Columbus, OH — On Wednesday (Nov. 17), Chairperson Sam Beegle and Directors Mark Loewe, Rich Gillock, and Russell Williams hosted the annual USTA District 7 meeting via Zoom. Director Barry Brown was not present.

Following the introduction of the directors, recorded opening messages from USTA Executive Vice President and CEO Mike Tanner and USTA President Russell Williams were presented.

The remainder of the agenda included a discussion of and voting on 26 rule change proposals.

Following are the results on the 2022 rule change proposals from District 7:

Rule Change Proposal — Voting Results
#1 (Medical assistance/back-up ambulance) — Approved
#2 (County fair charting timeline) — Approved as Amended “by 11:59 p.m. of the race date.”
#3 (Microchip optional horses born before 2019) — Rejected
#4 (State vet regulation of microchips) — Rejected
#5 (Draw video and recording) — Approved
#6 (Blood samples for claims) — Approved
#7 (Voidable claims – injury) — Approved
#8 (Stakes payment dates) — Approved
#9 (Driver selection in stakes races) — Rejected
#10 (Interference before start) — Approved
#11 (Trainer continuing education) — Approved
#12 (Whip specifications) — Rejected
#13 (Breaking horse disqualification) — Rejected
#14 (Stallion limit increase) — Rejected
#15 (Charitable breedings offered) — Rejected
#16 (Outstanding horse names) — Approved
#17 (No horse name changes) — Rejected
#18 (ID of broodmares) — Rejected
#19 (Embryo transfers) — Rejected
#20 (Parentage verifications) — Rejected
#21 (Horse ID requiring chip and FB) — Rejected
#22 (Breeder location) — Rejected
#23 (Equestrian membership fees) — **Approved
#24 (Addition of equestrian membership) — Approved
#25 (Universal election date for directors) — Approved
#26 (Trainer continuing education bylaw) — Approved

** On rule change proposal #23, it was suggested if an Equestrian Membership is ultimately approved that both the fee for registration and consideration of a $10 Pathway credit be given to all new Equestrian Members would be discussed at the Board of Directors meeting in March 2022. The proposal was not amended Wednesday and was passed as proposed.

Director Loewe reminded other directors that Wednesday’s vote only represented the opinions of District 7 and that final decisions on all rule change proposals will be determined at the annual Board of Directors’ meeting.

Beegle was re-elected as chairperson of District 7.

Chairperson Beegle inquired if there were any further comments from District 7 members. Without any further comment the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting commenced at 2 p.m. (EDT) and was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.

For the schedule of remaining USTA District Meetings, click here.