USEF Fee Hikes Are Already Driving Riders Away

What’s Changing

The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) recently announced a series of fee increases, effective December 1, 2025, that are already impacting riders across the country:

• Show Pass (non-members): $45 → $85
• Competing Membership: $80 → $100 (effective April 1, 2026)
• Other fees, including horse recording, are also rising significantly.

Even a single rated show has become far more expensive — before factoring in stabling, travel, training, or other usual costs.

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Why Many Riders Are Opting Out

• Show-pass costs nearly doubled. Occasional riders now face a steep upfront cost just to enter one show.
• Rising cumulative costs. Multi-horse owners, junior riders, and barns with multiple clients see membership and horse-recording fees add up fast.
• Barrier for new or younger riders. Families and aspiring competitors are being priced out of the sport.
• Shows becoming less accessible. Many riders are skipping rated shows or switching to unrated/local competitions simply because they cannot justify the cost.
• Decline in participation. As more riders are driven away, grassroots access is shrinking, limiting competition to those with substantial financial resources.

One barn owner recently commented:

“Those with a big show budget may not flinch — but many others will find this increase keeps them out of the show ring next year.”

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What This Means for the Sport

The rising fees affect more than just individual riders:

• Turnout at rated shows may decline, leading to fewer divisions and smaller competition fields.
• Farms, trainers, and show organizers may face reduced participation, impacting the quality of events.
• The sport risks becoming increasingly exclusive, accessible only to those who can absorb high costs.

Many equestrians are now questioning whether the cost of showing is sustainable — especially since entry fees are only one piece of the overall expense.

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Final Thoughts

These USEF fee increases are more than numbers — they are already eroding accessibility. For many, stepping away from rated shows is not a choice but a financial necessity. If costs continue to rise, the sport risks losing riders, grassroots talent, and the diversity that keeps equestrian competition vibrant.