The USEF Regulation Department reviewed a selection of common questions that flood their inbox for The Chronicle. Note: each of the scenarios assumes that all other qualifications for amateur certification have been met.
Q: I’m a 19-year-old working student who does barn work and hacks customers’ horses around the farm to keep them fit. I do not get paid cash; I do get free lessons, board and housing in exchange for my work. Am I an amateur?
Q. Betsy, Oviedo, Florida
Because climbing the dressage levels becomes so difficult at Third Level, where collection starts, do you think there is a way to bridge this gap of understanding? Do you think dressage shows could offer lectures given by the judges on what collection is and how we must intricately put together the tests that require collection? Or do you think that job needs to stay with the trainers and coaches?
A. Dear Betsy,
Q. Grace
I'm currently horse shopping, and have come across one or two horses who seem to be very underpriced. Would it be rude to go ahead and ask why the horse is priced how it is, or should I be more delicate?
Q. Kelly, Christiana, Tenn.
I have a young draft cross that I am bringing along to compete in eventing. I work very hard, from a grooming/trimming perspective, to keep him neat and tidy, but can't do ANYTHING with his mane. This is the thickest mane I've ever dealt with, and the consistency of the hair is very, very coarse.
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