USEF Questions

I am thinking about becoming a member of the USEF but I don't know exactly which membership I should apply for. Is anyone else a member and could you explain what each membership requires?

Also to get credit for the USEF does the show have to be recognized by them or can it be a local show? Because around where I live we don't have any recognized shows....

It all depends on what you'll be doing. There are competing memberships and non-competing memberships. To gain points you MUST be competing at a recognized show. If you plan on traveling to shows, then it would definitely be worth it to invest in a competing membership. If, however, you cannot make the commitment to travel to recognized shows then IMHO getting a competing membership is a bit of a waste. If you won't be going to recognized shows you won't really get the full value of it. So, I'll try to go through the memberships.

Competing Memberships (for owners, riders, trainers, vaulters, drivers, handlers, agents, lessee, competition secretary, competition manager)

3 year competing membership (Junior or Senior) - basically exactly what it says, a competing membership that lasts for two years instead of one. As a competing member you can accumulate points towards year end awards both nationally and regionally ( I believe) at recognized shows. It includes automatic insurance (not sure what this actually entails, you'd have to do some research), a subscription to equestrian magazine, and MemberPerks (United States Equestrian Federation).

1 year competing membership (junior) - Same as above, but only lasts for a year and you MUST be under 18 to be classified a junior.

1 year competing membership (senior) - Again, same as above, but for anyone 18+.

Life membership - never expires, whoo! Same perks as listed.

Other Memberships

USEF equestrian - Includes automatic insurance and MemberPerks. You cannot compete with this membership, however.

Collegiate Equestrian - for college students still riding but not competing, includes MemberPerks and all 4 issues of Equestrian magazine.

Club Equestrian - Not actually sure what this is. I believe it has something to do with USEF's online components. It includes MemberPerks.

Ok thanks! Do you honestly think it is worth joining if I don't compete in recognized shows?

First of all, what discipline do you show in?

Why would you join membership if you aren't going to be doing rated shows? All their competing membership does for you is allow you to show at a rated show without paying a non-membership fee. They do tabulate points but only for their rated divisions, from rated shows. And to have any kind of standing you need to show pretty extensively. And as far as hunters go (not sure what you show in) the lowest division is Children's, which is a 3 ft division, and very competitive. Their "member perks" are kind of a joke. -discounts at a few hotels, car rentals, etc that can be found cheaper elsewhere, and a free magazine subscription to their own magazine, etc. Granted, I really only know about the world of hunters and jumpers but I wouldn't do it unless you have a reason to.