Good news! Beginning May 17, the U.S. Equestrian Federation says anyone who is fully vaccinated is no longer required to wear a face covering outdoors at licensed competitions.
You have to read the fine print, though. Even vaccinated people have to stay six feet from anyone who is not in their immediate household when they are unmasked. The USEF decision is superseded by more restrictive rules from state or local governments, or individual shows. Meanwhile, everyone has to keep their mask on a when entering facilities that are fully or partially indoors. So don’t throw away your mask in joy quite yet..
Please click here to access the full amendments to the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan protocols.
As a statement from USEF President Tom O’Mara and CEO Bill Moroney said, “While we are all looking forward to the continued easing of restrictions on COVID-related protocols, we must also realize that the effects of the pandemic are not over and as cases increase and decrease, state and local modifications may occur.
“Overall, our community has done a great job of not only being one of the first organized sports to reopen, but has also successfully kept our sport open by complying with the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan. As we continue to ease restrictions, we must do so in a responsible and moderated manner. Personal responsibility continues to be a critical component of easing restrictions and ensuring we can continue to enjoy equestrian sport.”