The U.S. Equestrian Federation is advising competitors who intentionally under-perform in a class not to do it.
It might occur when someone is put in a class to fill it so that points count, and they need to make sure another exhibitor will place ahead of them. USEF has received reports of such behavior in the past, but recently, the frequency has increased.
The federation does not condone this behavior, and cautions members to refrain from engaging in any activity that deliberately affects the outcome of a competitive effort through Intentionally losing a class.
Actions against the basic tenets of sportsmanship and fair competition are violations of the USEF Code of Conduct, which prohibits behavior or actions detrimental to the image and reputation of the sport. The code explicitly mandates that all constituents “model fair play, respect, and the highest levels of sportsmanship.”
Deliberately under-performing in a horse show class is also considered competition manipulation, which is strictly prohibited under USEF’s recently adopted Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Policy. This has become more of an issue with the proliferation of sites where people can earn money betting on the outcome of a class.
Competition manipulation occurs anytime an athlete intentionally under-performs or loses on purpose. Even when money or another form of tangible benefit is not at stake, some form of advantage is always sought. Some may argue that manipulating an outcome by under-performing can be considered a virtuous effort in situations where a rider is instructed to “help” a barn colleague by intentionally losing a medal class so their barn mate can take home the top ribbon and qualification points.
However, intentionally losing a class and not providing your best effort in competition is unsportsmanlike; it is disrespectful of your fellow competitors and the officials, as well as supporters and fans of equestrian sport. When a competition is manipulated, there is nothing left to win for anyone; it renders sport meaningless and demoralizes those athletes who are competing with integrity and sportsmanship.
USEF competitors, as well as their support personnel, must refrain from engaging in any of these competition manipulation activities. By consciously and willingly under-performing in a class to affect the results or by instructing a competitor to do the same, you are engaging in activities that fall under the definition of competition manipulation.
Those activities are considered a violation pursuant to General Rule 702.1.d in the USEF Rule Book. These activities are clear violations of both the USEF Code of Conduct as well as the Prevention of Manipulation of Competition Policy and may be subject to action, which could result in an official warning, censure, fine, suspension, or other penalties set forth in General Rule 703.
USEF’s Code of Conduct also states that those bound by it are responsible for reporting violations. Licensed officials are obligated to report willful under-performance by a competitor or other tactics designed to “throw” a class so USEF can investigate the matter.
USEF acknowledges that willful under-performance can be difficult to definitively identify and is rare; most exhibitors invest their best effort when competing. However, if you witness an obvious, willful, and intentional manipulation of competition (i.e., blatant disregard for class conduct and specifications by never attempting to perform the required gaits or failing to follow a judge’s instructions), you should report the incident to USEF by emailing disputes@USEF.org.
By taking responsibility for their actions, fulfilling their duty to report misconduct, always providing their best effort while competing and practicing good sportsmanship, USEF members can collectively protect the integrity of equestrian sport and ensure a fair competitive experience for everyone.