The United States Eventing Association (USEA) and US Equestrian (USEF) have rolled out some important rule updates for the 2025 competition season. These changes focus on horse welfare, fair play, and clarity in competition rules.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just getting started, staying up to date will help ensure smooth, successful outings. Let’s dive into the key changes!
🐴 Horse Welfare First
✔Shock Wave Therapy (GR414)
Starting April 1, 2025, only licensed veterinarians can perform Shock Wave Therapy at competitions. This ensures the procedure is done safely and responsibly, putting our horses’ well-being first.
✔New Rules on Medications & Substances (GR414.8)
USEF is tightening restrictions on injectable substances at shows:
- All injectable medications must have a proper label listing ingredients.
- No rectal administration of any substance is allowed.
The goal? Transparency and fairness—so every horse competes on an even playing field.
🏆 Fair Play & Competition Integrity
✔Cooperation with Investigations (GR702.1)
If USEF is investigating an issue, competitors must cooperate fully. Obstructing or delaying an investigation is now considered a rule violation. This keeps the sport honest and fair for everyone.
✔Biometric Sensors Now Allowed (GR801.6)
Exciting news! Riders can now use biometric sensors—both for themselves and their horses—as long as they meet safety guidelines. These can provide valuable insights into performance and health.
✔Noseband Restrictions (GR839.1)
Nosebands with abrasive interiors (except for rope and rawhide) are now banned. This change ensures tack remains comfortable and humane for our equine partners.
✔Whip Use Clarification (EV112.3)
A reminder that whips should only be used to encourage forward motion—not as punishment. This rule reinforces the importance of positive, ethical riding practices.
🎯 Rider & Horse Qualifications
✔New Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs)
To move up levels safely, horses and riders now need more experience at lower levels first.
For example, to compete at Modified Level, a horse must have:
✅ 3 qualifying rounds at Novice level or higher.
This ensures that both horse and rider are truly ready before stepping up—making for safer, more successful rounds!
✔Limits on Back-to-Back Competitions (EV108)
Horses can only compete for three consecutive weekends at recognized events. This helps prevent overexertion and allows horses proper rest and recovery.
✔Clearer Rules on Technical Eliminations (EV104.8)
If a rider is eliminated due to forgetting a jump, missing flags, or other rider-related errors, it will now be marked as a Technical Elimination (TE). This distinction helps clarify scoring and fairness.
🌟 What This Means for You
These updates are all about making eventing safer, fairer, and more transparent. If you’re competing in 2025, now is a great time to:
✅ Review the new rules so you don’t get caught off guard.
✅ Check your horse’s qualifications before entering higher levels.
✅ Plan competition schedules wisely to give your horse the best chance to succeed.
📌 Stay Informed & Keep Riding Forward!
We’re all in this together—these updates are designed to support riders, protect horses, and keep eventing a fun, fair, and competitive sport for years to come.
For the full rulebook, visit the USEA & USEF official sites. If you have questions, your trainers, officials, and fellow riders are great resources.
Here’s to a successful, safe, and rewarding 2025 season! 🎉🐎