This year’s list of Proposed Rule Changes are not
necessarily longer or shorter than usual, but they have proposed several new
rules or changes that show where the industry is headed.
The proposed change I want to talk about today is GR1301.9.
The USEF has been slowly trying to implement this rule, which focuses on the
removal of earbuds while mounting or riding. I will admit that I spend a lot of
time wearing headphones, but I have to side with the USHJA on this one. The
same way earbuds are illegal while driving they shouldn’t be worn while you’re
on a horse.
It can be fun and convenient to rock
out to your favorite tunes while you’re riding, but you have to consider the
other riders in the ring. This rule also aims to prohibit the use of “cell
phones or tablets for communicating, texting, e-mailing or other businesses
while mounted”. Again, I feel this is appropriate given the nature of the
activity and (as much as I hate to admit it) the unpredictability of the horses
we ride.
In the past, several organizations have
tried to implement this rule but have been unsuccessful. Some believe that
Bluetooth headsets should be allowed while riding, while others feel this rule
requires more justification or is not enforceable because of technology’s
strong influence in today’s world.
If this rule is put into place there
will be fines for violation, including disqualification from your next class or
a $150.00 fine. If someone has multiple offenses a charge may be filed.
Even if this proposed change doesn’t
become official I do think riders should be more cautious when using electronics
while mounted. Although I know it can be hard to put down your phone
(especially if you’re trying to make it to the competition ring) it’s safer for
you and everyone around you to wait until you’ve dismounted to listen to music,
text or make phone calls.
For more information on this and other proposed rule changes, go to the USHJA Zone 5 page and click on Proposed rule changes. Give us your feedback!
Michelle is a junior at Ball State University studying public relations. Although she has ridden on and off since going to school, horses have always been a passion of hers. Michelle began riding at age 8, and has grown up riding with Ken Stien at Plantation Equestrian Center. She and her horse, Rokoko compete in the Amateur Adult division.
