Now that Spring is officially here, the 2021 competition season is coming up fast. It’s time to be sure that your memberships in the USEF and USDF, as well as other requirements, are up to date.
In order to compete in USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized shows:
- Riders must have a current USDF Participating Membership and USEF membership.
- Horse owners must also have a current USDF Participating or Business Membership, and USEF membership.
- Horses must have a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration and a USEF (Annual or Lifetime) Horse Recording.
- The USEF also requires that owners, riders and trainers must complete SafeSport Training in order to compete.
USEF (United States Equestrian Federation)
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is the national governing body for most equestrian sports in the United States, including dressage. US Equestrian also licenses equestrian competitions of all levels across the United States each year.
Its website is packed with important information including governing rules for USEF-licensed competitions, guidelines pertaining to equine drugs and medications, and more and you can join or renew membership online.
USDF (United States Dressage Federation)
USDF confers numerous awards each year, ranging from Horse of the Year, to the USDF All-Breeds Awards for horses of specific breeds, to rider medals, special award categories for junior/young riders, adult amateurs and riders 50 years of age and over, and more.
The USDF Member Guide provides comprehensive information about shows as well as the numerous educational programs that the organization offers. It also contains USDF (Introductory Level), USEF and FEI dressage tests for 2021 competitions. You can join or renew membership online.