The newly introduced Article 1004.4 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations goes into effect on July 1, 2025. The article states:

 

It is strictly forbidden to use any type of substance/product inside or around the Horse’s mouth and/or tongue that may (i) imitate, induce or cause foaming; and/or (ii) coat or otherwise cover, or partially cover the bit. The prohibition excludes the use of products permitted in the FEI Tack App and the provision of permitted natural treats given in moderation. Contravening this rule will entail a Yellow Warning Card and Elimination.

Applications are available through your USEF Athlete Dashboard. (Exception: FEI North American Youth Championships, see below). 

If you have any questions, please contact the USEF Dressage Department dressage@usef.org or festival@usef.org.

Apply through your USEF Athlete Dashboard

 

Elite/Pre-Elite/Development/Emerging YH Training & Evaluation Session – Woodside, Calif. – July 18-19, 2025

Dressage Training Series – Lexington, Ky. – October 11-12, 2025

Dressage Training Series – Gladstone, N.J. – October 18-29, 2025

USEF Dressage will be hosting webinars that are open to current and prospective horse owners. Topics during these webinars may include high performance and program updates, grant opportunity reminders, key rule changes, and upcoming U.S. Team competitions. The webinar dates would include:

 

Monday, July 14

2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT

Click here to register

 

Monday, Sept. 22

2:00 p.m. ET/11:00 a.m. PT

Registration Coming Soon

 

Past Webinar: Monday, April 21

Click here to view recording

In keeping with its ongoing commitment to equine welfare, US Equestrian advanced a number of rule changes and modifications at its mid-year meeting June 16 and 17 in Lexington, Ky. Directors heard updates on the organization’s strategic plan, the path to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as well as its vision of continual enhancements to the welfare and integrity of equine sport. 

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US Equestrian is pleased to announce the addition of two new coaches to the U.S. Dressage Program coaching staff and pathway programs, strengthening access to resources and supporting additional opportunities for program participants. Olivia LaGoy-Weltz and Guenter Seidel will join the program as USEF Dressage Assistant Pathway Coaches, working alongside Technical Advisor & Chef d’Equipe Christine Traurig and George Williams, USEF Dressage High Performance & Pathway Development Advisor and Youth Coach.

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These memos are intended to provide athletes with a summary of the anticipated 2026 European Young Rider Tour selection process. Athletes wishing to be considered for selection for this Tour must submit an application by 5:00PM ET, Monday, March 9th, 2026.  The application for the European Young Rider Tour will be available through your USEF Athlete Dashboard no later than December 1, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Laura Roberts at lroberts@usef.org.

Keep up with USA Dressage on Facebook and Instagram and US Equestrian on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

 

The USEF International High Performance Programs and the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, the philanthropic partner to USEF. High Performance Program support is also provided by the USOPC and USEF sponsors and members.