With the 2021 competition year winding down, we continue to face challenges in the equestrian community with the impact on the West Coast due to the tragic wildfires affecting California and other states in the West. In light of these devastating wildfires, concerns over air quality are ever-present, since both humans and equines can be equally impacted.

USEF believes the decision by organizers to operate, suspend, or cancel competitions due to compromised air quality is best made by each individual organizer, because venue conditions can vary and can change rapidly depending upon weather, geography, and other factors. To make the most informed decision, competition organizers must consult with state and local health authorities and government agencies and should frequently review the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines involving air quality at AirNow.gov to determine whether or not to operate their events. Additionally, to best protect the health and safety of both equine and human competitors, USEF strongly recommends that, in situations where the air quality index (AQI) reaches 151 or above, an organizer consider suspending or canceling competition. In cases of cancellation, organizers must inform competitors about refund or credit policies. If it necessary to cancel their competition we ask that you make the decision as soon as possible to allow exhibitors to make alternative plans.

Similarly, members must conduct their own risk assessment regarding air quality based on the situation in their area and determine whether to compete. Certainly, anyone with underlying medical conditions should individually consider not competing in situations where the AQI is in the orange zone of 101 to 150. Many resources exist to monitor the air quality including AirNow.gov, a website formed in a collaborative effort by several national agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Weather Service, the CDC, and many others. AirNow.gov reports air quality using the official, color-coded U.S. Air Quality Index.