The United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) would like to share an important update regarding our recent request to remove the UPHA Classics and UPHA Challenge Cup program rules from the USEF Rule Book, while ensuring these valued classes may continue to be offered at USEF-licensed competitions.

This request was made thoughtfully and with one primary goal in mind: to better serve our members by allowing UPHA to update and strengthen these programs in a more timely and effective manner. As many of you know, the UPHA Classics and Challenge Cup programs are reviewed annually following the Finals and during the UPHA National Conference. This schedule allows the UPHA Board and committees to identify improvements designed to increase participation, improve clarity, and maintain the long-term relevance and viability of these programs. Housing the detailed program specifications on the UPHA website—rather than within the USEF Rule Book—allows these improvements to be implemented without unnecessary delay, while still maintaining consistency, fairness, and oversight.

Importantly, UPHA has remained clear throughout this process that we are not seeking to step away from USEF, nor from USEF governance. The proposed change simply aligns UPHA programs with many other organizations whose class specifications are referenced outside the USEF Rule Book, while remaining fully subject to USEF rules regarding judging, drugs and medications, and competition standards.

USEF leadership confirmed their support of the removal of UPHA rules from the USEF Rule Book and recommended approval of this change to the USEF Board of Directors at its January Annual Meeting, where it was approved with an effective date of February 1, 2026. UPHA Classics and Challenge Cup classes may continue to be held at USEF-licensed competitions and will remain classified as miscellaneous classes for licensing purposes. USEF will communicate the final decision following the Board’s meeting.

UPHA President Paul Boone emphasized the importance of this step for the future of the programs, stating:

“The UPHA Classics and Challenge Cup programs are cornerstones of our association and a direct reflection of our members’ dedication to developing riders and horses. Our intent with this request is simple—to allow UPHA to respond more efficiently to the needs of exhibitors, trainers, and competitions, while preserving the integrity and consistency of these classes. We are encouraged by USEF’s support.”

Thank you for your continued support of UPHA and the programs that help shape the future of our industry.