U.S. Equestrian Federation leaders announced May 14 that they will be loosening mask requirements at horse shows and will reveal an updated COVID-19 Action Plan on May 18. The announcement comes following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent guidelines, announced on May 13, that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to wear masks or exercise social distance in most indoor and outdoor settings, save a few situations.

“Based on this very encouraging news and the rapidly changing guidance from national health authorities, effective immediately, USEF is amending the COVID-19 Action Plan to align with the CDC announcement,” USEF President Tom O’Mara said in a statement. “At a minimum, competition organizers and all persons at USEF-licensed competitions are required to follow state and local regulations for face coverings/masks and social distancing. In the absence of state and local regulations, USEF recommends compliance with the CDC guidelines. Competition organizers are able to impose stricter requirements at their discretion.”

An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose with Moderna and Pfizer or two weeks after their only dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. O’Mara said these new revisions require respect and trust within the community to maintain everyone’s safety.

“Personal responsibility is essential, as competition organizers are not required to verify vaccination status,” he said. “Let’s all continue to act responsibly and keep our sport open, and our nation moving forward in a positive manner.”