The state of Georgia may be starting to reopen, but USEF competition is not.
The suspension of all USEF owned and named events, selection trials, training camps, clinics and activities has been extended through May 31, 2020 in support of a “mindful and responsible approach to easing restrictions,” announced the American Federation.
Read the statement by USEF CEO William J Moroney:
“This suspension also includes points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF award programs, USEF owned and named events, or selection to a US team including USEF National Championships. Upon the expiration of this suspension, competitions must comply with requirements issued by USEF for operating sport horse competitions in this environment.”
Specifically, these requirements, which are currently being developed, will include protocols for safely operating competitions and mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19, continued Moroney.
The Federation is also working on amendments to qualification and selection processes for USEF events and for how USEF HOTY awards and ranking lists are calculated to make “the process as fair as possible” in the likelihood of a staggered regional start-up.
Whether exemptions to the junior competitor age restrictions, equine age restrictions and equine eligibility restrictions based on competitive experience will be granted remains to be decided.
“The safety and welfare of our members and their horses must continue to be our top priority,” said Moroney.