One Big Thing: Updated Return To Sport Requirements
A rule change proposal regarding Concussions, Injuries, and Return to Sport (USEF 065-24) was first introduced to the US Equestrian Federation in 2024, generating much discussion. So what’s happening with it now?
US Equestrian states that this proposal is now in its fourth draft, as certain comments from various committees and recognized affiliates initiated the need for multiple amendments since its introduction. Per the USEF, “the current draft would require participants who have fallen at a competition to be examined by the competition’s Qualified Medical Personnel, a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner before being allowed to remount a horse or horse-drawn vehicle. This rule does not apply to adult participants who fall and land on their feet, unless they have fallen more than once during the competition.
“’The main reason for this is to try to ensure participants are not remounting after a fall with an injury that could lead to further falls or increase seriousness of injuries sustained after a fall,’ Katlynn Wilbers, USEF Director of Competition Operations, said during the April USEF Virtual Listening Session. ‘A concussion can be a good example of this. You may feel fine, think you can jump back on the horse, adrenaline is pumping after a fall, and the qualified medical personnel evaluation just gives a moment to make sure you’re truly in the best place to be getting back on the horse.’”
Many concerns have been raised by various committees regarding sports such as eventing, where falls can occur out of sight, or that waiting for a rider to be medically assessed may disrupt competition schedules. Additionally, clarifications have had to be made to accommodate precise definitions needed for sports like driving and vaulting. The current council comment period for rule change proposals will conclude on May 31, after which the active draft for this proposed rule and all other current drafts will be sent to the USEF Board of Directors for a vote in June.
The USEF continues to hold a strong stance supporting the advocacy and education surrounding concussions in sport, and has developed a Return to Sport Concussion Strategy tailored specifically to equestrians. These guidelines are designed to be used alongside guidance from the athlete’s own medical provider. Timelines will vary as concussion symptoms, severity, and recovery can vary wildly based on biological factors such as age, biological sex, and pre-existing conditions such as ADHD, migraines, and mental health issues. Further education and resources on concussion safety can also be found here.
Major International Events This Weekend
Nations Cup at Bicton International CCIO4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Baborowko Equestrian Festival CCI4*-L (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]
Royal Jump Chaumont-en-Vexin CCI4*-L (FRA): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
Equestrians’ Institute HT (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
IEA HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
GMHA June HT (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
MCTA HT at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Ocala Summer I + Area III Championships (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring HT (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Essex HT (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Carriage House Farm Combined Test (MN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
Other Links and Reading
Training Tip of the Day
A long-format one for you today, but no one should turn down the opportunity to get tips on top-level preparation and maintenance from Will Coleman:
Go Eventing
At the end of the day… the best cross-country rounds are the ones that made you smile like this.
