1. Competition Entry Form

Now that most entries are submitted online, an actual paper form is rarely used.  But the information on this generic form is required when you complete an online entry form.  Ensure you have ALL this information in front of you BEFORE you start the online entry process.

If you are submitting a paper entry, use the entry form in the show’s prize list.

NOTE 1: A TRAINER is required and is the adult person (age 18 or older) legally responsible for the horse while the horse is on the show grounds.  This may or may not be the usual trainer of the horse.  The trainer must be on the show grounds.  It is usually easier for the Rider or Owner to be the Trainer.

NOTE 2: A COACH is optional.  It is usually easier to NOT include a Coach in the entry unless a coach may ride the horse on the showgrounds.

2. Proof of Memberships

USEF PEOPLE: Except for exempt classes, to participate in a USEF/USDF show:

• Rider and Owner must be a USEF Active Member or purchase a USEF Show Pass for $85 (as of December 12, 2025; one pass per show/year). 
• Trainer and Coach (Trainer is required, Coach is optional) must be USEF Active (Competing) Members, including a parent or guardian acting as a Trainer or Coach.

USEF HORSE:
To participate in a USEF/USDF show, a horse must have a USEF Annual or Life Recording or Horse Identification (HID).  USEF does not accept USDF registrations.

USDF PEOPLE: To participate in a USEF/USDF show:

• Rider and Owner must a USDF Participating or Group Members or pay the USDF non-member fee ($35 as of May 2023, one fee per show). 
• Trainer and Coach (optional) are not required to be USDF members.

USDF HORSE: To participate in a USEF/USDF show, a horse must have a USDF Life Registration or HID.  USDF does not accept USEF recordings.

Each of these memberships come with a lifetime membership number that must be included on the entry.  The numbers and the membership status can be obtained through www.EqVerification.org. 

This report is usually not submitted as part of an online entry (it can be used to show SafeSport training of multiple people – see below).  If you are submitting a paper entry, include this report.

3. USEF Federation Entry Agreement

Use the form on the USEF web site as older versions may not be used.

One form per entry.  Can be separate forms if the people cannot get together to sign one form.

Click here to download this form. 

Enter USEF Event on the Competition line.  You can then use the form for any show as long as the form is current and the people remain the same.

The form must be signed by the Rider, Owner/Agent, Trainer, and the (optional)  Coach.  If any of these roles are filled by the same person, the person must sign all applicable sections.  For this form, a rider or trainer may sign for the owner as the agent of the owner.

NOTE: A Rider cannot be their own Coach.

4. USEF Waiver and Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement

Use the form on the USEF web site as older versions may not be used.

May need multiple forms per entry as a separate form is needed for the Rider, Owner, Trainer, and (optional) Coach.

Click here to download this form. 

Enter USEF Event on the USEF Event line.  You can then use the form for any show as long as the form is current and the people remain the same.

Each person in the entry must sign a separate form.  If the rider = owner = trainer and there is no coach, there will be one form in the entry.  If the rider = trainer and the owner is a different person, there will be two forms in the entry.  Etc.

This form is also signed by show officials, staff and volunteers.

5. Proof of SafeSport Training (with expiration date)

UPDATED ANNUALLY

All adult (age 18 or older) USEF Active Members in an entry (Rider, Owner, Trainer, Coach) must provide proof of current SafeSport training. 

There are a number of ways to provide the proof of current SafeSport training, including:

• Some online entry services provide the SafeSport training expiration date so the entrant does not have to submit a separate document.
• EqVerifications.org report (#2 above). 
• USEF People Search.  Click here to open USEF People Search web page.  Enter the person’s name or USEF number and click search.  In the screen that opens, click the small red icon that represents the membership card.  The membership card opens, which includes the SafeSport expiration date. Click the download arrow (at the top right) to save the card.  You can then upload the card to the online entries service.
• The SafeSport training certificate provided when training is done is not ideal as it does not have an expiration date and interim certificates are issued for portions of the training.

6. Copy of Coggins Test Report

UPDATED ANNUALLY

Many vets now provide the Coggins as a PDF file.  This file can be uploaded to an online entry service.

If your vet uses the old paper snail mailed Coggins, scan it or photograph it (ensure it is legible) so you have a file that can be uploaded to an online entry service.

IMPORTANT:

• The horse’s name on the Coggins must be the same as on the show entry name.  If the Coggins has the barn name, ask your vet for a letter stating that Barn Name is the same horse as Show Entry Name.
• The Coggins is valid for one year from the date blood is drawn; for example, if blood is drawn on 15 March YYYY, the report is valid through 14 March YYY+1.

7. Proof of Vaccination

UPDATED EVERY SIX MONTHS

USEF requires vaccination for Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhino-pneumonitis) within six months of the show date (USEF GR844).  Proof can be the USEF Vaccination Form (as on the right), a letter from the vet, an invoice from the vet, etc.

As a minimum, the owner is required to have proof of this vaccination on the show grounds; the proof must be shown to show management if asked.

Some shows require the proof of vaccination as part of the entry materials (see the prize list).  If your document is not already a computer file, scan or photograph the document, then upload to the online entries service.

Even if the show does not require the vaccination document as part of the entry, it is a good idea to include it as this could avoid any issues on show day.

IMPORTANT: The horse’s name on the proof of vaccination must be the same name as on the show entry.  If the document has the barn name, ask your vet for a letter stating that Barn Name is the same horse as Show Entry Name.

NOTE: Although not part of the USEF rule, it is a good idea to vaccinate the horse at least two weeks before a show.  This will provide sufficient time for the horse to develop antibodies and to recuperate from the vaccination(s).

8. Payment

Most online entry services collect your payment via PayPal, Venmo, credit card, or other method.

Consult the prize list for information on other payments, such as checks, if accepted.

9. Proof of Musical Freestyle Qualification

If the entry includes a musical freestyle test, proof of qualification to ride the test must be provided (see USEF DR129.9 for the requirements).

The proof can be a copy of the test sheet judge signature page, image from USDF Scores (click here), or copy of a digital test sheet.

Documents from non-USDF sources are not accepted.

10. Other Documents

A particular show may require additional documentation.  This could be:

• Venue Hold Harmless Agreement.
• Breed registration papers
• Health certificate
• FEI passport
• Pony measurement
• Etc.