Lexington, Kentucky — The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced today that CEO William J. (“Bill”) Moroney has decided to retire at the end of 2026 after leading the organization for 10 years.

Moroney joined USEF as CEO after a career that had touched nearly every corner of the sport. He spent over three decades as a professional trainer, has been a licensed “R” judge in hunter and hunter seat equitation for more than 20 years, served on over 17 Federation committees and working groups and sat on USEF’s first Board of Directors. He was also instrumental in founding the United States Hunter Jumper Association, serving as its first president and helping it grow into USEF’s largest affiliate.

Over the past decade, the Federation has grown its membership and fans, strengthened its programs and competitions and broadened its support for athletes and horses at every level of the sport. Moroney said the organization is on strong footing for its next chapter, and that the time is right for new leadership to build on that success.

“It has been one of the highlights of my life to lead this Federation, and I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together over these 10 years,” Moroney said. “This organization is strong, its future is bright and the time is right for the next leader to take it even further. I will be cheering this sport on for the rest of my life.”

The timing of Moroney’s decision is deliberate, as the term of USEF Board President Tom O’Mara will conclude at the end of 2028. Moroney strongly feels that it’s in the Federation’s best interest if the president and CEO positions don’t change too closely in time.

O’Mara paid tribute to Moroney’s leadership and his impact on the sport.

“Few people have given more to equestrian sport than Bill Moroney. For a decade, he has led this Federation with vision, integrity and a genuine love of the sport, and we are far stronger for it,” he said. “On behalf of our entire community, I want to thank him, celebrate everything he has built and wish him every joy in what comes next. His mark on this sport will be felt for generations.”

The President will work with the Board of Directors on the process for identifying the next USEF chief executive. While horses and equestrian sport will remain an important and irreplaceable part of his life, Moroney looks forward to spending more time with family and friends upon retirement.

Personal Note from Bill Moroney

Following his decision to step down as CEO of USEF, Bill Moroney shared a letter to members that you can read here.

Dear Members,

I am writing to share some news. After ten years as CEO, and a lifetime in this sport, I have decided to retire at the end of 2026.

Horses have been my whole life. I spent over thirty years as a professional trainer and along the way became involved in governance. From an early turn co-chairing the USA Equestrian Pony Committee, to helping found the United States Hunter Jumper Association and being its first president, to serving on USEF’s Board and more than 17 committees, becoming CEO in 2016 was the equestrian honor of my life. 

I am sharing this now, so the Board has the time to run a thoughtful search for the next chief executive. I have also been deliberate about the moment; with President O’Mara’s term running through the LA28 cycle, I believe it is best for the Federation that the President and CEO not change over at the same time. Making this transition now keeps our leadership steady.

I will be here and fully engaged in leading USEF through the end of the year, and we will continue to provide our programs, services, and competitions in the meantime. We will keep you posted as the search moves forward.

When I look back on these ten years, what I am the proudest of is the dedication, passion, and commitment you have brought to equestrian sport. This is the strongest, most engaged membership in all of sport, and together we have grown this Federation, raised the standard of care for our horses, and opened more doors for riders at every level.

So mostly, I want to say thank you. The equestrian community has much to be proud of and I will look forward to watching all of you continue to strengthen the sport, celebrate accomplishments across all breeds and disciplines, and honor and protect the horses we all love.

With appreciation,

Bill Moroney, CEO, US Equestrian