By Mykal Roth
This article was nominated for the 2025 GMO Newsletter Awards for first person experience articles for GMOs with 75-174 members. It appeared in the Midwest Dressage Association newsletter, Midwest Dressage Association News, January/February/March 2025.
The 2024 USDF Convention was hosted in Houston, TX over multiple days the first week of December. It was a week of discussions, meetings, and educational seminars. The main topics repeatedly discussed centered around our “social license to operate” and the rising costs of competitions. There were several rule changes surrounding approved tack, and tack inspections at shows. Top names within the USDF, like Lendon Gray, Roz Kinsler, George Williams, Janet Foy and Lilo Fore, participated in multiple sessions ranging from training techniques to the future of the sport.
The biggest issue that was discussed was the “social license to operate” and abuse allegations within the sport. “Social license to operate” is defined as the ongoing acceptance of a company or industry’s standard business practices and operating procedures by its employees, stakeholders, and the general public. What does this mean for dressage? It means that if the participants, volunteers, managers, and the general public lose confidence in the sport’s governing bodies to protect the welfare of both the horse and rider, we could lose the right to rule ourselves and the US government could step in. This has already happened in Denmark due to severe abuse allegations that were going unchecked. The sport of dressage is on the line light right now and not in a good way. If actions aren’t taken to change the way dressage is perceived by the public, we could be headed for a change in governing bodies.
Regarding the abuse allegations, the USEF and USDF have initiated rule changes surrounding tack and inspections at recognized shows. Crown pieces that have two separate pads instead of one continuous piece of leather will not be allowed in the show ring. Any bridles (except Nirak and Micklem) without a throat latch will also be illegal. [Editor’s Note- the reference to Nirak and Micklem as an exception is only for the throat latch. The bridle will still need a continuous crown piece] Tack inspections will no longer be visual only. Tack will be inspected at the show ring as well as in the stable area. The technical delegate will retain the right to inspect all tack in the stabling area at will. All rules and changes can be reviewed at the USEF website and on the USEF rules app. Do not forget that all competing horses must be microchipped to compete as of December 2025.
We also discussed the ever-increasing costs of competing. It was brought up in almost every meeting that dressage is pricing out the youth and amateur riders. While there was no real conclusion as to how to reduce costs, ideas included reducing the requirement of competing in multiple shows to qualify for awards, and teaching new show organizers how to put on one day, level 1, recognized shows. The USDF is aware of the dwindling attendance at recognized competitions and clinics due to the increasing costs to attend. Even schooling shows are not exempt from reduced participation. Show managers discussed the difficulties of finding affordable and qualified judges, and filling riding slots, though the sheer number of available schooling shows may be the reason for dwindling participants at any one show. Please reach out to the USDF with any recommendations or discussion topics.
There were multiple sessions focusing on specific training issues and veterinary research. One session done with Lilo Fore focused on training the flying change. While the discussion was very enlightening, it was also incredibly frustrating to hear that the counter canter should not be trained until the horse has confirmed flying changes. Lilo Fore, Janet Foy, and multiple other Grand Prix riders expressed they do not do any counter canter until changes are confirmed. Why is that frustrating? Because counter canter is called for in every second level test, while the flying changes don’t begin until third level. This has left many who trained the counter canter for second level in a perpetual state of flying change hell. It is important to note that Lilo Fore and Janet Foy are both on the test writing committee. When asked why they have the tests set up this way, Janet Foy explained that the counter canter work was originally used for horses that did not have quality canters. The counter canter was used to help develop a balanced, supple gait. This is not necessarily the case now, with the increase in breeding quality. This begs the question, why have the tests not been updated to reflect the changes? Updated tests are scheduled for release in 2026. If you have suggestions for changes you’d like to see made with the tests, please email the USDF, Attention “Test Writing Committee”. https://www.usdf.org/connect-withus.asp will link you to the USDF contacts page with specific email addresses for each group.
The biggest take away I gleaned from the convention is that there is a huge network of dressage enthusiasts that are ready to help the sport and its members succeed. The people we encountered were amazing and the MDA forged new alliances/friendships. The Dressage Foundation is giving out thousands of dollars in grants to members seeking financial support to organize or attend clinics and even compete. The USDF has committees for virtually everything and if you have a question or want to help, they can point you in the right direction. The USDF and USEF are listening, please reach out with any concerns or questions.
This coming year’s USDF convention is going to be held in Lexington, KY. Road trip anyone?
