2022 Amateur Updates | USEF and USHJA

As a new horse show year begins, there are some changes to the amateur status and low adult amateur hunter divisions.

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The "Amateur Rule"

December 1 marked the implementation of some much-anticipated changes to U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF)  “amateur rule” for the 2022 competition year.

These modifications were passed as "extraordinary rule changes" at the USEF board of directors meeting held Nov. 22. They changes were brought to light and developed largely by the USEF Amateur Task Force established back in February.

The five changes include:

• GR1306.1 was modified to allow amateurs to accept pay for performing specified barn duties, including longeing, without affecting their amateur status.

• Another change to GR1306.1 increases the value of a non-monetary token or gift of appreciation an amateur can receive from less than $300 to less than $1,000 annually.

• A modification to GR1306.6 now allows for a one-time exception for young professionals, aged 18 to 25,  to reapply for amateur status after a three-month waiting period.

• GR1306.2 was updated and now allows amateurs to receive compensation as a social media influencers or social media brand ambassadors. The rule change also designates individuals who accept remuneration for the use of commercially-branded items while on competition grounds as sponsored riders, and therefore professionals. The rule change also included definitions for social media influencer, social media brand ambassador and sponsored riders to differentiate between activities allowed and prohibited for amateur participants.
• Another change to GR1306.2 does not affect the hunter/jumper community but  allows amateurs in the American Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, Morgan, Arabian, Andalusian/Lusitano, National Show Horse, Paso Fino and Western divisions to accept remuneration for teaching beginner riding lessons in a non-competition environment for fewer than 20 hours a week. Conditions apply to this rule. Find them here.

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2022 Amateur Rule Changes

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rated Low Adult Amateur hunter division

The Low Adult Amateur Hunter is now officially a rated Hunter Section, as is the Low Children's Hunter Horse division, according to the USHJA.

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Here is the rule change intent:
The low sections of the Children’s Hunter Horses and Adult Amateurs are popular and necessary sport development entry points for many exhibitors. It is critical that the zones provide encouragement and recognition at this level. With the dissolution of the Stirrup Cup program, it is important to make every effort to continue to serve these members at the zone level.

There are a few other updates to the rules that you should be aware of before you and your horse being competing in 2022.

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Know Before You Show

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