US Equestrian Communications released the following statement about US Equestrian/USEF’s new welfare guidelines on September 10:

“When US Equestrian implemented the expanded Unethical Treatment of Horses rule (GR838) last year, it empowered the organization and its licensed officials to take action in cases of unethical treatment of horses, on show grounds and off. We quickly realized we needed to provide more examples and context for horse welfare best practices in training and competition. Earlier this week, we released a series of Horse Welfare Guidelines that we hope will serve as a basis for improved physical and mental well-being of the equine partners we all love and respect. 

Stoplight concept

“Developed by Chief of Sport David O’Connor, these guidelines are based on the familiar concept of a stoplight. The guidelines outline examples of horse and athlete behavior that fall into one of three zones: green (acceptable or horse-friendly), yellow (cautionary or in need of monitoring), or red (in need of intervention or unacceptable).  

“David based these guides on a similar system used by the German Equestrian Federation. They are not rules, but are educational tools designed to help participants take in the full picture in front of them and determine whether they need to continue to observe, report or intervene. Already, the guidelines are receiving support from the American Association of Equine Practitioners. 

“ ‘I am very excited about this initiative,’ said Dr. Tracy Turner, president of the AAEP. ‘“’We support a humane and ethical partnership with horses for recreation, sport and competition. Working together, we can make a difference for the well-being of our horses.’

Webpage and webinars

“Our new Protecting Horses webpage on USEF.org contains a slideshow and the start of an ongoing video series titled ‘Know the Signs’ explaining the guidelines that apply to a horse’s way of movement and appearance, head and neck position, mouth, plus the way of riding and training, and lastly, the use of equipment.

“The slideshow contains the full set of green/yellow/red behavior examples in each category, while the two initial videos introduce the stoplight concept and how it relates to a horse’s structural anatomy. More videos in the series will be rolling out this fall. The page also contains a link to a feature in the current issue of US Equestrian magazine which explains more about this concept, and how it should be applied. 

“US Equestrian also plans to offer webinars for trainers, coaches and riders to help them better understand the guidelines. There will be one session for trainers and coaches Oct. 6, and another Oct. 7 for athletes. USEF members will receive instructions on how to sign up for these webinars via email in the coming weeks. 

Reporting and investigation

“Licensed officials have already been briefed on these guidelines and know the options they have available to advise, caution or formally warn someone they see acting in the red zone. When the situation warrants, they have the power to issue verbal warnings, recorded warnings, or yellow-card warnings, and to disqualify or eliminate someone who is mistreating a horse. Members can also report treatment they witness that falls in the red zone. Learn more about the reporting and investigations process for unethical treatment here. 

“Reports from members or licensed officials will be fully investigated and could result in penalties from USEF. 

“USEF considers these guidelines to be a living document, so feedback, thoughts and questions are welcome to [email protected].”