My name is Josh Taylor, and I am the newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer at the U.S. Equestrian Federation. My job is to further the mission of USEF in promoting and enhancing quality in equestrian sport, and to provide the best service for our members. It was with great interest that I read the responses to The Chronicle of the Horse’s Facebook post of Jan. 30 in which comments were solicited on ways to increase USEF membership. We encourage feedback from those involved with our sport and appreciate the comments posted.

Without addressing each suggestion posted, allow me to respond to a few of the more popular ones. The USEF competing membership fee is $55 per year, an amount which has not changed since the formation of the Federation 11 years ago. Additionally, we offer a USEF Equestrian Membership (non-competing membership) for those equestrian fans that may not currently compete, but have an active interest in seeing the sport excel. While we appreciate that affiliate and competition organizer fees have added to the financial burden of the competitor, the USEF has continued to keep its competing membership fee as low as possible.

Another prevalent thought posted on the COTH Facebook post is membership benefits: what do I get for my USEF membership? The USEF offers educational tools for its members provided by accomplished equestrian professionals. We have a USEFPerks program, a cost savings program linked to a special collection of companies that support equestrian sport.

We also offer a USEF Member Insurance Policy and a subscription to EQUESTRIAN magazine. Through our affiliates, we support numerous youth programs to serve young equestrians at all levels. Additionally, we are immensely proud of our USEF NETWORK which broadcasts a wide array of exciting equestrian events and competitions and brings equestrian sport into homes across the U.S. and globally.

A USEF membership is so much more than just horse show competition.

At USEF we strive to support and promote equestrian sport, and I hear and appreciate feedback from our membership and invite you to join me on Facebook (United States Equestrian Federation) on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST to ask any questions you have about the benefits and value of being a USEF member and share your thoughts and feedback. Please tag your questions with #USEFMembers.

Kind regards, 

Josh Taylor 
| Chief Commercial Officer    
| United States Equestrian Federation