United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) serves as the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport and is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. According to the USEF website, since its inception in 1917, US Equestrian has been dedicated to pursuing excellence and promoting growth, all while providing and maintaining a safe and level playing field for both its equine and human athletes. The USEF Safe Sport initiative has been developed to recognizing, reducing, & responding to misconduct and abuse in horse sports. As of Jan 1, 2019 every USEF adult member (18 years of age or older) with a Competing Membership must complete USEF’s Safe Sport Training. A criminal background screenings and Safe Sport Training are required in order to help:

• Ensure a safe, secure, and fun environment for participants to compete and continue to develop and enhance their skills.
• Provide parents and legal guardians with a sense of security for their children.
• Prevent individuals with ill intentions from becoming involved with its programming.

Search for riding instructors within the USEF Safe Sport Directory. The results show instructors that have successfully completed a criminal background screening and/or the Safe Sport training for equestrian sports.