should showcase "the best of the best” each year, the Committee also believes “forcing” competitors to move their horses onto the next level, even if they are not ready, is not in the best interest of the horses or riders.          The committee determined that a score from judges of a Championship class at the minimum qualifying score for a particular level is a fair indicator that the horse is capable of the work required for that level. If the score that wins the title of Regional Champion does not meet or exceed the minimum score for that level, the horse can continue to train and can compete in that level at a future Great American/USDF Regional Championship, provided horse and rider are eligible and re-qualify.    Membership/Registration Requirements for Qualifying & Championships    Rider:  -Must be a USDF Participating* Member at the time qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships.    -Must be a USEF member (Junior Active, Senior Active or Life) at the time the qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships.    Horse:  -Must be USDF Lifetime Registered at the time qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships. Horse registration must be in the name(s) of the current owner(s) or lessee(s) of record.    -Must be USEF (Annual or Lifetime) recorded at the time qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships. Horse recording must be in the name(s) of the current owner(s) or lessee(s) of record.    -Horse does not have to be breed registered.    Owner:  -Must be a USDF member (Participating* or Business) at the time the qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships.    -Must be a USEF member (Junior Active, Senior Active or Life) at the time qualifying scores are earned and at the time of the championships.    *Participating Members are USDF members who join USDF directly.  **Group Members who join USDF through local riding clubs can be upgraded to Participating Member for an additional fee.

New USEF/USDF Agreement Streamlines Dressage Competition With Dual Recognition

LEXINGTON, KY – As part of a series of improvements designed to relieve competition headaches for members and management, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Dressage Federation (USDF) have agreed to begin joint recognition of dressage competitions in the United States. Beginning in 2006, dressage competitions recognized by the USEF will be automatically recognized by the USDF, eliminating the need for show organizers to apply for USDF recognition. In addition, competitions will be given one recognition number, which will be shared by both organizations.        “This is what USEF/USDF members and competition managers have asked for—a reduction in the paperwork and hassle that comes with separate USEF and USDF systems,” says John Long, USEF Chief Executive Officer. “We’re cutting the red tape for them. Both organizations have pledged their commitment to reduce this extra paperwork that so many members and organizers find burdensome.”        “The implementation of USEF/USDF Joint Show Recognition is a significant step to streamlining our sport by reducing the duplication of effort between USEF and USDF,” continues Stephan Hienzsch, USDF Executive Director. “We look forward to additional cooperative efforts in the areas of joint membership and horse registration that will benefit our mutual members and dressage.”         In the coming months, the USDF will be requesting additional information from competition organizers and will be notifying them of guidelines and administration fees. An outline of the dressage addendum can be found at the bottom of this press release.        For more information, please contact Katriona Adams at the USEF, by phone at (859) 225-6959, or via e-mail at Katriona Adams , or contact Krystina Firth at the USDF, by phone at (859) 971-2277, or via e-mail at Krystina Firth . Dressage Addendum        All USEF recognized Dressage Competitions must also comply with USDF recognition requirements (See USEF DR125.1). Any Regular Competition holding dressage classes that chooses to be recognized by the United States Dressage Federation must also agree to comply with these requirements.        USDF Competition Recognition Requirements include but are not limited to the following:        1. The licensee shall abide by all USDF Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Procedures, and by all decisions of USDF in interpreting said Rules.       2. The licensee shall be a member in good standing with USDF and have no outstanding indebtedness to USDF.       3. The Licensee agrees to provide information and appropriate fees directly to USDF for administration of the competition and specific USDF programs and classes.       4. The Licensee agrees to display the logo supplied by USDF in accordance with specific USDF program requirements.       5. The Licensee agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the USDF, its predecessors and successors, and all of their respective officers, directors, committee members, employees, agents and representatives from and against all losses, costs, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees and disbursements, arising out of or in connection with the Competition.       In no event shall the USDF be liable to Licensee, or any third party, for any incidental, indirect, special, exemplary, or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, damages for loss of business or loss of profits) arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.        This Agreement shall not be deemed to create a joint venture, partnership, principal-agent, employer-employee or similar relationship between Licensee and the USDF. The Licensee is an independent contractor and does not have the authority or right to incur obligations of any kind in the name or for the account of the USDF or to commit or bind the USDF in any agreement.

Safety Rules Discussed at USEF Semi-Annual Board Meeting
Rule Changes Address Safety Concerns at Recognized Competitions

LEXINGTON, KY – Consistent with one of the primary missions of the United States Equestrian Federation, which is to ensure the safety and welfare of both horses and riders, two important rule changes were approved at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in Louisville, Kentucky on Jan. 16^. .  These changes should significantly contribute to safety at recognized USEF competitions. They involve the operation of motorized vehicles on horse show grounds by minors and the standards for safety helmets to be used in jumping competitions.

The first change was to rule GR301.5.a.  The Board voted that beginning April 1^st, 2005 minors who do not have a valid driver’s license which allows them to operate a motorized vehicle in the state in which they reside, will not be permitted to operate a motorized vehicle on the grounds of a recognized competition.  This includes, but is not limited to, golf carts, motorcycles, scooters and farm utility vehicles.  Penalties may include exclusion of the child, parents, guardians, and/or trainers from the competition grounds for the remainder of the competition and charges being filed against any of these individuals in accordance with Chapter VI. (Wheelchairs and other mobility assistance equipment for people with disabilities are exempt.)

“In the recent past there have been some very serious accidents caused by children driving motorized vehicles and the use of them on horse show grounds has increased dramatically the last few years,” said horse show organizer Andrew Ellis, Chairman of the USEF Safety Committee. “The safety of horses, riders and spectators has been compromised by this situation and we had to address it. This is a very good rule change and widely supported by show managers, trainers, parents and riders. ”

The second rule change unanimously passed by the Board was GR318 which pertains to the use of approved safety helmets by everyone, juniors and seniors, competing over fences. Beginning December 1^st, 2005 it will be compulsory in all Hunter, Jumper and Hunt Seat Equitation classes, both open and breed restricted including Hunter Hack, where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the competition grounds (including warm-up rings) to wear securely fastened protective headgear which meets or exceeds ASTM/SEI standards and carries the SEI tag.  Any rider violating this rule at any time must immediately be prohibited from further riding until such headgear is properly in place.

According to Lexington, Kentucky neurosurgeon Dr. William Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at the Rolex Three-Day Event for the past 20 years; and former Chairman of the Safety Committee for the United States Pony Club, the vast majority of fatalities in horseback riding occur in falls with injuries to the head.  In the past ten years Dr. Brooks has treated 187 head injuries which occurred in riding accidents.  Of those the most consequential were concussion; fractures, which accounted for 35 injuries with none among riders wearing a helmet with a retention harness; blood clots, accounting for 35 injuries with 24 of those among riders not wearing helmets; and 27 fatalities, with 26 occurring among those not wearing a safety helmet. “The key is the retention harness and the appropriate helmet each time and every time,” said Dr. Brooks.

·       A person 2 to 3 feet off the ground traveling at 2 to 3 miles per hour can suffer permanent brain damage
·       Riders are elevated 6 to 8 feet and at a hand gallop are traveling at 22 to 24 miles per hour in a forward position, they therefore have a substantially increased risk of a head injury, and that risk increases dramatically if they are not wearing a securely fastened safety helmet.

·       According to the American Medical Equine Association/Safe Riders Foundation, 20% of all equestrian injuries are head injuries, and 60% of fatalities are due to head injuries.

“An ASTM/SEI approved helmet cannot totally prevent an injury, but it certainly can help manage the risk,” said Mr. Ellis.

Bill Moroney, President of the United States Hunter Jumper Association also applauded the new rule changes, “At our USHJA convention in October we listened to the USEF Safety Committee’s argument and asked them to come back and provide us with compelling information to support passage of these changes.  They did that in Louisville, and as a result we confidently support them.”
______________________________________________________

WILL YOUR HORSE'S BIT

PASS THE SHOW'S TD?

 

LEXINGTON, KY--USEF Dressage Technical Delegate Janine Malone has authored a comprehensive article, complete with understandable and recognizable pictures, about which bits are and are not acceptable for USEF competition.  The article was printed in the October edition of the "USDF Connection." Janine has sent us a special copy of it for you to read here.  Click here for the article: Legal Bits for Dressage Competition

 

RULE CLARIFICATIONS

Whips: Following the FEI's decision to shorten the legal length for dressage whips, rule changes for USEF-Recognized Dressage Competitions became effective on June 1st of this year (Articles 320, 1920.5, and 1921.9). The maximum whip length is now 43.3 inches (110 cm) including lash. The USEF Dressage Committee has clarified this length limit as applying ONLY to the whip held by the rider while mounted, and does not apply to people working from the ground. (Please refer to the above-mentioned Articles for complete explanation of rules regarding lungeing whips used from the ground.)

Spurs: Numerous questions have been received in regards to "swan-neck" spurs (please see picture below). Article 1920.8 of the USEF Rule Book states "swan-necked spurs are allowed" for Recognized Dressage Competitions. In addition, the FEI has recently affirmed that this spur is also legal for competitions run under International Rules (CDIs, NAYRC, etc.). Please refer to the following picture as an illustration of a legal type of "swan-neck spur". For more information, contact Jennifer Keeler.

U.S. Equestrian Federation

DRESSAGE PONY HANDBOOK

An invaluable resource for competition managers,
officials, and exhibitors!

And it's FREE!

In recent years, interest in pony classes and/or divisions at USEF-recognized Dressage Competitions has been on the rise. Ponies are popular among juniors and adults alike, and an increasing number of recognized dressage competitions have expressed interest in offering special opportunities for those exhibitors. On behalf of the U.S. Equestrian Dressage Committee, we appreciate your interest and participation in dressage pony classes and divisions, and have developed this booklet to hopefully address questions and concerns from exhibitors, officials, and competition management alike.  For your free copy, send your mailing address to Jennifer Keeler, Sport Manager - Dressage at U.S. Equestrian by e-mail to Jennifer Keeler, or (859) 225-2024.

USEF AND USDF AGREE
TO SHARE HID NUMBERS 
     USA Equestrian (now USEF) and The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) have reached an agreement that will allow a seamless transition for individuals who have horses that are recorded with USDF and are competing in USEF-recognized competition to comply with the requirement of USEF Article 811. 
      This new rule, effective Dec. 1, states that all horses competing in USEF-recognized competitions must be properly identified with an identification number. Through this joint agreement USDF will be providing the member's USDF Horse identification number (HID) or lifetime horse registration number as well as additional information on the horse and owner to USEF so that it can be directly entered into the system making compliance for the member paperless and instantaneous. 
      Once the horse is in the USEF system the owner will receive a letter to let them know that their horse has been entered and that they should continue to use the number issued by USDF for competing in any USDF-recognized competition. 
The intent of this rule is to provide a system of tracking a horse's performance throughout its competing lifetime. 
     The cooperative effort outlined above does not take the place of the USEF life or annual horse registration which is required for participation in the Great American/USDF Regional Championships. 
     If you have any questions or need further information on this program please contact Dan Brown at USDF, (859) 271-7899 or Dan Brown  .