On June 16, 2025, in response to growing criticism across social media and equine-centered publications, USEF adopted a new official position on the subject of equine overuse. The organization released a statement, writing that overuse “may be assessed by calendar year, competition period, month, week, competition, or by day.” The document continues, explaining “observable signs” in animals that are primarily physical, including “exhaustion, lameness, changes in stride, resistance to move forward, use of both leads, and deterioration of jumping style.”
USEF wrote that it is “imperative” for officials to make an “informed, non-biased decision regarding the horse or pony’s health, safety, or well-being” when reporting on an animal’s overuse. Individuals can report horse abuse and unethical treatment through a form on the USEF website. As of December 1, 2024, USEF has jurisdiction over any abuse that takes place on and off the showgrounds, a change that some horse welfare advocates considered to be long overdue.
The announcement comes in the wake of conversations surrounding the number of shows and/or classes horses compete in. TikTok, in particular, has sparked discussions, asking questions such as “how many trips are too many at a horse show?” Other equestrians have penned articles, such as an article by Nina Thornton in The Plaid Horse, where Thornton witnessed multiple cases of horses competing in what she believed to be too many classes. Thornton proposed a ruling for horses to be restricted to “no more than four (4) jumping classes per competition day and no more than ten (10) jumping classes per competition week.”
With some circuits running for over 10 weeks, horses are potentially subjected to overshowing more than ever. Because competition circuits have become longer and more frequent, USEF explained that it “acknowledges the growth of competition calendars in several disciplines, which has resulted in more opportunities for horses to compete frequently.”
A recent USEF veterinarian summit determined the importance of rest and recovery for performance show horses. While the official press release from the veterinarian collective does not specify the details of equine overuse, it emphasizes that a horse may need a break from competition and training in order to best recuperate. It is unsustainable and potentially irresponsible to participate in multiple days of showing for countless weeks in a row. Too many competitions in quick succession can cause a horse to effectively “break down” in response to being overworked. Additionally, the excruciating heat of this summer, with temperatures soaring across the United States, has increased exhaustion among horses and ponies—even riders.
USEF released an additional statement concerning “Equine Safety and Welfare,” tied directly to the problem of equine overuse. The document calls for “advocating for proper training methods, adequate rest, and injury prevention” by riders, owners, and trainers. The organization seeks to create an industry and environment where all horses can “thrive, remain healthy, safe, and respected.”
Preventing overshowing is key to preserving a horse’s health and abilities. USEF’s positions on equine overuse, safety, and welfare are a positive step towards changing the problem of overworking in today’s climate. As the competition year reaches indoors and finals season, time will tell if the organization’s statements create tangible, sustainable changes within an industry in need.
