A new free feature called Lifetime Care Contacts is available for for horses registered with the U.S. Equestrian Federation. It enables USEF members to add their names to a horse’s USEF record. It means that if the horse is someday be in need of financial assistance or a home, the member would like to be contacted.
“We understand that many breeders, owners, athletes, and grooms care deeply for the horses who have touched their lives and want to be there for them if they should ever fall on hard times,” said USEF CEO Bill Moroney, explaining the federation realized it could help.
The Lifetime Care Contact feature is free for USEF members or those who have a free fan account to add themselves to a horse’s record, because horse data is part of the membership section of the US Equestrian website. The feature will be accessible at no cost.
Those who want to add themselves as Lifetime Care Contacts to a horse’s USEF record may go to the Lifetime Care tile in the USEF Dashboard and search for the horse you’re looking for, using the horse’s recorded name or USEF number. Then click the button prompting you to add your contact information to that horse’s list. You’ll see a list of horses for whom you’re listed as the Lifetime Care Contact at the bottom of the page.
If you have found a horse in need and want to see if they have a Lifetime Care Contact on file, you will need a USEF membership or free fan account to access the Horse Search. Visit the Lifetime Care tile on the Member Dashboard and use the horse’s recorded name or microchip number to locate it You will be prompted to verify you’re assisting this horse and can click a button to be sent an email with that horse’s Lifetime Care Contact information.
Click here to learn more about this program and for a list of frequently asked questions.
The Federation can’t require anyone to reach out to a horse’s Lifetime Care Contact, but the program can make it easier for a horse in need to be connected with someone who has expressed an interest in helping them.
The Lifetime Care system is designed as a safety net for horses, and its use is voluntary. US Equestrian is unable to require that someone consult a Lifetime Care contact before moving, selling, or transferring a horse. The goal of the feature is to facilitate connections as needed, but this program can only be as effective as the scope of its use.