BY SYDNEY RALSTON
For many riders, a horse is a teammate whose health and happiness shape every decision we make. Riders, trainers, and owners invest countless hours and resources to ensure their horses remain healthy and comfortable enough to perform their jobs safely. However, when medical conditions arise, the responsibility to prioritize a horse’s well-being can sometimes conflict with the rules that govern competition.
This past summer, during a routine check-up for my horse, Lanier, abnormal findings were discovered in his right eye. His cornea had developed a blue, opaque, and cloudy appearance. After a week of Banamine and no improvement, he was seen by an ophthalmologist at Rood and Riddle in Lexington, KY. He was then diagnosed with Viral Keratitis as a result of Equine Herpesvirus-2.
Lanier suffers from light sensitivity, also known as photophobia, which must be managed daily and is not an easy task. While on daily eye drops and doses of Banamine, he wears a Solar Vizor Fly Mask when turned out or exposed to direct sunlight. During work, he uses the eQuick eVysor goggles in mirrored blue, which have a luminous transmittance of 42.63%. As a horse who is by no means physically or mentally ready to retire, the use of the UV goggles has been a game changer… but there is one catch: USEA and USDF forbid the use of goggles during competitions.
Being someone who has never been able to afford a “packer” type horse or one ready to “hit the ground running,” the longevity of my horses has always been a top priority. I acquired Lanier from my uncle after he retired from racing to my grandparents’ farm. Lanier, a 14-year-old Thoroughbred who raced 45 times and has multiple placings and stakes wins to his name, is as good as it gets for me. I restarted him, competed him in the 2022 Retired Racehorse Project, and brought him up to Training level competition back in 2024. Even with his recent diagnosis, Lanier has made it clear that he is not ready to call it quits, and I am listening. Since the diagnosis, I have been advocating for Lanier to our governing body, USEF, to allow for the use of UV equine goggles in the sports of eventing and dressage.
After my initial research, it appeared I only needed a veterinary letter to present during competitions due to USEF rule JP111.14. That was unfortunately not the case. I then went the route of submitting a Presidential Modification request, which led to Lanier receiving “hors concours” status. With this designation, Lanier can compete in the goggles but is unable to receive final placings or collect end-of-year (EOY) points. After receiving this decision, I quickly scheduled a call with the CEO of USEF as my horse deserves better. My family deserves better. My trainer deserves better. The entire equine community deserves better.
During my call, there were a few points that stood out to me. First, the reasoning behind the “hors concours” decision is that it is believed to be a disadvantage to my fellow competitors for my medically required horse to compete in the goggles. Not because they make for great photos or provide him with special superpowers, but because “everyone needs to know about the ability to change rules or ask for a presidential modification for it to be a fair advantage.” To me—wow. Just wow. I am being punished for advocating, researching, and following through with my governing body to help my horse. It is beyond frustrating.
Secondly, the implication was raised that light-to-dark lighting shifts could cause unwanted glare off the goggles when running cross-country, which could impact safety. To be fair, I can understand their point, to a degree, but then why are riders allowed to wear sunglasses during competition? According to the Cleveland Clinic, sunglasses are scientifically proven to reduce glare, protect against UV rays, and eliminate light reflections.
There was also mention that the goggles could fall off or fog up, which was another factor in their ruling. According to eQuick’s website, the eVysor fits over the ears and clips under the jaw with adjustable straps. In my opinion, that is even more secure than a fly bonnet. There are also multiple ventilation points located on the goggles that allow them to remain clear. With the above points, I am not sure why they would grant “hors concours” if the above factors are true concerns for my horse and me.
In order to submit a rule change, you must be a USEF member for more than five years. As an eventer who has only competed through the Training level, USEA does not even require me to be a USEF member until I am competing at the Modified level or higher. So USEF’s response to my pushback was simple: either find someone of “high power” within the sport to submit the change or wait five years.
Our governing body, whose mission statement explicitly states that its top priority is the welfare of human and equine athletes, does not seem to be delivering on that promise. There are many horse-and-rider teams affected by ocular issues that could be supported, or even solved, by allowing the use of UV equine goggles during competition. I posted about my situation on Facebook in a group called Major League Eventers and was met with an abundance of support from people either in favor of the rule change or going through a similar situation themselves.
Horses are incredible animals and deserve to be treated with dignity. Those who cannot afford to purchase another horse while also covering the bills of a retired one are often forced to make heartbreaking decisions that could otherwise be avoided with a simple rule adjustment. Allowing UV equine goggles during competition would not create an unfair advantage but instead would provide an accommodation for horses with legitimate medical needs. Just as riders are allowed to wear sunglasses for protection and visibility, horses with diagnosed conditions should be permitted similar protection to safely perform their jobs. To me, the goggles are much like a piece of tack or a certain bit he prefers or feels more comfortable using.
If our governing bodies claim that equine welfare is their highest priority, why are reasonable accommodations for medically necessary equipment being restricted? The use of UV goggles does not enhance performance, alter training, or provide a competitive edge. It simply allows horses like Lanier to remain comfortable and continue doing what they love.
Lanier has spent his life giving everything to his people—first on the racetrack and now in his second career. The equestrian community prides itself on its dedication to the welfare of the horse. Allowing UV goggles in competition would be a small change with a meaningful impact and one that supports both the longevity of equine athletes and the riders who advocate for them.
Sydney Ralston is a young amateur eventer who enjoys spending time with her horse. She recently earned her master’s degree in Human Resources from the University of Cincinnati while balancing a full-time career and active riding schedule.
