The U.S. Eventing Association announced Sept. 9 that all riders competing at the beginner novice level will be required to have a USEA membership as of Dec. 1. Previously riders could pay a non-member fee of $25 at that level.

“When the beginner novice level was introduced nearly 15 years ago, it was created as an introduction to the sport of eventing. The USEA allowed riders and horses to compete at the level in order to ‘test’ out the sport without becoming a member of the USEA,” stated the organization in a release. “USEA membership was mandatory for participation in any beginner novice championship competition and to be eligible for year-end awards. This lead to some confusion on the part of the membership.”

The USEA board of directors voted for the change at its August meeting, citing the additional opportunities that are now available for riders to experience the sport—such as intro and starter levels, coaching allowed tests and DX eventing—before jumping into USEA-recognized competitions. 

“In the past several years, the USEA office has been inundated with calls of confused members who did not understand why they weren’t listed as qualified for: Area championships, the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championship and the USEA leaderboards,” the statement continued. “In almost every case, the confusion related to that member having competed at the beginner novice as a non-member. The beginner novice level is now one of the most popular levels offered by the USEA in recognized competition, and the offerings of the beginner novice level mimic all those offered in other USEA divisions.”

For 2017, a 14-day grace period from the start of the horse trial will be allowed for beginner novice riders and horses to bring their registration into compliance.

Questions about the new policy? Contact Jennifer@useventing.com or 703-779-0440.