USEF Partnership

Equestrian competitors, leisure riders, coaches, fans, and enthusiasts each share a personal bond with the horse. This commonality defines the membership of the United States Equestrian Federation which serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport.

The United States Equestrian Federation has recognized WDAA as the sole affiliate representing the discipline of Western Dressage.

All Western Dressage rules are contained in the USEF rule book and USEF enforces these rules at USEF licensed shows. All WDAA Recognized shows follow USEF rules, in order to provide a level playing feild for all participants. USEF licenses all Western Dressage judges.

You can utilize a FREE USEF Fan Membership to take advantage of a variety of benefits including USEF Network Live Content viewing, Access to US EQUESTRIAN magazine digitally, Memberperks discounts, and more! Sign up her: https://www.usef.org/join-usef/join-renew

 

HPA Comments to USDA

As many of you are likely already aware, the American Horse Council (AHC) recently released a resource communication providing detailed instructions that allow equestrianorganizations to provide comments to the USDA regarding the decision to delay implementation of the Horse Protection Act (HPA) Amendments until February 1, 2026 (see attached copy).  Organizations have until next Tuesday, May 20, 2025, to submit comments to the USDA.

The AHC has collected feedback and formulated responses based on meetings of its Show & Competition Committee and other advisory group efforts.  Many of those comments and suggestions are included in the attached document.  Additionally, USEF will be submitting comments by the May 20th deadline, which are aligned with the AHC comments.  If your breed or discipline organization would like to participate in the comment submission process, please follow the instructions contained on the first page of the attached document.

Download the Document: https://wdaa.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/USEF-Affiliate/HPA%20Comment%20Template.pdf

Some important things to note:

  • The USDA is accepting only comments regarding the delay of amendment implementation.  It will not consider comments made on the entire HPA regulation.
  • Comments should be specific regarding whether “this extension provides a sufficient period of time, or whether the delay should be extended for a second season…[and]solicit any supplemental information regarding Horse Protection Act authorities, standards, record-keeping, or other matters that may help inform a decision regarding an appropriate length of time of postponement.”
  • Comments should include specific impacts to your organization and/or members rather than copying and pasting from form letters circulated by other organizations.  Multiple copies of identical form letters will be considered a single comment/opinion.
  • Tone and substance are key.  Your organization’s comments become part of the public record and are available for the anyone to read.

 

WDAA Youth Educational Scholarship Program

The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) is proud to present a scholarship opportunity funded by a youth grant offered by the US Equestrian Federation.

Three (3) scholarships of $500 each are available to youth riders who are looking to enhance their Western Dressage education. Scholarships must be used for Western Dressage educational experiences to include clinics, camps, and/or non-show events. The applicant must be under the age of 18 at the time of application, an active member of WDAA, and a member of USEF.

For more information please visit this link https://wdaa.memberclicks.net/wdaa-youth-educational-scholarship-program

 

WDAA is grateful to receive a USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award Recognized Affiliate Grant. 

In 2023 with the help of this grant WDAA has created a Guide to Western Dressage booklet for junior riders. This booklet can be downloaded for free off of the www.WDAA.org at Getting Started for Beginners or can be mailed directly to enthusiasts at no cost.