Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jessica Eile Keith on February 23, 2010 at 3:04pm

You will need a rider's license issued by the national equestrian federation. Some European countries make you take a test for a "green card" before you can get your license. The test is on the general show rules and regulations. If you pass the test and pay your license you are good to show, obviously on a licensed horse.

Permalink Reply by Mary McGuire Smith on February 23, 2010 at 8:06pm

If you are an American citizen, contact USEF. They are our national governing body, and you will have to get a letter of permission. Also, talk to the trainer whom you will be working for to see what the requirements in their NGB (national governing body). You may be able to show at the local club shows, or you may not. The best thing is to go to the sources. But be sure to contact the USEF as soon as possible, because receiving the permission letters always takes longer than you think.
Good luck and have fun!! Training in Europe is a lot of fun, a super learning experience, but things ARE different there. Make sure you don't get stuck in the barn if you want to be in the show ring!

Permalink Reply by Jessica Eile Keith on February 25, 2010 at 8:41am

@Mary McGuire Smith. Are you saying that people with a USEF license need a permission from USEF to apply for licenses in other countries? As far as I know USEF has no jurisdiction outside the US. Does USEF also make a difference between licenses issued to US citizens, green card holders etc? So in my case if I have a USEF license and have a green card, I would not have to apply for permission? And what is the permission for? I am a Swedish citizen and I certainly did not have to ask the Swedish Equestrian Federation for permission to apply for a USEF license, neither did USEF ask me for any written permission from the Swedish Equestrian Federation. Interesting question indeed.

Permalink Reply by Mary McGuire Smith on February 25, 2010 at 10:29am

I don't know what you mean by "license". USEF issues memberships to US citizens who want to show in the USDF/USEF recognized shows, but they are not referred to as licenses.I believe that foreign citizens have to have a letter of permission from their country to ride in the USDF Championship Shows, and USEF also issues permission for foreign citizens to show in USEF/USDF shows who produce a letter of permission from their country. That is what they told a friend of mine (who has since then achieved her US citizenship). And just because the USDF/USEF allows (or doesn't check) a foreign citizen to show here, doesn't mean that another country will be as lax. :-)
As far as a green card, I have no idea. The best thing to do (as an American citizen, since the rules are different for other countries), is to contact USEF which is our national governing body and deals with showing abroad for our citizens. If you are going to Europe to train with someone for a short period of time (less than 6 months), you do not need a visa (at least in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Slovenia which are where I have trained). If you will receive money, that is a different story...

But, having said all that, relying on ANY information on forums such as this can get you into trouble! Go directly to the authoritative sources-- USEF for any rules and regulations for showing in a country other than the USA, and I would do a search about green cards/visas to see what government agency can answer your questions about that.

I trained in Europe in the summer months for six years, but generally I only spent one month at a time over there, and I did not show. I required no licenses or permissions or green cards or visas. If you want to show, or you want to work (for compensation), or you want to stay for more than a month (I think the cutoff time is 6 months, but I am not sure so check on this!), then you will have to apply for the appropriate visa/green card.

Permalink Reply by Kim van der Weijde on February 25, 2010 at 12:42pm

Thank you all for all the advice. I'm actually a dutch citizen, so I don't have to worry about green cards or anything. I'm going to try and get in touch with some people over there who might know what to do.
Any advice though is appreciated, for those who have worked abroad!

Permalink Reply by Karin Offield on February 26, 2010 at 6:35pm

Hi Kim, You had better work through the Uset/f/df and the rest. They are very helpful. You need to have a license to show in Europe that is arranged thru your NF. Keep asking this question on the forums and I bet you'll have all your answers in no time.