US Equestrian recently hosted a two-day summit in Lexington, Kentucky, bringing together FEI discipline leaders to discuss critical topics affecting the equestrian sport. Key discussions included the sport’s social license to operate, risk management, coaching development, and collaborative opportunities aimed at achieving shared goals. Bill Moroney, CEO of US Equestrian, emphasized the importance of proactive dialogue among stakeholders to align on objectives for the future of the sport.
A significant focus of the summit was on horse welfare, with US Equestrian committing to developing educational resources and best practices to ensure the safety and accountability of all members. Chief of Sport David O’Connor introduced the “USEF Horse Welfare Stoplight Guidelines,” which categorize treatment of horses and will serve as the foundation for an upcoming educational campaign. Additionally, the organization outlined its self-regulation framework, which includes a structured process for addressing alleged rule violations, thereby relieving affiliates of regulatory burdens.
The summit also addressed the evolving competition calendar and the development of a structured Coaching Development program to enhance coaching effectiveness. With approximately 27,000 members identified as coaches or trainers, the program aims to provide essential training modules on various topics, including horse welfare and athlete safety. Furthermore, US Equestrian highlighted the importance of coordinated marketing efforts, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, to enhance visibility and promote positive narratives around the sport.
