The U.S. Equestrian Federation is going to revise the rules related to amateur competitors. The scenario has gotten a lot more complicated in the age of social influencers, and others who dabble in teaching beginners but aren’t really professionals.Where do you think the lines should be drawn? This is the last day you can weigh in.
The changes being considered would permit amateurs to provide beginner instruction to non-competing riders outside of the competition environment in the American Saddlebred, Arabian, Hackney, Morgan, Friesian and Paso Fino, National Showhorse and Andalusian breeds and the Saddle Seat Equitation and Roadster disciplines. Instruction would be limited to 20 hours per calendar week and must be performed under the supervision of a USEF Competing member designated as Professional. USEF registration as a part-time instructor is required. A follow-up asks if this rule should include the dressage, eventing, hunter/jumper and western dressage disciplines.
Another change would allow amateurs to accept remuneration as social media influencers or brand ambassadors for posting on social media accounts? Wearing manufacturer marks, barn or stable branding, or class sponsor branded equipment would be allowed in competition. However, remuneration for commercial brand exposure in competition or on competition grounds would not be permitted.
There also is a question about whether the age limit for juniors should be raised from 18 to 21.
Take the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CL265JJ