In a letter sent today, Aug. 2, U.S. Equestrian Federation President Murray Kessler announced an increase in the organization’s competing membership fee from $55 to $80. The increase was approved at the group’s mid-year meeting in late July.

“It’s been a decade since we have increased fees,” said Kessler in the letter. “During that same time, the cost of doing business has increased 33 percent, which has been offset by cost containment efforts that have hurt our staff as well as member services, especially at the grass root level. This is unacceptable. The approved fee increases will allow us to address these issues and re-invest back into growing our sport at ALL levels, not just elite levels.”

Starting Dec. 1, the membership will transition to an anniversary model, which means each membership will last 12 months, regardless of start date.

In addition, Kessler announced the Drugs and Medications fee competitors pay will nearly double—from $8 to $15.

“Sadly, this increase is necessary to fund the battle against cheating on the field of play and to defend the findings of the Hearing Committee in the court room,” stated Kessler. “It is unfortunate that we all need to pay this tax because of a few bad eggs, but it is the price we must pay for clean sport and a fair and level playing field.”

Read all of Kessler’s letter to members on the USEF site.

Have a opinion? Join the conversation about the fee increase on the Chronicle’s discussion forums.