The live session for council, committee, and working group members is on June 21, 2021, at 4 p.m. ET. Register here.

The live session for Board members was on June 14, 2021. 

This interactive session is 90 minutes.

Yes, completing this education session is a requirement for all board, council, committee, and task force members by September 30, 2021. The 90 minute-long session is only required once. Refresher quizzes will be offered annually for maintenance. If you do not complete the education on or by September 30th, you will be ineligible to participate as a board, committee, council, or task force member until the education is completed.

Yes! You can access a recording of the live session any time through the USEF Education Dashboard after September 1. 2021. You will complete the assigned video lessons and take a brief quiz at the end.

A live and interactive virtual awareness and education session will be offered once a year for newly appointed volunteers.  

No. there is no cost for USEF DEI awareness and educational sessions.

No. Officials are only required to take the DEI Awareness and Education for licensed officials; however, you will need to complete the LO DEI education by November 30, 2021 to participate as a USEF council, committee, and/or working group member. USEF welcomes any interested official serving in multiple roles to complete the DEI session for executives, as well as the LO education.

No, licensed officials are expected to follow the USEF Rulebook and officiate accordingly based on the respective breed or discipline rules.  This education is meant to help officials recognize diversity impacts, improve their relationships with competitors and fans, and empower them to create a safe and fair competition environment.

By increasing awareness of and addressing diversity issues , USEF representatives will improve relationships with athletes and fans, thereby enhancing their successes and experiences. For individual officials, participating in diversity initiatives improves their communication and teamwork skills, empowers them to create a safe and fair environment at a competition, reduces conflict in the workplace, and improves their ability to work effectively in the increasingly competitive marketplace.

In 2020, the board approved a DEI Action Plan, which identified DEI awareness and education for all USEF representatives, including  staff, the Board of Directors, licensed officials, and other USEF-appointed volunteers, as a key component to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in equestrian sport. DEI values are essential to our vision of bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.  We all want to see our sport grow and expand in the future. Creating a welcoming and inviting environment for all participants through increased awareness and education is our collective goal.

No, diversity is a business issue. In the global marketplace, organizations thrive on attracting top talent, as well as athletes, members, and fans. Organizations with robust initiatives for managing diversity will be more effective at attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse, skilled workforce, as well as developing and attracting a broad and diverse fan base.

Our community possesses many strengths, including a willingness to learn and improve, and a passion for sharing the incredible joy that horses can bring to a person’s life. DEI awareness and education is an important step in making that vision a reality. It is important to remember that each of us is different. It’s not enough for our sport to be fine for one person. It is imperative that our sport functions well for everyone. By managing diversity, an organization can make sure that every person in our equestrian community feels included and respected and is able to fully contribute to the success of the sport.

No, this is not a politics-based initiative. The education focuses on diverse experiences in equestrian and ways leaders can continue to create inclusive spaces for everyone in the equestrian community.