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May 6-12 is US Equestrian's Community Outreach Awareness Week. Learn more at usef.org/opportunity.
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  5. Reporting Equine Abuse


Reporting Equine Abuse

The United States Equestrian Federation contributes to the greater good of horses by assisting with their protection and welfare in daily competition and by ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment of the sport.

The United States Equestrian Federation takes allegations of cruelty, abuse and neglect seriously and has no tolerance for this type of behavior at our Licensed Competitions. We encourage all participants to use their best judgment and do everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of their horses is a top priority. If you have witnessed an act that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of an equine you should follow the options below for reporting the abuse.

The Bylaws and Rules of the United States Equestrian Federation enable the Hearing Committee to grant reciprocity for equine cruelty, abuse, or neglect when disciplinary action has been taken against a person by an administrative agency; arbitration or other tribunal body; humane society; or court of law, whether civil, criminal, arbitral or administrative. We encourage you to report known or witnessed abuse to local law enforcement or The Humane Society of the United States.

Forms and Publications

USEF Horse Welfare & Safety Penalty Guidelines

The Horse Welfare & Safety Penalty Guidelines (“Guidelines”) have been prepared to inform the Federation membership of the types and ranges of penalties that may be imposed for rule violations based on the categories below. These Guidelines also assist the Hearing Committee Panels in the imposition of consistent and efficient penalties.

Equine Eyewitness Abuse Report Form

If you are an eye witness to equine abuse at a USEF Licensed Competition, please enter the details on this form and return it to the Regulation Department or a LIcensed Official at the competition.

Equine Eyewitness Abuse Report Form (Fillable Form)

If you are an eye witness to equine abuse at a USEF Licensed Competition, please enter the details on this form and return it to the Regulation Department or a LIcensed Official at the competition.

USEF Welfare and Safety Penalty Guidelines FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about the USEF Welfare and Safety Penalty Guidelines

Evidence Gathering Guidelines

These guidelines were established to assist USEF Licensed Officials with ensuring the information and evidence collated at a competition will be of value not only throughout an investigation but also within any formal proceedings.

Guide To Reporting Abuse Witnessed At A Licensed Competition

The United States Equestrian Federation contributes to the greater good of horses by assisting with their protection and welfare in daily competition and by ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment of the sport. The Federation takes allegations of cruelty, abuse and neglect seriously and has no tolerance for this type of behavior at our Licensed Competitions. We encourage all participants to use their best judgment and do everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of their horses is a top priority. If you have witnessed an act that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of an equine you should follow the options below for reporting the abuse.

Guide To Reporting Abuse Witnessed on Private Property

The Bylaws and Rules of the United States Equestrian Federation enable the Hearing Committee to grant reciprocity for equine cruelty, abuse, or neglect when disciplinary action has been taken against a person by an administrative agency; arbitration or other tribunal body; humane society; or court of law, whether civil, criminal, arbitral or administrative. The Federation encourages you to report known or witnessed abuse to local law enforcement or The Humane Society of the United States.