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Get Show-Ready with These Five Steps

by US Equestrian Communications | Jun 2, 2020, 9:00 AM

The best time to avoid last-minute headaches with your horse show entry is before you ever fill it out. With

Photo: Sarah Bennett for Howard Schatzberg

US Equestrian’s website, usef.org, it’s fast and easy to take care of pre-show business like renewing your US Equestrian membership and recording your horse for points, so you can focus on competing. Check these things off your list now and enjoy your show season!

1. Join or Renew Your US Equestrian Membership (and Take Required SafeSport Training)

Doing this at least a week before a show saves time and paperwork when you get to a competition. Joining as a competing member ($80) makes good financial sense if you plan to show more than once this year. Start at usef.org/join-usef. Remember: all competing members age 18 or older must also complete SafeSport training in order to be eligible for US Equestrian activities, including competitions. For FAQs and more about the SafeSport training, visit US Equestrian’s Safe Sport page and scroll down to the additional resources. You can access the training via your Member Dashboard.

2. Check the Competition Prize List and Website
Before you head to the show it’s important to make sure you are up to date on the latest show requirements and updates. With many new protocols in place, the prize list and website are great resources to answer questions, view stabling requirements and see how the competition management will be keeping everybody safe. Some competitions may even allow you to submit electronic entry documents in advance that can save you time at the show.
Be aware that details can often change, be sure to check back often so you can stay informed.

 

Photo: Casey McBride

3. Keep Your Documents Handy

If you’re headed to a USEF competition and your horse or pony is recorded, you’ll need to present your proof of horse recording to the competition secretary to ensure your show points count. You can print out your proof of horse recording from your Member Dashboard at usef.org or show the online card to the secretary on your phone. Showing at a USHJA show? You’ll also need to show either the print-out or online version of your USHJA Horse Registration. That also is available in your Member Dashbord at usef.org. Get ready now and save time at the show!

4. Pack Your Proof of Measurement

If you’ll be showing in height-restricted classes and have a measurement card, put your proof of measurement somewhere where you’ll be sure to take it with you to a competition, too. Remember that you also can get your horse's proof of measurement at usef.org. Go to your Member Dashboard, scroll down to My Horses, and click the ruler symbol immediately beside the horse's name.

5. Get Your Hunter or Jumper’s Age Verified

Planning to enter a Young Hunter or age-restricted jumper class? You’ll need to have your horse or pony’s age verified with US Equestrian. To do this, you will need registration papers or a passport issued by a bred registry recognized by USEF.

You should submit the papers/passport, along with the horse or pony’s name and USEF or USHJA number, to US Equestrian before competing. You can upload your papers or passport easily at usef.org by visiting the Horse Options area of your Member Dashboard. You can also mail or fax a copy of the papers or passport, along with the horse or pony’s name and number, to US Equestrian. Our address is 4001 Wing Commander Way, Lexington, Ky., 40511. Our fax number is (859) 231-6662. Have questions? Contact US Equestrian’s customer care center at (859) 258-2472.