17 January 2019, Lexington, Kentucky, USA ~  The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has announced that it has initiated proceedings to terminate the recognized affiliate status of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) as soon as possible following the AERC Board of Director’s approval of a disaffiliation motion on January 14, 2019, indicating that they wish to terminate their affiliation with USEF as of December 1, 2019.

While USEF shares AERC’s concerns regarding horse welfare, the Federation considers this delayed disaffiliation to be contrary to the best interest of the future of endurance sport on a national and international level. During AERC’s proposed period between now and December 1, 2019, USEF cannot be certain that AERC will comply with USEF’s affiliate requirements, including compliance with bylaws, rules, decisions of the Hearing Committee, and not impeding athletes’ ability to participate in international competitions, as protected under the Ted Stevens Act.

USEF will continue its commitment to national and international endurance sport and will appoint a special task force to oversee the development of the necessary mechanisms to fulfill the needs of endurance. Additionally, USEF is encouraged by the creation of the FEI Temporary Endurance Committee and looks forward to their report and recommendations for the future of endurance. USEF acknowledges that there may be some challenges as a transitional plan is put in place and will work to ensure minimal impact.

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From the US Equestrian Communications Department~