The Compliance team works with organizers by conducting onsite evaluations during a USEF-licensed competition. The Department communicates with organizers before, during, and after the visit. Compliance staff go over the application of USEF General rules and competition standards with the organizer and Steward/Technical Delegate (TD) during their visit and communicate their observations and feedback with them. Potential areas of improvement as well as required changes are discussed before the Compliance Representative leaves the showgrounds.

The decision to conduct an onsite evaluation is determined through a review of Steward/TD reports, member’s confidential competition evaluations, suggestions from officials, and discussions with other USEF staff. Time and staff resources also dictate which competitions we visit.

We visit 35-65 competitions across the U.S. each year.

Compliance representatives observe all areas of the showgrounds, including competition and exercise areas, stabling (if offered), parking areas, the show office, etc. as well as areas of concern that previously have been received by USEF. In addition, the Compliance representative talks with participants and Stewards/TDs to gather their input as these experiences are an essential component of the onsite compliance evaluation process.

• Inadequate competition/schooling/exercise/lunging area footing maintenance
• Uneven stall flooring, gaps under walls/doors, protruding nails, or other possible safety hazards in the stabling area 
• Poor sharps container maintenance or incorrect types of sharps containers found 
• Insufficient drainage at horse wash areas
• General lack of facility maintenance, such as broken boards or exposed nails in the paddock areas
• Loose dogs
• Mixed vehicle and horse traffic in a busy or crowded areas
• Scheduling concerns raised from participants
• Lack of signage (USEF Safe Sport, parking, directional, etc.)

You can expect questions about topics such as riding and exercise area maintenance, manure storage/ disposal, stabling maintenance, and administrative aspects conducted by show office staff, etc. In addition, we welcome suggestions about how USEF can improve our support.

An internal report is written documenting areas for improvement, as well as areas where the competition exceeded expectations. This information is shared with US Equestrian staff and included in USEF’s database. In addition, USEF sends a letter to the organizer which captures the overall content of the report and outlines areas of positive observations, as well as required and recommended improvements.

With the same goal of providing a safe and enjoyable competition for participants and their horses, the Compliance Department works collaboratively with organizers and Stewards/TDs to ensure compliance with USEF rules and competition standards.

We encourage organizers to share USEF’s comments with the facility management team. If further questions arise, the Compliance Department welcomes having an open conversation with them and encourages the organizer to facilitate this. This interaction can help facility managers better understand why the USEF safety standards are in place and how to provide a better experience for organizers who utilize their venue.

If noted areas of concern are not addressed, USEF may place a hold or additional conditions upon a competition license.