USEF 2019 Annual Report

US EQUESTRIAN

ANNUAL REPORT

US Equestrian initially began as an association of competitions and

OVER THE PAST

1 0 0 Y E A R S,

HAS EVOLVED INTO A MEMBER ORGANIZATION WITH OVER

189,000 MEMBERS, 19 RECOGNIZED AFFILIATES & R E P R ES E N TS 29 BREEDS & DISCIPLINES.

Copyright © The United States Equestrian Federation All Rights Reserved. This book or any portion thereof my not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.

United States Equestrian Federation 4001 Wing Commander Way Lexington, Ky 40511 usef.org 92 || US Equestrian Federation

CONTENTS Introduction 4 Mission and Vision

4

President’s Message

5

CEO’s Message

5

Board of Directors

6

Staff 7 Governance Structure

10

Education Partners

10

Recognized Affiliate Organizations

11

Membership and Programs

14

Horse Recording

14

Competitions

14

Officials 15 Equine and Human Anti-Doping

15

Marketing and Promotions

18

USEF National Championships

22

USET Foundation

22

Final Note

22

Cover Photos: Taylor Pence/US Equestrian, Shannon Brinkman Photo, Andrea Evans/US Equestrian, Kasey Mueller

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PHOTOS: MIKE FERARA, HOWARD SCHATZBERG, HOWARD PEET, SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

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INTRODUCTION The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has been serving the needs of equestrians across multiple breeds and disciplines since its origination in 1918.

The organization initially began as an association of competitions and over the past 100 years, has evolved into a member organization with of over 189,000 members, 19 Recognized Affiliates and represents 29 breeds and disciplines.

As it has evolved, USEF has grown in importance and influence in equestrian sport. USEF became the National Governing Body for equestrian sport in the United States under the provisions of the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act of 1978. This designation, our close relationships with Affiliates and our work with other organizations such as the American Horse Council and the American Association of Equine Practitioners has added to the prominence of our collective voice. This has enabled USEF to lead the way in working on federal legislation to protect our horses and our athletes.

VISION To bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

USEF VALUES Everything we do is guided by our values of Fairness, Safety, Welfare and Enjoyment for both our horses and members.

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MISSION To provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment.

USEF has continually increased benefits for all constituencies of our membership, including Affiliates. Through sponsorships, we have been able to create discounts and special rates for our members on a strong stable of equestrian-related products including farm equipment, feed, tack, attire and services. Awards and recognition are an important component of our benefits program and through our Horse of the Year program and Pegasus Awards, USEF offers an opportunity for owners, trainers/coaches, athletes, horses and youth participants to earn recognition for their amazing achievements.

USEF welcomes all enthusiasts, whether fans or competitors, to be part of a fantastic community of dedicated equestrians.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As the decade came to a close, we had the opportunity to reflect on the numerous challenges faced by the sport of equestrian, but also revel in the many accomplishments achieved. As we begin a new year, US Equestrian will continue its work to support the goals of our members, Affiliates and partners.

We have listened and learned from all of you and have strived to provide products which meet your needs. We hope you will find this Annual Report a useful tool for you and your organization as we move forward together.

2019 involved several key initiatives including the implementation of Safe Sport, the transition of our laboratory to the University of Kentucky and the building and move into our new headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park. Each of these achievements brings greater stability to our organization and to the sport.

In 2020, our efforts return to sport and a renewed focus on the future of equestrian. Not only do we have major championships occurring in the U.S. and abroad, we will be hosting an Assembly in early spring to bring together equestrian participants, organizers and administrators to discuss the challenges we all encounter to make certain that our sport is healthy and strong for years to come.

PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN, JOSH JORDAN, LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY, JAVI VARELA

Thank you for being a valued member of the US Equestrian family, and we look forward to working with you to bring the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.

Murray Kessler USEF President

CEO MESSAGE The past year has been incredibly busy for US Equestrian, our Affiliate organizations and our sport. External and internal changes have brought both challenges and opportunities.

Through the combined efforts of US Equestrian and our Affiliate organizations, staff and volunteers have spent more time identifying pathways forward to resolve issues and bring success and sustainability to our sport which allows our collective memberships to experience fairness, safety and enjoyment.

Included in the US Equestrian Annual Report, you will find highlights of our work over the past year as we work to make our mission and vision a reality. We look forward to your feedback and collaboration as we move into 2020. Together we can achieve success for all.

Bill Moroney, USEF Chief Executive Officer

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS As of November 1, 2019

OFFICERS

TERM

Murray Kessler, President 1/2021 Elisabeth Goth, Vice President

1/2023

Thomas O’Mara, Secretary/Treasurer

1/2023

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS Diane Pitts 1/2023 Judith Sloan 1/2021

ELECTED ATHLETES Allison Brock 1/2021 Catherine Haddad Staller

1/2020

Valerie Kanavy 1/2022 Richard Spooner 1/2023

INTERNATIONAL DISCIPLINES COUNCIL MEMBERS Robert Costello 1/2020 Lisa Goretta 1/2020 Beezie Madden 1/2021 Joseph Mattingley 1/2023

NATIONAL BREEDS & DISCIPLINES COUNCIL MEMBERS Thomas Brennan 1/2022 Nancy Harvey 1/2023 Cindy Mugnier 1/2021 Judith Werner 1/2020

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBER* Philip Richter 1/2020 * Denotes Independent Director position starting in 2020

USET FOUNDATION MEMBER Jane Clark 1/2022

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STAFF There are 141 staff members who support the programs and operations of US Equestrian located in three offices. Our main headquarters is located in the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Our ancillary offices include Gladstone, NJ and Columbus, OH. Each of our ancillary offices are connected to the main headquarters through a shared network and phone/email servers.

The Senior Staff Team includes the following:

EXECUTIVE Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer || bmoroney@usef.org

LEGAL Sonja Keating, General Counsel || skeating@usef.org

HUMAN RESOURCES Kelly Bolton, Director || kbolton@usef.org

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Vicki Lowell, Chief Marketing & Content Officer || vlowell@usef.org

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Justin Provost, Chief Information Officer || jprovost@usef.org

FINANCE David Harris, Chief Financial Officer || dharris@usef.org

COMPETITION SERVICES Lisa Owens, Managing Director || lowens@usef.org

LICENSED OFFICIALS & EDUCATION Sally Ike, Managing Director || sally.ike@usef.org

PHOTO: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN

FEI SPORT Will Connell, Director of Sport || wconnell@usef.org

NATIONAL BREEDS & DISCIPLINES SPORT Terri Dolan, Director || tdolan@usef.org

DRUGS & MEDICATIONS Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator || sschumacher@usef.org

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PHOTOS: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN, HOWARD SCHAZTBERG

EDUCATION PARTNERS GOVERNANCE

STRUCTURE

At USEF we understand and promote the importance of aligning with organizations that support and grow equestrian sport from an early age through college. USEF Education Partners are organizations which are associated with academic institutions and provide competitive riding opportunities to scholastic and collegiate participants.

American National Riding Commission Intercollegiate Dressage Association Intercollegiate Horse Show Association

US Equestrian is comprised of a Board of Directors, three Councils including Member

Interscholastic Equestrian Association National Collegiate Equestrian Association USEA Intercolegiate Eventing Program

Services, National Breeds & NonFEI Disciplines and International Disciplines, and over forty Committees and Working Groups involving administrative and sport functions. Approximately 477 Senior Competing members are representatives involved in the governance structure. The Board of Directors, President and CEO are the only entities and individuals authorized to make decisions that bind the organization. The Board is not involved in the daily operations of reports to the Board and the CEO reports to the President and is empowered to make the day-today decisions for the organization.

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PHOTO: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO

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FEI DISCIPLINE ASSOCIATIONS (6)

ASSOCIATIONS

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USEF recognizes only one organization as the official USEF Recognized Affiliate Association for each breed and discipline within the USEF family. The Affiliates are categorized by FEI Discipline Associations and National & NonFEI Breeds and Disciplines Associations. An organization can serve as a USEF Recognized Affiliate for multiple breeds and/or disciplines.

Additionally, FEI Disciplines include both the international and national components of each sport. Affiliates provide a unique connection to the community in each breed or discipline and are a conduit for communication and promotion of equestrian sport to a wider audience.

ASSOCIATIONS (13)

American Connemara Pony Society American Hackney Horse Society American Morgan Horse Association, Inc. American Road Horse & Pony Association American Saddlebred Horse Association American Shetland Pony Club Arabian Horse Association International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association International Friesian Show Horse Association National Show Horse Registry Paso Fino Horse Association, Inc. Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America, Inc. Western Dressage Association of America Benefits of being a USEF Recognized Affiliate

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PHOTOS: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN, CODY PARMENTER, KELLYE BUSSEY, HOWARD SCHATZBERG

MEMBERSHIP & PROGRAMS USEF offers Competing and Fan memberships on an annual or lifetime basis. Member benefits are dependent on the category of membership with the greatest difference being the ability to compete in USEF licensed competitions without incurring per occurrence fees known as Show Pass fees.

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 2018 = 538 Farms 2019 = 743 Farms 2018 = 157,793 Individuals 2019 = 190,416 Individuals USEF Member Benefits

HORSE HORSE RECORDING RECORDING USEF offers an owner the ability to record their horse with the association for the purpose of tracking results, eligibility for certain events, and for awards and recognition. USEF processes over 15,600 horse recordings annually. Awards are presented annually by USEF in 850 categories across the many programs offered.

TOTAL NUMBER OF HORSES RECORDED 2018 = 15,619

2019 = 15,714

COMPETITIONS COMPETITIONS

USEF licenses well over 2,300 competitions annually. Competition organizers can apply and renew competition licenses by accessing their competition dashboard in their MyUSEF account.

TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPETITIONS LICENSED 2018 = 2,347

2019 = 2,302

Annual Report Data Ranges 2018: November 1, 2017-October 31, 2018 2019: November 1, 2018-October 31, 2019 Annual statistics broken out by breed/discipline can be referenced in the appendix 14 || US Equestrian Federation

EQUINE & HUMAN ANTI-DOPING USEF maintains a robust equine and human anti-doping program. USEF recently closed its laboratory and became a client of the University of Kentucky’s Equine Research and Testing Laboratory. Affiliates will still be able to access additional testing and collection services through USEF at our group rate.

USEF conducts the regulatory function for confirmed positive cases that are in violation of our rules.

TOTAL COMPETITIONS TESTED 2017-18 – 460 2018-19 – 449

TOTAL DAYS TESTING OCCURRED 2017-18 – 640 2018-19 – 582

TOTAL SAMPLES COLLECTED 2017-18 – 11,545 2018-19 – 10,006 Clean Sport Resources

OFFICIALS USEF offers over 76 different licenses and certifications for 2,200 competition officials through its Licensed Officials program. USEF partners with several Affiliates to provide education and training, and is responsible for issuing licenses for applicants upon successful completion of the education and evaluation programs. Candidates can apply for licensure and promotion, and officials can renew their licenses by accessing their MyUSEF account.

TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICIALS’ LICENSES ISSUED

PHOTO: HOWARD SCHATZBERG

2018 = 4,329 2019 = 4,240

Annual Report Data Ranges 2018: November 1, 2017-October 31, 2018 2019: November 1, 2018-October 31, 2019 Annual statistics broken out by breed/discipline can be referenced in the appendix 2019 Annual Report || 15

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PHOTOS: SHANNON BRINKMAN PHOTO, PICSOFYOU.COM, SUSANJSTICKLE.COM

MARKETING & PROMOTION USEF provides an extensive marketing function that encompasses advertising, education, USEF Network, merchandise, member marketing, PR and communications, TV and broadcasting, grants, publications, awards, sponsorship and sales, promotion and events and the annual meeting.

TOTALS

Recognized Affiliate Playbook – A Marketing Guide

PRESS RELEASES ISSUED 2017-18 – 526 2018-19 – 377

MEDIA MENTIONS 2017-18 – 4,061 2018 - 19 – 4,302

BREED AND DISCIPLINE DEDICATED ADVERTISEMENTS AND PROMOTIONS 2017-18 – 53 2018-19 – 60

BREED AND DISCIPLINE LIVE STREAMS FEATURED ON USEFNETWORK 2017-18 – 63 2018-19 – 68

NEW BREED & DISCIPLINE LEARNING CENTER VIDEOS RELEASED 2017-18 – 19 Total Views – 85,721

2018-19 – 9 Total Views – 24,847

US EQUESTRIAN MAGAZINE & EQUESTRIAN WEEKLY

Total Breed & Discipline Dedicated Articles Published 2017-18 – 145 2018-19 – 190 Annual Report Data Ranges 2018: November 1, 2017-October 31, 2018 2019: November 1, 2018-October 31, 2019 18 || US Equestrian Federation

HIGH PERFORMANCE DISCIPLINE AFFILIATES ARTICLES PUBLISHED 2017-18 – 58 2018-19 – 114

UNIQUE SPECIFIC BREED OR DISCIPLINE SPONSORS 2017-18 – 13 2018-19 – 16

TOTAL SPONSORS BY DISCIPLINE DRESSAGE 2017-18 – 4 2018-19 - 6

REINING 2017-18 – 1 2018-19 - 1

EVENTING 2017-18 - 6 2018-19 - 7

VAULTING 2017-18 – 1 2018-19 – 2

JUMPING 2017-18 – 4 2018-19 - 5

HUNTER 2017-18 – 3 2018-19 – 3

PARA-EQUESTRIAN 2017-18 – 2 2018-19 - 4

HUNTER/JUMPING SEAT EQUITATION 2017-18 – 3 2018-19 –3

2019 STAND-OUT AFFILIATE FEATURES AMERICAN SADDLEBRED/ASHA Collaborated with ASHA to produce USEFNetwork Special Feature around Devon Horse Show

FRIESIAN/IFSHA Donated $2,500 to IFSHA’s chosen charity (The All Glory Project)

MORGAN/AMHA Donated $2,500 to AMHA’s chosen charity

PASO FINO/PFHA Produced original content piece promoting PFHA’s class showcasing rescued and rehabilitated Paso Finos

WELSH/WPCSA Produced original content piece about WPCSA’s new Courage Award

WESTERN DRESSAGE/WDAA Produced original content piece featuring WDAA as leaders in supporting veterans in the equestrian space through its involvement in PHOTO: DON STINE

Operation Wild Horse

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PHOTOS: CASEY MCBRIDE, AVALON PHOTOGRAPHY, HOWARD SCHATZBERG, ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN

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USEF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

FINAL NOTE

USEF maintains numerous properties involving seven national championships in the national breeds and non-FEI disciplines, and 73 FEI discipline championships associated with the organization.

This year, many of our championships experienced tremendous growth with the USEF Pony Finals leading the way. 990 ponies and their young riders competed in this week-long pony festival.

USEF partners with several of our Affiliates on various aspects of these championships and values the expertise and contributions provided by these organizations.

Administering and managing equestrian sport is a rewarding and challenging experience.

It takes a community of dedicated USEF and

USET FOUNDATION

Affiliate volunteers and staff members working collectively to achieve our combined mission and

The partnership between the USET Foundation (Foundation) and USEF is strong and growing. In the past year, we have experienced greater collaboration in promoting and creating awareness of equestrian sport while delivering the message of unity and clarifying the uniqueness of the roles and responsibilities of both organizations. The Foundation exists to raise funding to support USEF high performance and developing programs and the Foundation provides approximately 40% of the total funding annually for these programs.

vision. We are so fortunate to have such a diverse, passionate and engaged community. The horse and human connection is what ultimately unites all of us

Visit USET Foundation

and it plays an integral role in our success. It is our dedication to the horse that provides our unified voice and keeps us moving

PHOTO: ANDREA EVANS/US EQUESTRIAN

forward. Thank you for your

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membership, your support and your contributions to our amazing sport.