Petition to the Members of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)

Call for a Vote of No Confidence in USEF Leadership

We, the undersigned members of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), hereby express a formal vote of no confidence in the current executive leadership of the Federation:

William J. (Bill) Moroney – Chief Executive Officer 
Vicki Lowell – Chief Marketing and Content Officer
Dr. Stephen Schumacher, DVM – Director of Drugs and Medications
David O’Connor – Chief of Sport

Statement of Purpose

USEF exists to serve its members, advance equestrian sport in the United States, and uphold integrity, fairness, and transparency. Sadly, the current leadership has failed in these duties. Under their direction, the organization has eroded member trust, alienated the equestrian community, and fallen short of the standards expected of a National Governing Body.

Reasons for No Confidence

1. Loss of Member Trust:
   USEF’s reputation among its members is at an all-time low. Many members feel unheard, unrepresented, and marginalized by decisions made without adequate consultation or transparency. Members have been accused by the Federation of using  euthanasia drugs on their horses, with absolutely no proof and positive testing. It is impossible to trust an organization that would spread such an appalling and false rumor about their own membership.
2. Failure to Advance the Sport:
   The current leadership has done little to foster growth, inclusivity, and accessibility within equestrian sport. Key areas—such as youth development, amateur support, and fair play—have stagnated or declined.
3. Lack of Accountability and Transparency:
   Repeated controversies, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and questionable management practices have undermined confidence in USEF’s ability to govern effectively.
4. Disconnect Between Leadership and Members:
   The executive team appears increasingly out of touch with the grassroots membership. USEF’s focus has shifted toward bureaucracy and image management rather than meaningful service to its athletes, trainers, owners, and participants.

Our Demand

We, the members of USEF, call for the immediate resignation or removal of the individuals named above. Due to severance, pensions and potential lifetime windfalls in their contracts, it is imperative that they are removed rather than be allowed to retire, so that that money can be invested into the future of our sport.  

In their place, we demand that new leadership be selected through a democratic process that reflects the will of the membership.

Specifically, we propose that:

• The USEF Board of Directors prepare a slate of 3–5 eligible and qualified candidates for each vacant position.
• The membership at large be given the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate, with an option for write-in candidates if none of the nominations are viewed as suitable.
• The process be transparent, publicly documented, and binding upon the Board’s decision.

Restoring Integrity and Member Voice

The time has come for USEF to return to its founding principle—that it exists to serve the members and the sport, not the other way around. Member participation must be central to all major decisions affecting governance, leadership, and the future of equestrian sport in America. Between salaries, bonuses, pensions, and travel expenses, immediate termination would free up over $2 million annually to hire valued representation. 

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to restore democracy, accountability, and integrity within the USEF. Together, we can ensure that our Federation once again reflects the values and voices of its members.