Equine Law & Business Letter
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A summary of legislation and rulings from April 2026.
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USEF Announces Mid-Year Rule Changes To Go Into Effect July 1
In keeping with its ongoing commitment to equine welfare, US Equestrian advanced a number of rule changes and modifications at its mid-year meeting June 16 and 17 in Lexington, Ky. Directors heard updates on the organization’s strategic plan, the path to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as well
USEF Disciplines Members For Rule Violations
The United States Equestrian Federation (“USEF”) recently published more than a dozen notices of disciplinary actions taken against members for a variety of rule violations.
In three horse welfare/sportsmanship cases, one member was suspended for a month for overworking a horse at a competition, a second member was suspended for
USEF Imposes Seven Month Suspension In Case Of “Intentional Doping”
The United States Equestrian Federation (“USEF”) recently imposed a seven month suspension on a trainer in what it called a case of “intentional doping,” after a horse the trainer exhibited tested positive for the presence of two sedating medications (and their metabolites) known as acepromazine and detomidine.
USEF Expels Member Who Left Colicking Horse Tied In Stall
USEF expelled a trainer whose conduct the Hearing Committee found “contributed to the unintentional death” of a show horse in her care, custody, and control.
Veterinarian Expelled For Malpractice and Animal Cruelty
The United States Equestrian Federation (“USEF”) has expelled a member for violating the USEF Code of Conduct after a Texas court found her guilty of felony animal cruelty to a mare to whom the veterinarian was providing post-surgical care.
According to the Hearing Committee’s decision, the member’s license to practice
Trainer Sues After Being Disciplined For Verbal Altercation With Steward
The Supreme Court of New Mexico has ruled that a trainer, who was disciplined after a verbal altercation with a steward, may have no legal recourse against the New Mexico Racing Commission (“NMRC”).
According to the Court, the trainer held a license issued by the NMRC and wanted to hire