US EQUESTRIAN ANNUAL REPORT 2024
US Equestrian serves as the NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR EQUESTRIAN SPORT IN THE UNITED STATES serving the needs of equestrians across multiple breeds & disciplines. The organization represents over 82,000 ACTIVELY COMPETING MEMBERS, over 5,500 subscriber members & over 428,000 engaged equestrian fans WHO
INTRODUCTION
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) was created in 2003 and serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian sport in the United States serving the needs of equestrians across multiple breeds and disciplines. USEF’s mission is to “Provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment” and our vision is to “Bring the Joy of Horse Sports to as many people as possible.”
USEF is a member organization representing close to 82,000 actively competing members, over 5,600 subscriber members, and over 428,000 engaged equestrian fans who participate in 29 breeds and disciplines, through 17 Recognized Affiliates.
USEF has grown in importance and influence in equestrian sport. USEF became the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States under the provisions of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act of 1978. This designation, our close relationships with Affiliates, and our work with other organizations such as the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, U.S. Center for Safe Sport, the American Horse Council, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners has added to the prominence of our collective voice. This has enabled USEF to lead the way in working on federal legislation to protect our horses and our athletes.
USEF has continually increased benefits for all constituencies of our membership, including affiliates. Through sponsorships, we have been able to create discounts and special rates for our members on a strong stable of equestrian-related products including farm equipment, feed, tack, attire, and services. Through strategic partnerships, USEF is able to offer its members valuable and comprehensive health and related insurance products with extremely affordable premiums. Awards and recognition are an important component of our benefits program and through our Horse of the Year program and Pegasus Awards, USEF offers an opportunity for owners, trainers/coaches, athletes, horses, and youth participants to earn recognition for their amazing achievements.
USEF welcomes all enthusiasts, whether fans or competitors, to be part of a fantastic community of dedicated equestrians.
MISSION
To provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment.
VISION
To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.
USEF VALUES
Everything we do is guided by our values of Fairness, Safety, Welfare, and Enjoyment for both our horses and members.
CEO MESSAGE
Dear Fellow Equestrians,
2024 was an exciting year for equestrian sport. Our members are enthusiastic about the increased awareness that our sport is experiencing, and the positive interest expressed by new people and new audiences who are finding an affinity for both our horse and human athletes. We are now seeing our sport being consumed like traditional mainstream professional sports. Doors are opening and opportunities are increasing for US Equestrian and our affiliates to showcase their individual breeds and disciplines.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games were a huge opportunity for showcasing our horses and people. In addition to the outstanding medal performances in Para-Dressage and Show Jumping, the values of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and the safety of our horses were showcased front and center during a time that the sport of equestrian was under particular scrutiny. Even well-known celebrities like Snoop Dog and Martha Stewart got into the act, venturing out to the equestrian venue and being broadcast spending time with our horses and athletes. This would not have been possible without the fantastic relationship we have with NBC that has been fostered by our Marketing and Sport Teams.
Our National Championships remain a destination for our members and earning top honors at these events continues to be a meaningful experience and career highlight for athletes of all ages. Fans continue to be introduced to equestrian sport and the many breeds and disciplines through our promotional efforts on digital and linear media platforms. Affiliate events also continue to prosper, and we look forward to working with our affiliates to showcase their events to a global audience through the USEF Network.
2024 was also a year of new challenges and learning how best to navigate the changing environment. Equine and human safety and well-being are of the utmost importance to US Equestrian. Our teams across the organization have
been instrumental in making certain that our members have resources and information to educate and assist them in their efforts to protect our horses, our people, and our sport. We are proud of the work being done throughout the community to tackle this difficult issue and relentlessly pursue the safety and well-being of horses and people. We must all be part of providing an inviting, safe, fair, and fun place to play the sport of equestrian.
Voices matter, and when US Equestrian and our affiliates are speaking the same language and in one voice, we have the power to effect meaningful changes that will sustain the sport we all love for future generations to enjoy.
Congratulations on all your success and best wishes for a fantastic 2025.
Best Regards,
Bill Moroney USEF Chief Executive Officer
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The end of a year always brings with it the chance to look back and review the events, accomplishments, and experiences that made up the previous 12 months. From a strong competition season all year long, to the various U.S. Team accomplishments internationally, to the countless national titles awarded across multiple breeds and disciplines at all of our affiliate national championships, 2024 celebrated the sport of equestrian at its finest. The U.S. Jumping Team’s great performance in Paris that secured Olympic team silver was just the beginning as one month later, the U.S. Para-Dressage Team put in a record-breaking performance by earning team gold, individual bronze, individual silver, and four individual gold medals at the Paralympic Games. Even more incredible is that the gold medals won by our U.S. riders accounted for 13.8% of the overall gold medal tally for all Team USA athletes at the Paralympic Games. However, as exciting as these major international wins are, it is equally as exciting to witness a young rider’s first win in a walk-trot class, or the pride and joy expressed by that child’s parents, trainer, and barn crew. Regardless of the level of competition, equestrian sport is a family activity, and I have been so fortunate to witness so many of these interactions and inspirational experiences firsthand.
My role here at USEF provides me with the unique opportunity to travel to many events, meeting and interacting with the broad and diverse group of people that make up our equestrian community. I’ve said this many times before, but it is absolutely true that although our discipline and breed choices may vary, it is the respect, admiration, and love of the horse that is the common thread binding us all together into a single community. Another very interesting part of my travels to shows and barns across the country is that I hear the following loud and clear from all involved with our horses – from pony riders and their extended support entourage to the highest-level professionals across all breeds and disciplines – it’s all about the horse. I rarely have to introduce the concept into the conversation as those I meet with universally state in very clear messaging that it is our collective responsibility and obligation to always put the horse first and ensure their long-term well-being, comfort, and safety. This gives me strong belief in equestrian sport’s future as I hear and witness, very often, equestrians not simply talking the talk but truly walking the walk.
US Equestrian has always placed the well-being and safety of our equine athletes at the forefront, and 2024 saw some new rule changes approved that took effect on December 1 that are designed to strengthen these efforts. Additionally, through its Equine Disaster Relief Fund, US Equestrian provided financial assistance for horses impacted by wildfires in both Texas and California, and horses across several states that were affected by the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. As we look toward 2025, there are several more rule change proposals in
the works to support and strengthen our commitment to protecting these horses that are central and pivotal to our equestrian community. What inspires me is the fact that these rule changes come from and are extensively discussed by our members, often leading to changes in the proposed rule change language that are made in an effort to affect the desired impact – protecting our horses.
On the sport front, there are several new and exciting initiatives launching in 2025. The US Equestrian Open is an innovative competition model that will feature the three disciplines of dressage, eventing, and jumping. Each discipline’s series will consist of qualifying events that lead up to a final that ultimately names the US Equestrian Open champion. The prize money will total more than $1MM across the series finals with each final being hosted at three different premier venues across the country. US Equestrian plans to capitalize on the growing momentum around equestrian sport amongst mainstream audiences by broadcasting all three finals on ESPN. Our partnership with CMH.TV has elevated the USEF Network to new heights and has expanded the scope and reach of equestrian sport to new and diverse audiences around the world. We are excited to continue to build on our library of offerings and broadcast many more events and stories involving all breeds and disciplines as we head into 2025.
From a governance standpoint, 2024 saw the US Equestrian develop a new strategic plan, ultimately approved by the Board of Directors in June, that will sustain, strengthen, and grow the organization through the next four years. Priorities include amplifying delivery of exceptional customer service to members, affiliates, fans, sponsors, and supporters; developing technology-based applications and services that assist and enhance member and competition management experience; developing revenue generating opportunities that supplement and diversify current sources; leveraging partnerships with affiliates and other organizations to advance collective priorities, and amplifying the messages and stories about the sport, focusing and placing the spotlight on the key component – the horse.
As we head into 2025, I am excited about equestrian sport’s potential, and I look forward to meeting and spending time with many of you. Whether a competing member, fan, affiliate, or sponsor, you each serve a critical role in this community. Our extended barn family shares a commonality in our mutual connection to the horse. As long as we remain committed to the horse’s protection and well-being, we remain united, and in unity there is strength. It’s All About the Horse.
Thomas F.X. O’Mara, USEF President
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As of December 1, 2024
Subject to change after the USEF Annual Meeting in January of 2025
OFFICERS TERM
Thomas O’Mara, President 1/2029
Judith Werner, Vice President 1/2027
Judith Sloan, Secretary/Treasurer 1/2027
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Diane Pitts 1/2027
Jon Kreitz 1/2029
ELECTED ATHLETES
Jacob Arnold 1/2028
Eleanor Brimmer 1/2027
Allison Brock 1/2025
Beezie Madden 1/2028
Joseph Mattingley 1/2027
Lauren Nicholson 1/2025
Chester Weber 1/2026
INTERNATIONAL DISCIPLINES COUNCIL MEMBERS
Max Amaya 1/2026
Will Faudree 1/2028
Lisa Gorretta 1/2028
NATIONAL BREEDS & DISCIPLINES COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ling Fu Wylie 1/2025
Deborah Johnson 1/2027
Britt McCormick 1/2026
Melissa Moore 1/2024
USET FOUNDATION MEMBER
Philip Richter 1/2026
STAFF
There are 144 staff members who support the programs and operations of US Equestrian located in three offices. Our main headquarters is located at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Our ancillary offices include Gladstone, NJ and Columbus, OH. Each of our ancillary offices is connected to the main headquarters through a shared network and phone/email servers.
The Senior Staff Team includes the following:
EXECUTIVE
Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer || bmoroney@usef.org
LEGAL & OPERATIONS
Sonja Keating, General Counsel & COO || skeating@usef.org
FINANCE
Mike Delahanty, Chief Financial Officer || mdelahanty@usef.org
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Vicki Lowell, Chief Marketing & Content Officer || vlowell@usef.org
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Justin Provost, Chief Information Officer || jprovost@usef.org
SPORT
David O’Connor, Chief of Sport || doconnor@usef.org
FEI SPORT
Hallye Griffin, Director of FEI Sport || hgriffin@usef.org
NATIONAL BREEDS & DISCIPLINES SPORT
Karen Homer-Brown, Director || khbrown@usef.org
VETERINARY AND D&M
Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator || sschumacher@usef.org
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
US Equestrian is comprised of a Board of Directors, three Councils including Member Services, National Breeds & NonFEI Disciplines and International (FEI) Disciplines, and over forty Committees and Working Groups involving administrative and sport functions. Approximately 477 Senior Competing members are representatives involved in the governance structure. The Board of Directors, President, and CEO are the only entities and individuals authorized to make decisions that bind the organization. The Board is not involved in the daily operations of the organization, but it is responsible for development of the organization’s strategic direction. The President reports to the Board, and the CEO reports to the President and is empowered to make the day-today decisions for the organization.
USEF RECOGNIZED AFFILIATE ASSOCIATIONS
USEF recognizes only one organization as the official USEF Recognized Affiliate Association for each breed and discipline within the USEF family. The Affiliates are categorized by FEI Discipline Associations and National & Non-FEI Breeds and Disciplines Associations. An organization can serve as a USEF Recognized Affiliate for multiple breeds and/or disciplines. Additionally, FEI Disciplines include both the international and national components of each sport. Affiliates provide a unique connection to the community in each breed or discipline and are a conduit for communication and promotion of equestrian sport to a wider audience.
FEI DISCIPLINE ASSOCIATIONS (5)
Equestrian Vaulting USA
United States Dressage Federation
United States Eventing Association, Inc.
United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc.
United States Para-Equestrian Association
NATIONAL & NON-FEI DISCIPLINE ASSOCIATIONS (12)
American Connemara Pony Society
American Hackney Horse Society
American Morgan Horse Association, Inc.
American Road Horse & Pony Association
American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association
Arabian Horse Association
International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association
International Friesian Show Horse Association
National Show Horse Registry
Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc.
United States Hunter Jumper Association, Inc.
Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc.
Western Dressage Association of America
Recognized Affiliate Organization Benefits
PHOTO:
PASO FINOHorseAssociation
MEMBER AND AFFILIATE BENEFITS
US Equestrian members can access a robust collection of benefits and resources just by being a member. These benefits include exclusive offers and cost-saving programs from some of the best retailers and services, as well as guaranteed-issue and competitively priced insurance products for individuals, families, and small businesses, curated specifically for the equestrian environment.
HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCTS
Individual Health Coverage
à Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant
à National provider network & available in all 50 states
à Covers pre-existing conditions; no medical application needed
à $0 deductible; co-pays are applicable to Out-of-Pocket maximum
Small Business Group Health
à Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant
à Customizable plan designs to fit your small business needs
à Level-funding that provides one, predictable monthly payment
à Money-back opportunities in years that claims are lower than expected Medicare & Medicare Supplement Coverage
Dental, Vision, Disability, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Life Insurance
à Available through MetLife and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield
à Guaranteed coverage, regardless of health status
Medical Transportation Coverage
à Covers both emergent ground ambulance and air ambulance transport in all 50 states and in Canada, whether at home or away
International Medical Insurance
à Insurance products
à 24/7 emergency medical and travel assistance for U.S. citizens traveling or residing outside the country, as well as citizens of other countries traveling inside the U.S.
Discounted Long-Term Care Coverage
TeleMedicine & TeleDentist subscriptions
à Free, 24/7 access to licensed physicians and dental experts
GENERAL INSURANCE PRODUCTS
General Business Insurance
à Directors & Officers Liability (D&O)
à General Business Insurance
à Commercial Property Insurance
Home, Auto, Boat and RV Insurance offered through Liberty Mutual
$1M Excess Personal Liability, Death & Disability Insurance for horse-related activities with Equisure
Pet Insurance Plan through PinPaws/ Metlife
à Exclusive package options available for members with pets of all ages.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Discounted tuition for USEF members at:
à Midway University
à & Southern New Hampshire University (online courses available)
USEF MemberPerks
Just a few of the exclusive offerings and discounts available to USEF members include:
• 10% discount at Dover Saddlery, both in-store and online
• 5% discount on SmartPak purchases
• 15% discount on Toklat products
• 20% discount on online Goodyear tire purchases
• 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV subscriptions
• Up to 28% discount on John Deere equipment
• Up to 35% discount on Sherwin Williams purchases
• Up to 25% discount on Big Ass Fans® purchase
• 10% discount on PIXEM and PIXIO cameras and free 6-month Live Session subscription packages through Move ‘N See Sport Video Tools
• 15% discount on new or existing BarnManager subscriptions
• 50% discount on EQLiving magazine subscription
• 20% discount on Sidelines magazine subscription
• Additional valuable discounts offered from Bates Saddlery, Choice Hotels, ODP Solutions, USRider ® Equestrian Motor Plan, GumBits, Flexi Equine Tack Lockers, Neue Schule, USEF Visa Signature Card, and more
Click on the following link to learn more about USEF Member Benefits.
MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAMS
USEF offers Competing memberships on an annual or lifetime basis, and it offers subscriber membership on an annual basis. Additionally, equestrian enthusiasts can engage with USEF for free as USEF Fans. Member benefits are dependent on the category of membership with the greatest difference being the ability to compete in USEF-licensed competitions without incurring a Show Pass fee. USEF also offers a farm/business level of membership on either an annual or lifetime basis.
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP & FANS
2023 = 2,621 Farms/Businesses 2024 = 2,806
2023 = 479,664 Individuals 2024 = 517,162
HORSE RECORDING
USEF offers an owner the ability to record their horse with the association for the purpose of tracking results, eligibility for certain events, and for awards and recognition. USEF processes over 20,000 horse recordings annually. Awards are presented annually by USEF in over 850 categories across the many programs offered..
TOTAL NUMBER OF HORSES RECORDED
2023 = 21,334 2024 = 20,903
EQUINE & HUMAN ANTI-DOPING
USEF maintains a robust equine and human anti-doping program. USEF utilizes the services of the University of Kentucky’s Equine Analytical Laboratory. Affiliates will still be able to access additional testing and collection services through USEF at our group rate. USEF conducts the regulatory function for confirmed positive cases that are in violation of our rules.
TOTAL COMPETITIONS TESTED
2022-23 – 502 2023-24 – 444
TOTAL DAYS TESTING OCCURRED
2022-23 – 617
2023-24 – 569
TOTAL SAMPLES COLLECTED
2022-23 – 10,510 2023-24 – 10,536
ANTI-DOPING INFORMATION
USEF Clean Sport
FEI Clean Sport
In a traditional year, USEF licenses well over 2,000 competitions annually. Competition organizers can apply and renew competition licenses by accessing their competition dashboard online through their USEF member account.
TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPETITIONS LICENSED
2023 = 2,132 2024 = 2,094
UNIQUE NUMBER OF HORSES WITH COMPETITION RESULTS
2023 = 83,962 2024 = 85,970
UNIQUE NUMBER OF RIDERS, DRIVERS AND AND HANDLERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN COMPETITIONS
2023 = 63,217 2024 = 63,522
COMPETITIONS COMPLIANCE
The USEF Compliance team works collaboratively with members, licensed officials, and competition managers to ensure and continually improve the safety and welfare of equine and humans at USEF-licensed competitions.
This goal is achieved through conducting onsite competition compliance inspections by department staff, as well as outreach to competitions, members, and Stewards/TDs to follow up on compliance issues raised to USEF through Member’s Confidential Competition Evaluations.
In 2024 the Compliance Department conducted 28 site inspections across 6 breeds/disciplines and 15 states, with reach to approximately 6,900 entries at these events. At these inspections, approximately 100 individual compliance issues were noted and ultimately resolved with competition management.
REPORTED COMPLIANCE ISSUES BY SOURCE:
In 2024 there were approximately 1,500 compliance issues reported from the following sources: Steward/TD reports = 313 Members Confidential Competition Evaluations: 1,000 2024 Compliance issues identified during inspections: 100 2024 USEF Lite Violations: 35
MEMBERS CONFIDENTIAL COMPETITION EVALUATIONS:
In 2024 approximately 1,600 competition evaluations were received and processed. 1,212 were generally positive, 121 generally negative and 235 were a combination of positive and negative feedback. Of these evaluations there were approximately 1,000 compliance issues logged.
OFFICIALS
USEF offers over 76 different licenses and certifications for 2,200 competition officials through its Licensed Officials program. USEF partners with several Affiliates to provide education and training, and is responsible for issuing licenses for applicants upon successful completion of the education and evaluation programs. Candidates can apply for licensure and promotion, and officials can renew their licenses online by accessing their USEF member account.
TOTAL NUMBER OF USEF LICENSED OFFICIALS 2023 = 3,687 2024 = 3,775
TOTAL NUMBER OF U.S. FEI OFFICIALS: 2023 = 509 2024 = 581
TOTAL NUMBER OF FEI COURSES HOSTED IN THE U.S.: 2023 = 6 2024 = 12
TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE APPLICATIONS OPEN AS OF 12/01/24: 1,640
• Current active National applications: 1,423
• Current active FEI applications: 217
TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS APPROVED IN 2024: 230
• 140 initial licenses (first level of licensure)
• 90 promotions
USEF DISPERSED A TOTAL OF $13,500 IN GRANT FUNDING IN 2024 FOR NATIONAL AND FEI OFFICIALS DEVELOPMENT.
SPORT PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
USEF prepares athletes and fields and supports teams for international competition. Additionally, USEF administers and supports several competitive, educational, and recognitionbased programs and opportunities for its members and its Recognized Affiliates.
2024 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
DRIVING
• 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Four in Hand Horses – Individual Bronze and World Record best Dressage score (Chester Weber)
• 2024 FEI Driving World Championship for Single Horses – Top 6 – 6th of 79 Individual Finish (Taylor Bradish)
DRESSAGE
• Fourth place - Aachen CDIO5* (Marcus Orlob, Anna Buffini, Anna Marek, Endel Ots)
• Silver Medal – Wellington CDIO3* (Jan Ebeling, Kevin Kohmann, Erin Nichols, Jennifer Williams)
EVENTING
• CCIO4*-NC-S Millstreet (IRL) – Second place finish (Jenny Caras and Sommersby, Emily Hamel and Corvett, Caroline Pamukcu and King’s Especiale, Alyssa Phillips and Oskar)
• CCIO4*-NC-L Boekelo (NED) – Second place finish (Hallie Coon and Cute Girl, Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic, Phillip Dutton and Possante Cassie Sanger and Redfield Frye)
• CHIO Aachen (GER) – Second place finish (James Alliston and Karma, Hallie Coon and Cute Girl, Elisabeth Halliday and Shanroe Cooley, Alyssa Phillips and Oskar)
JUMPING
• Jumping Team won silver medal at Paris Olympic Games (Karl Cook, Laura Kraut, McLain Ward)
• Jumping Team won the CSIO5* Nations Cup of Ireland in Dublin (Lucy Davis, Spencer Smith, Aaron Vale, McLain Ward)
• Podium finish for at both home Nations Cups for Jumping teams – third place at CSIO4* Wellington (Karl Cook, Laura Kraut, Zayna Rizvi, McLain Ward) and third place at CSIO5* LLN Ocala (Kent Farrington, Laura Kraut, Aaron Vale, McLain Ward)
• Third place finish for Jumping Team at CSIO3* Vejer de la Frontera (ESP) – (Raleigh Hiler, Taylor Kain, Vani Khosla, Zayna Rizvi)
• U.S. Junior Jumping Team won the CSIOJ Youth Nations Cup Final in Lier, Belgium – (Avery Griffin, Alexa Elle Lignelli, Clara Propp, Elise Stephens)
PARA-DRESSAGE
• 2024 Paris Paralympic Games:
• Team Gold (Rebecca Hart, Fiona Howard, Kate Shoemaker, Roxanne Trunnell)
• 4 individual Gold medals (two each for Rebecca Hart and Fiona Howard)
• 1 individual Silver medal (Roxanne Trunnell)
• 1 Bronze medal (Kate Shoemaker)
• The Para-Dressage team’s accomplishments accounted for 13.8% of the overall gold medal tally for all Team USA athletes at the Paralympic Games
VAULTING
• 2024 FEI Vaulting World Championship – Top 5 – 5th of 28 Individual Female (Kimberly Palmer)
USEF NATIONAL PROGRAMS
• The USEF Junior Hunter National Championships East and West saw a combined 11% jump in participation from 2023 with a total of 437 entries
• The USEF Pony Finals entry numbers remained steady at a total of 782 entries
• The USEF/NCEA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Finals East and West saw a combined increase in entries with 97 total entries. The East Coast final saw a 28% increase in entries over 2023
• Entries for both the USEF Saddle Seat Adult and USEF Saddle Seat Medal Finals remained steady compared to 2023, with the added convenience of having both Finals held at the same competition for the first time in 2024
MARKETING & PROMOTION
USEF provides an extensive marketing function that encompasses advertising, education, USEF Network, merchandise, member marketing, PR and communications, TV and broadcasting, grants, publications, awards, sponsorship and sales, promotion and events, and the annual meeting.
USEF offers marketing and promotion resources and assistance to our family of Recognized Breeds and Discipline Affiliates.
PRESS RELEASES ISSUED
2021/22 – 354
2022/23 – 409
2023/24 – 364
2024 – 342
2024 PRESS RELEASE/WRITTEN COVERAGE BREAKDOWN
International Sport/Championship/Event-Focused:
Jumping: 73
Dressage (including Para): 85
Eventing: 47
Endurance: 19
Vaulting: 17
Driving: 26
Breed/Affiliate-Focused Press Releases: 40
Industry News: 45
KEY 2024 STATISTICS
Social Following: 1,650,926 (+22%)
US Equestrian Pages/Accounts: 20
10 Facebook pages
6 Instagram pages
2 Twitter accounts
1 TikTok
1 YouTube channel
Total Impressions (all accounts & pages): 122+ million (+61%)
Total Engagement: 10 8+ million (+81%)
Total Video Views: 72.7+ million (+189%)
Profile Reporting Period 1/1/2024 - 12/19/2024
8.9% (+12.2%) 7.90%
NATIONAL BREEDS & COMMUNITY AMPLIFICATION
Discipline Coverage
From Learning Center Videos to competition coverage, the USEF Network gave love to national breeds throughout 2024 with livestream distribution, content coverage, and support including:
• Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
• Pin Oak Charity Horse Show
• St. Louis National Charity Horse Show
• Paso Fino Grand National
• New England Morgan Horse Show
• USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final
• Saddle Seat World Cup Team Trials
• WDAA World Championship Show
• New York Morgan Horse Show
• ...and more!
Editorial Discipline Coverage
• Morgan Horse Association Grand National and World Championship Horse Show
• WPCSA American National Show
• International Friesian Show Horse Association
• The International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association
• American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association
DEI COMMUNITY EXPANDED RESOURCES AND COVERAGE
• Developed DEI Guide for Competition Organizers
• DEI Community Conversation: Urban Horse Keeping
• Community Outreach Spotlight added to Equestrian Weekly Newsletter
• Native American Heritage Month:
• 2024 spotlight on Forward Stride Therapeutic Riding Center’s partnership with the Native American Rehabilitation Association.
• Epilepsy Awareness Month: Profile of a runner with epilepsy racing against horses.
• ADHD Awareness Month: Interview with two young riders who say equestrian sports help with their ADHD.
• I Am US Equestrian: First-person articles in the US Equestrian magazine and Equestrian Weekly newsletter focusing on DEI.
OPPORTUNITY WEEK
USEF hosted its second Opportunity Week November 3-9 to raise awareness of the Community Outreach Program and Opportunity Fund. Opportunity Week is an annual celebration of the organizations that are transforming lives through the joy of horses. Each day included features of Community Outreach Programs from around the country. Social channels highlighted seven Community Outreach Organizations over seven days through a series of video features and photo galleries that resulted in 82,000+ impressions and 36,280 video views.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AWARENESS WEEK
USEF hosted its inaugural Community Outreach Awareness Week May 6-12 to spotlight the work Community Outreach Organizations are doing in their communities to bring the joy of horses to everyone. Members witnessed firsthand how Community Outreach Organizations are changing lives across the nation through a series of social media posts, resulting in nearly 100,000 impressions.
SAFETY FOR MEMBERS
• The US Equestrian Safety Awareness Week took place in September. This weeklong annual campaign highlights the importance of helmets and safety equipment utilized by riders from across the sport. The 2024 campaign included 27 social media posts, which had more than 130,000 impressions and more than 25,000 video views. The September 17th Equestrian Weekly newsletter was sent to more than 200,000 members and featured personal storytelling and educational resources. US Equestrian also partnered with Charles Owen this year to create a Learning Center Video specific to helmet fitting.
• The Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies were updated on December 1, 2024, for the 2025 Competition Year. These revisions were done to mirror revisions made by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Revisions focused on the close-in-age exception, SafeSport training exemptions, meetings and training sessions policy, and the manual therapy and therapeutic and recovery modalities.
• US Equestrian also further invested in building out the parent Safe Sport page, as well as creating the new Junior Competitor page. The educational materials found here were designed with each in mind and are meant to help our sport continue to be a safe sport for all involved.
SAFE SPORT
8 Direct Emails
• Parent and Junior Competitors Training sent quarterly in March, June, September, and December
• Email about reporting mechanism
• MAAPP Reporting
• Revisions to MAAPP for the 2025 competition year
• Athlete Culture and Climate Survey
Equestrian Weekly
• Hub in all editions of Equestrian Weekly
• 13 editions had additional information ranging from athlete survey, suspension/sanction list, mental health resources, the new MAAPP, and Turning 18 information.
VIDEO AND CONTENT COVERAGE
From Learning Center Videos to competition coverage, US Equestrian showcased new levels of content to educate and entertain fans. The Learning Center launched Lunging 101, Mental Health for Horses, Roadster Driving, and Biosecurity at the Horse Show. USEF also live-streamed 130 events in 2024, more than ever before.
Learning Center
(as of 12/9/24)
• 36,367 unique users (26% increase from 2023)
• 46,611 unique video views (5% increase from 2023)
• 2,644 hours of video on demand viewed (8% increase from 2023)
• Viewed in 127 countries
• The ClipMyHorse.TV mobile app provided 14% of the unique users and 24% of the unique video views.
USEF Network
(as of 12/9/24)
• 277,339 unique users (10% increase from 2023)
• 1,775,076 unique video views (39% increase from 2023)
• 351,840 hours watched live and on demand (51% increase from 2023)
• Viewed in 157 countries
USEF COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
The USEF Community Outreach Program is dedicated to supporting equestrian centers and equine-based organizations across the United States. These organizations all share the mission to improve access to horses and increase opportunities to experience equestrian sport, targeting traditionally under-represented and under-served groups within the community. Additionally, Community Outreach Organizations are eligible to apply for funding available through a USEF Opportunity Grant to assist them in supporting their programs.
• Total organizations recognized in 2024: 29
• Number of Community Outreach Organizations receiving grant funding in 2024: 8
• Total amount USEF Opportunity Grant funding awarded in 2024: $80,000
• Total grant distributions to date: $270,600
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH INITIATIVES
Spring Sweepstakes
• Launched during Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (Lexington, KY). The sweepstakes brought in 539 new USEF Fans from 1027 entries.
Winter Sweepstakes
• Wellington destination prize pack for the Rolex Grand Prix. The sweepstakes brought in 3,239 new fans from 5,871 entries.
Kentucky Horse Park Partnership
• USEF initiated a partnership with the Kentucky Horse Park in June 2023. Horse Park Visitors are sent a survey after their visit with an option to become a Free Fan of USEF. To date, this initiative has added 1,132 New USEF Fans.
Kids Club Stable Stars
• The Kids Club Stable Stars program was launched in July 2023 for horse lovers aged 12 and under. The program sends quarterly emails including activity pages and educational materials about horses and engages members through the Kids’ Barn at the Kentucky Horse Park, activities such as drawing and bracelet making at USEF events, an interactive prize wheel, and more. There are currently 1,147 Kids Club members as of December 31, 2024.
USEF on the Road
• USEF also added several destinations to extend networking and membership promotion efforts. USEF activated at numerous major competitions to solicit and engage fans including:
• Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event
• USEF Pony Finals presented by Marshall + Sterling
• Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory
• Other event activations included Breyerfest, Spy Coast Community Day, University of Kentucky Career Fair, and ten Community Outreach Organization visits.
USEF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
USEF maintains numerous properties involving seven national championships in the national breeds and non-FEI disciplines, and 73 FEI discipline championships associated with the organization. This year, many of our championships experienced tremendous growth which is a trend reflected by increased competition numbers across the board. USEF partners with several of our affiliates on various aspects of these championships and values the expertise and contributions provided by these organizations.
USET FOUNDATION
The partnership between the USET Foundation (Foundation) and USEF is strong and growing. We continue to experience greater collaboration in promoting and creating awareness of equestrian sport while delivering the message of unity and clarifying the uniqueness of the roles and responsibilities of both organizations. The Foundation exists to raise funding to support USEF high performance and developing programs and the Foundation provides approximately 40% of the total funding annually for these programs. We greatly appreciate the Foundation’s ongoing support, especially as we look forward to the LA2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
USET Foundation
FINAL NOTE
Administering and managing equestrian sport is a rewarding and challenging experience. It takes a community of dedicated USEF and Affiliate volunteers and staff members working collectively to achieve our combined mission and vision. We are so fortunate to have such a diverse, passionate, and engaged community. The horse and human connection is what ultimately unites all of us, and it plays an integral role in our success. It is our dedication to the horse that provides our unified voice and keeps us moving forward. Thank you for your membership, your support and your contributions to our amazing sport.
PHOTO: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN