USEF Amateur Rules

[Equestrian24]

I saw a discussion on Facebook regarding USEF amateur rules, and one rule that stuck out to me was a screenshot of USEF’s website in which it states “4. Professional based on one’s own activities. A person is a professional if after their 18th birthday they do any of the following: … c. Rides, drives or shows any horse that a family member or a family member’s business receives renumeration for boarding, training, riding, driving or showing.”

I haven’t shown in nearly two decades and would likely only be doing local schooling/fun type shows if I got back into it at some point (not sure if or when that would be, but want to cover my bases just in case), but some of my family owns a trail riding and boarding facility with a trail string, and I go on trail rides with them on their horses when we get together and visit. This may be a silly question, but would this count under this rule? It is not a show barn and is strictly a trail/pleasure barn, with some basic beginner pleasure riding lessons.

Thanks!

[clanter]

a similar discussion is on going in the Hunter forum about how there needs to be more of litmus test of the rules as some rules are kind of funky.

Apple Watch in show ring

THIS must be the real reason behind the exaggerated crest release with the rider’s bum in the air and head down on the neck by their hands?? You’ve solved it, Peggy! The fact that some did it before we had Apple watches just means that they must have had some jump on technology

oh and there is the Pony Club rule that has been brought into a thread in Farm Furum about not being able to use plastic ziplock bags for individual horse’s grain

Feed Sacks for Traveling - help!

Does “this stuff” mean the way they require feed to be packaged and labelled? Disqualify? No. But you will get horse management points which no one wants, especially for something so clearly written in the rule book. As far as ziploc bags working. I think most people that have traveled with their horse can attest to that.

[luvmyhackney]

Send USEF an email asking your question so you have their response in writing.

That’s what I did since there was a grey area with me hand walking a friends horse and she gave me gift cards for helping her out.

[CBoylen]

If your family owns the horses in the trail string, it is fine. If they are being paid to board or train them and do not own them it is not. Strictly.

[Equestrian24]

Thanks! I only ride the trail string horses that they own, none of the boarders’ horses and they do no training.

[rockonxox]

Also wanted to note that if you are only doing local/school fun shows then it doesn’t matter. USEF rules only apply to USEF sanctioned shows. USEF is going to be your rated shows.

[Linny]

While this is technically correct, I’d advise checking with your local organization. I used to sit on the board of a local that had in it’s by-laws that it deferred to USEF rules on certain definitions, including ammy and pro.

[SillyHorse]

@rockonxox

Also wanted to note that if you are only doing local/school fun shows then it doesn’t matter. USEF rules only apply to USEF sanctioned shows. USEF is going to be your rated shows.

@Linny

While this is technically correct, I’d advise checking with your local organization. I used to sit on the board of a local that had in it’s by-laws that it deferred to USEF rules on certain definitions, including ammy and pro.

Yes, absolutely. Our GMO’s unrecognized show series follows many USEF rules, including those pertaining to professional/amateur standing.

If you are riding horses owned by your family and are not receiving renumeration for riding them, I believe you are good to go. Your best bet would be to check with USEF. If they confirm that you are an AA, you don’t have to worry about it again.

[NJRider]

"A person is a professional if after their 18th birthday they do any of the following: … c. Rides, drives or shows any horse that a family member or a family member’s business receives renumeration for boarding, training, riding, driving or showing.”

So I don’t understand how a person aged 18-21 can accept payment for training and lessons yet can show as a Jr/Yr until 22.
I understand still being eligible for the NAYC and doing the JrYR classes to qualify. But I don’t understand why in regular classes why they don’t have to show open.

[Janet]

@NJRider

So I don’t understand how a person aged 18-21 can accept payment for training and lessons yet can show as a Jr/Yr until 22.
I understand still being eligible for the NAYC and doing the JrYR classes to qualify. But I don’t understand why in regular classes why they don’t have to show open.

Two quite different definitions.
Jr and YR are based strictly on age, and have nothing to do with Amateur/Pro status.

Juniors can be paid to ride and still compete in Junior classes.

Young Riders can be paid to ride, and still compete in Young Rider classes. But they can not compete in Amateur classes.

Note that in Dressage (specifically and called out in DR119.3), Amateur classes are only open to riders 22 and older.

[Janet]

@Equestrian24

some of my family owns a trail riding and boarding facility with a trail string, and I go on trail rides with them on their horses when we get together and visit. This may be a silly question, but would this count under this rule? It is not a show barn and is strictly a trail/pleasure barn, with some basic beginner pleasure riding lessons.

To go back to the original question, there is a new modification to the USEF Amateur rule (effective 12/1/22)
GR1306.3.h
Retain their Amateur status when riding any horse so long as they do not ride a horse owned by a client of any family member who is a Professional.