The executive committee of the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) met May 19 and approved several rule changes, to be implemented immediately.

Effective immediately, the first fall of a competitor at obstacles on the cross-country course will result in elimination.

The rule now reads:

1) EV141.1 (b) Cross-Country Scoring

b. Falls –

(1) First fall of competitor: Elimination

(2) First fall of horse: Mandatory retirement

Subsequent changes were made to the following eventing rules as a result of the change to EV141.1 (b):

• EV138.9 Cross-Country Rules–Authorized Assistance. The change removes reference to assisting riders in remounting after a fall at obstacle.
  
• EV142.3 (b) Cross-Country–Definition of Faults–Circles. The change removes reference to riders having sustained a fall as they will no longer be allowed to continue.
  
• EV142.5 Cross-Country–Definition of Faults–Additional Attempts at Obstacles Composed of Several Elements. The change removes reference to riders having sustained a fall as they will no longer be allowed to continue.

The group also set a requirement that riders sustaining a fall be examined by medical personnel or potentially face a fine.

2) EV112.1 (a) & (b) Medical Requirements-Accidents Involving Competitors

a. In the event of an accident in which a competitor is apparently injured or concussed, they must be examined by designated medical personnel to determine if they may take part in another test, ride another horse or if they are capable of leaving the grounds. Refusal to be examined shall be penalized by a fine of $100 (Payable to the Organizing Committee) at the discretion of the Ground Jury.

An additional change was made to the rules governing the construction of jumps, requiring the use of frangible (breakable) elements where possible. This rule now reads (changes highlighted):

3) EV140.8 Cross-Country Obstacles

8.Obstacles constructed after December 1, 2008, for which approved frangible technology is appropriate, shall be constructed using this technology. Obstacles constructed prior to December 1, 2008 and for which the use of approved frangible technology is appropriate shall be retrofit using this technology prior to December 1, 2009. All open oxers at the Training level and above must be constructed using Approved Frangible technology. Information on the appropriate applications of Frangible Technology in cross-country fence construction is available in the USEA Cross-Country Obstacle Design Guidelines. Frangible Technology may be installed only by or under the supervision of Course Designers/course builders who have attended a USEA Seminar on Frangible fence construction.

The USEF and U.S. Eventing Association are also currently in the process of developing the rules for a “red card system” to penalize dangerous riding.

These rule changes reflect action items in a letter from USEF President David O’Connor and USEA President Kevin Baumgardner written on April 29, 2008. Read their letter here.