A friend has a degenerative condition that causes muscle weakness. She is most successful riding with some tack that is not competition legal (not bit or bridle or saddle…)
Is there a way for her to ask permission to use this special item in competition? She is not interested in the ParaEquestrian route…. She is not that disabled.
Thanks.
USEF has a dispensation certificate program. It is hosted under the para athletes information…for some reason the forms aren’t showing up (I will let USEF know about that issue). I did find the form with a search: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/12xekZx1zq4/para-driving-dispensation-certificate
The dispensation certificate program applies to any discipline, though we most often see if used for dressage. For athletes who don’t want to go through the classification process or compete in para classes, if they have a permanent medical condition and are requesting modifications, they can submit the dispensation request.
USEF sends it to their Adaptive Sport Committee and we review and offer our opinions…we have classifiers, judges, athletes, and coaches on the committee. Not everything people request is approved, but most of us are involved in para sport so we have a good idea of how equipment will help and not provide an unfair advantage or be a safety or horse welfare issue.
4 Likes
Your friend ccan request a Presidential Modification.
A Senior Active Member of USEF may submit a request for Presidential Modification, along with a non-refundable $100 processing fee. Please allow up to ten days for processing. Requests submitted within 10 days of the Effective Date will incur an additional rush fee of $50. All Presidential Modifications are carefully considered and, if approved, are only applicable for the duration of the current competition year.
more details on that link
Also see GR1310, for a longer term dispensation:
GR1310 Dispensations/Classification Certificate
- Dispensation/Classification Certificate. Any individual with a diagnosed permanent physical disability wishing
to compete in a Federation licensed competition with a compensatory aid and/or adaptive equipment must
© USEF 2025 GR13 - 10
obtain a Dispensation/Classification Certificate from the Adaptive Sports Committee, including those
individuals with a current Federation or FEI Classification. Upon the Committee’s approval, a
Dispensation/Classification Certificate will be issued by the Federation. The Dispensation/Classification
Certificate will list all compensatory aids and adaptive equipment allowed the individual while competing.
Other compensatory aids or special equipment not specifically listed on the Dispensation/Classification
Certificate are not allowed. A copy of the Dispensation/Classification Certificate must be included with the
individual’s entry. The competition manager or secretary shall include a copy attached to all applicable
scoring sheets for the judge’s reference. For instructions on how to apply for the Dispensation Certificate,
please refer to GR1312. Also see GR1315 for definitions of terms used in this section. (Exception: Dispensation/Classification certificates are not required for Breed or Multi-breed restricted or Hunter competitions or
classes; Equitation Division classes, Carriage Pleasure Driving Division, or the Open Western Division). - In circumstances that fall outside of the dispensation program, a Presidential Modification may be considered.
Please refer to GR153 and Bylaw 332.1.f.
…
GR1312 Applying for a Dispensation Certificate/Classification
- Applications for a Dispensation/Classification Certificate can be obtained from the Federation (via the
Federation website or the Federation office) and are reviewed on a continuing basis throughout the year by
the Adaptive Sports Committee. Only applications submitted along with supporting medical documentation will
be considered. The Adaptive Sports Committee may request additional supporting evidence from the
individual regarding their medical status or regarding the aid/equipment which they request dispensation for.
The Adaptive Sports Committee will render an opinion (approval of all or some of the aids requested or denial
of the dispensation) and the individual will be notified by the Federation in a timely manner.
a. The Dispensation/Classification Certificate will be issued annually upon completing a
Dispensation/Classification renewal form, and remains in effect until the end of the competition year or
until they receive a change in status from the Federation, whichever is earlier. Any individual who wishes
to make changes to their Dispensation/Classification Certificate must notify the Federation in writing and
obtain written approval. Certification is revocable at any time for cause.
b. Applications should be submitted in order to allow 30 days for the Adaptive Sports Committee to render a
decision regarding the dispensation status.
c. There is no fee for a Dispensation/Classification Certificate.
d. The individual must be a member in good standing with the Federation.
2 Likes
