WEFL Recognized Event Program

Bring Working Equitation to Your Show

The WEFL Recognized Event Program allows independent horse show managers and event organizers to offer working equitation (WE) classes under the WEFL umbrella. A WEFL Recognized Event is not a WEFL-produced show — it is an independently managed event that meets WEFL's standards for rules, judging, and results reporting.

WEFL recognition gives show managers access to infrastructure, marketing support, and the WEFL brand — while giving WE competitors a trusted, consistent experience across Florida and beyond.

Program Overview

To participate in the WEFL Recognized Event Program, the show manager or producing organization must hold an active WEFL Show Partner Membership. Membership follows the show manager — not the venue. This membership covers all recognized events within a calendar year at a single flat rate, regardless of how many show dates are held.

First Year (2026–27) Annual Renewal
Show Partner Membership $300 $150

Show Partner Membership — What's Included

  • WEFL Recognized Event designation and badge — licensed use in all show marketing
  • Welcome package: WEFL-branded banner and stall cards for use at recognized events
  • Dedicated event listings on the WEFL website and public events calendar
  • Inclusion in WEFL's rider results database
  • Priority placement in WEFL email marketing and event promotions
  • Co-branded social media promotion from WEFL accounts
  • Access to WEFL judge referral network and show manager support
  • Eligibility for WEFL Year-End Award Program (competitor results from your events count)
  • Designated WEFL booth space for membership outreach at each recognized event

Renewal Includes

  • Continued WEFL Recognized Event status for the new calendar year
  • Updated stall cards and refreshed digital promotional assets
  • All membership benefits listed above except the banner (replaced at cost if needed)

Barn Partner Upgrade Path

Active WEFL Barn Partners who wish to begin hosting and managing their own WEFL Recognized Events may upgrade to Show Partner Membership at no additional charge. The Show Partner Membership replaces — and includes all benefits of — the Barn Partner membership tier for as long as the Show Partner Membership remains active.

If a Barn Partner is providing only their facility as a venue for a separate producing organization, the Barn Partner's membership does not transfer. The show-producing organization must hold its own active WEFL Show Partner Membership. When in doubt: membership follows the show manager, not the venue.

Event Designations

WEFL offers two recognition pathways:

WEFL Recognized Event

A WEFL Recognized Event is a schooling show or independent event held by an active Show Partner Member. Recognition covers all events within the membership year — no additional applications are required per show date.

Requirements:

  • Show manager/producing organization must hold an active WEFL Show Partner Membership
  • WE classes must follow the current USAWE rulebook or WEFL-approved class descriptions
  • Level divisions must follow USAWE designations (Introductory through Advanced, L1–L6)
  • At least one of the following must officiate WE classes: a current USAWE Licensed Official (L Candidate or higher), or a WEFL Pathway Participant in good standing
  • Event must be listed on the WEFL calendar at least 30 days in advance
  • WEFL members must be offered a minimum $10 discount on working equitation entry fees
  • WEFL must be provided a designated booth space at each recognized event
  • Results must be submitted to WEFL within 7 calendar days of the event (Gira.io preferred)
  • Show manager must provide proof of general liability insurance prior to recognition approval (see Insurance Requirements)

USAWE Licensed Show

A USAWE Licensed Show is licensed directly through USAWE and automatically meets the criteria for WEFL Recognized Event status. To receive WEFL recognition for a USAWE Licensed Show:

  1. Show manager must hold an active WEFL Show Partner Membership
  2. Submit and have received approval of the WEFL Recognized Event Request Form at workingequitationflorida.com/wefl-recognized-event-application
  3. Provide proof of liability insurance with WEFL named as an additional insured
  4. Submit results to WEFL within 7 calendar days post-event (Gira.io preferred)

USAWE Licensed Shows that complete this process receive all Show Partner Member benefits.

Show Requirements

Rules & Classes

  • All WE classes must follow the current USAWE rulebook or WEFL-approved class modifications
  • Level divisions must follow USAWE designations, Introductory through Advanced (L1–L6)
  • Class descriptions and tests must be available to competitors in the prize list or event materials

Judging & Scoring

  • All events must use a USAWE Licensed Official or a WEFL Pathway Participant in good standing
  • Gira.io (gira.io) is the preferred scoring platform; show managers should create a Gira.io event or request WEFL-assisted setup
  • Scores must be finalized and confirmed by the officiating judge before results are published
  • Protests and scoring disputes must follow USAWE protest procedures; show managers are responsible for communicating this to competitors

Results & Reporting

  • Final results must be submitted to WEFL within 7 calendaer days of the event
  • Results must include competitor name, WEFL or USAWE membership number (if applicable), horse name, class, level, score, and placement
  • WEFL will publish results to the website and results database within 5 business  days of receipt
  • Failure to submit results by the deadline may result in suspension of WEFL Recognized Event status

Facility Standards

  • The venue must have sufficient space to safely run the WE phases offered
  • Ease of Handling obstacles must conform to USAWE specifications (dimensions, material, placement)
  • A small dressage arena (20m x 40m) must be available and properly marked for any dressage phase
  • Show manager is responsible for providing safe environment and procedures for people and horses

Insurance Requirements

All show managers hosting a WEFL Recognized Event must carry general liability insurance appropriate for equestrian events. Proof of coverage must be submitted to WEFL prior to recognition approval and must remain current for the duration of the membership year.

Minimum Requirements

  • General liability insurance with a minimum coverage limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate, or as required by the host venue, whichever is greater
  • Working Equitation Florida LLC must be named as an Additional Insured on the policy
  • A valid Certificate of Insurance (COI) must be submitted to WEFL prior to recognition approval
  • Show manager must notify WEFL immediately of any lapse, cancellation, or material change in coverage

WEFL does not provide event insurance on behalf of show managers. It is the sole responsibility of the show manager to obtain and maintain adequate coverage. WEFL reserves the right to suspend recognition status for any event operating without current, valid insurance on file.

Limitation of Liability

WEFL Recognized Event status is a designation program — not a management, staffing, or insurance arrangement. By participating in the WEFL Recognized Event Program, show managers acknowledge and agree to the following:

  • WEFL is not responsible for the organization, operation, or safety of any recognized event
  • WEFL is not liable for any injury, accident, property damage, or loss arising from or related to a recognized event
  • WEFL does not employ, supervise, or direct judges, stewards, course designers, or event staff at recognized events
  • The show manager assumes full responsibility for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and regulations
  • WEFL reserves the right to revoke recognition status at any time if program standards are not met or if the show manager's conduct reflects negatively on WEFL or the sport of working equitation

Ethics & Conduct Standards

WEFL is committed to fostering a welcoming, fair, and professional environment for competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators at all levels of the sport. Show managers and producing organizations participating in the WEFL Recognized Event Program are expected to uphold these standards at all WEFL-affiliated events.

Show Manager Responsibilities

  • Treat all competitors, officials, volunteers, spectators, and animals with dignity and respect, regardless of experience level, background, or affiliation
  • Administer all WE classes fairly and consistently in accordance with USAWE rules and WEFL guidelines
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for horses and people
  • Communicate promptly and transparently with competitors regarding class schedules, results, and any changes
  • Refrain from any conduct — including public statements, social media activity, or business practices — that is discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise harmful to the integrity of the sport or the WEFL community
  • Cooperate fully with any WEFL inquiry or review related to a recognized event

Grounds for Revocation

WEFL reserves the right to suspend or permanently revoke WEFL Show Partner Membership and WEFL Recognized Event status for violations of these ethics standards, failure to comply with program requirements, or conduct that WEFL determines to be contrary to the best interests of the organization or the sport. Show managers will be given written notice and an opportunity to respond before any permanent revocation.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. WEFL will respond within 14 business days of receipt.

  1. Purchase or confirm your WEFL Show Partner Membership at workingequitationflorida.com/membership-levels
  2. Submit the online application for WEFL Recognized Event status at workingequitationflorida.com/wefl-recognized-event-application
  3. Provide a Certificate of Insurance naming Working Equitation Florida LLC as an Additional Insured
  4. WEFL will review your application and respond with approval, a request for clarification, or conditions to be met
  5. Upon approval, sign and return the WEFL Recognition Agreement
  6. WEFL will ship your welcome package (banner, stall cards) and add your events to the public calendar

What WEFL Does Not Provide

WEFL Recognized Event status is a partnership, not a service contract. WEFL does not:

  • Organize, produce, or manage the event on behalf of the show manager
  • Provide judges, stewards, or course designers (referrals are available)
  • Cover event insurance or liability
  • Handle competitor registration, entry collection, or prize fulfillment
  • Provide scoring equipment or obstacle inventory

Contact & Resources