In a new step toward long-term equine welfare, US Equestrian has launched a free feature for recorded horses called Lifetime Care Contacts. The goal is simple but meaningful: create a way for people who have cared for or loved a horse in the past to raise their hand and say, “If this horse ever needs help, I want to know.”
For Colorado’s horse community—where horses frequently change disciplines, owners, and even states over their lifetimes—this added layer of connection has the potential to make a real difference.
What Is a Lifetime Care Contact?
The Lifetime Care Contact feature allows a USEF member (or free fan account holder) to add themselves to a horse’s USEF record. By doing so, they’re indicating that if the horse ever ends up in a situation where it needs financial assistance, rehoming support, or advocacy, they would like to be notified.
This could include:
- Former owners
- Breeders
- Riders
- Trainers
- Grooms or caretakers
Anyone who played a meaningful role in the horse’s life and wants the opportunity to help again if needed.
US Equestrian leadership has emphasized that this feature came directly from member interest—people asking for a way to stay connected to horses that mattered to them long after ownership or competition ended.
Why This Matters for Colorado Horse Owners
Colorado is home to a diverse and highly mobile horse population. Horses here frequently:
- Move between disciplines (English, Western, working ranch, trail, sport horse)
- Travel out of state for shows, training, or sale
- Transition from competitive careers to lesson programs, pleasure homes, or retirement
While many of these transitions go smoothly, not all horses land permanently secure homes on their first—or second—try. When circumstances change due to finances, health, or life events, horses can quietly fall into vulnerable situations.
A Lifetime Care Contact doesn’t prevent that from happening—but it creates a bridge back to someone who has already expressed willingness to help.
For rescues, good Samaritans, or community members who encounter a horse in need, this tool could mean the difference between starting from scratch and reconnecting a horse with someone already invested in its future.
How the Feature Works (In Practice)
- Adding yourself as a contact:
USEF members and free fan account holders can search for a horse through their USEF dashboard and add themselves as a Lifetime Care Contact at no cost. - If you find a horse in need:
Members can search the horse by recorded name or microchip number to see whether a Lifetime Care Contact exists. If one is on file, the system allows you to request that contact information via email after confirming you are assisting the horse.
US Equestrian does not require anyone to consult a Lifetime Care Contact before selling, moving, or transferring a horse—but the system is designed to make connection easier when help is needed.
A Voluntary Safety Net—Powered by Participation
It’s important to understand what this program is—and what it isn’t.
- It does not impose restrictions on ownership or sale
- It does not require disclosure before a horse changes hands
- It does not guarantee intervention
What it does offer is a voluntary safety net, built entirely on participation. The more people who use it, the more effective it becomes.
US Equestrian has been clear that this system works best when members proactively add themselves to horses they care about—especially horses that may be at higher risk later in life, such as those exiting competition or changing homes frequently.
Why We’re Sharing This With the Colorado Horse Forum Community
At Colorado Horse Forum, we regularly see posts about horses needing help—rehoming situations, financial hardship cases, or horses whose histories are unclear. Tools like Lifetime Care Contacts won’t solve every problem, but they add another option to the toolbox.
For breeders, trainers, and long-time owners in Colorado, this is an opportunity to:
- Stay connected to horses you’ve cared for
- Offer support without ongoing ownership obligations
- Strengthen a community-based safety net for horses
Even one successful reconnection can change a horse’s outcome.
Learn More
US Equestrian has published additional details and FAQs about the Lifetime Care Contact feature, including step-by-step instructions for adding yourself or searching for a horse in need.
👉 Click here to learn more about the Lifetime Care Contacts program
We’d love to hear from our Colorado community:
Is this a feature you would use? Do you see it helping horses in our state? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below—your perspective helps shape how these tools are used locally.
Author: Una
Una moved to Colorado in 2007 and started the Colorado Horse Forum as a way to meet other equestrians in the area. Una now rides and competes in dressage. She operates a small dressage horse breeding program in Castle Rock.
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