The US Equestrian Board of Directors convened in June for its Mid-Year Meeting in Lexington, Ky., where the group made key decisions on several rule changes and initiatives. Directors heard updates on the organization’s strategic plan, including the path to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, equine and athlete well-being, and utilizing data to advance risk management and athlete performance.

Updates to Lite Competitions 

One important matter the board voted on was the addition of a new USEF Annual Lite Pass which will reduce costs for coaches and trainers participating in USEF Lite competitions and will continue to allow them to access the required Safe Sport training. The Annual Lite Pass will become available beginning Dec. 1, 2026. This Pass may also be used by competitors who are self-trained and sign the entry blank as trainer or coach. USEF Lite competitions provide a low-cost opportunity for organizers to operate and participants to compete at a show operated under US Equestrian rules and adhering to the drugs and medications rules (including drug testing) without many of the traditional expenses. Previously, someone signing an entry blank as a trainer or coach at a Lite competition needed to have a USEF Competing Membership at the cost of $100 annually. At the June meeting, the board voted to create the $15 Annual Lite Pass that can be used by a coach or trainer instead of the Competing Membership. 

Competitors and horse owners do not need to be a USEF member or Lite Pass holder to participate in a Lite show unless they are also signing the entry blank as coach/trainer. USEF points may not be earned at a Lite competition unless the horse’s owner is a Competing Member and the horse is recorded. Otherwise, there is no horse recording requirement, though any horse competing at a Lite show will receive a free USEF horse ID number and must have a microchip.

Anyone who purchases the Lite Pass will still be required to take SafeSport training, and the pass will only allow them to participate at competitions with a Lite license or at Lite Levels within a Regular Competition. If they wish to participate in any capacity at a Regular Licensed competition, they must upgrade to a Competing Membership. The $15 cost of the Lite Pass will be applied to the cost of upgrading the membership.
For competition organizers, the cost associated with holding a Lite competition is lower, and the $50 licensing fee has been waived through 2027. While competition organizers have the option of hiring a fully licensed Steward/TD, they can also utilize an Applicant Steward/TD who has completed the Designated Applicant Training and requirements. USEF also offers a grant program for Lite competition organizers to help offset the costs of using an Applicant Steward/TD or the required qualified medical personnel. Many US Equestrian affiliates also offer grants to assist with operating Lite competitions.

The Lite license has seen increased interest over the past three years thanks to support from Morgan, Arabian, Saddlebred, and Western Dressage affiliates and organizers. Internal discussions with major discipline affiliates could lead to more shows being added, which would give more members the opportunity to participate at their current level at a lower cost.  

Read more about USEF Lite competitions here.