There were several hot-button topics during the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s rule change webinar Monday, with more than 200 people on line during the three-and-a-half hour session. But one of the most intense reactions was to a proposal involving a 60-day provisional suspension not only for the trainer of a horse testing positive for “certain designated (prohibited) drugs,” but also the owner and riders.
A hearing would be available subsequent to the provisional suspension and time served during the temporary hiatus would be credited against any suspension imposed. These measures are intended “to reinforce accountability and deter violations, while ensuring due process and the continued confidence of all stakeholders in the fairness of the sport,” according to the language of the proposal.
USHJA President Britt McCormick explained, “these drugs they are talking about making an automatic suspension are substances that should never be in a horse. These are Class III and IV drugs, not your everyday NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and not Robaxin. This is not a gotcha…if somebody does this, it’s found in the animal, you’re done for 60 days and I don’t see how anybody can argue with that.”
Including riders and owners in the suspension is designed to prevent suspended trainers from carrying on business as usual, even if they can’t come to the showgrounds;.
“This is one of those things we have to have a `no tolerance’ for, or else we’re never going to get past it,” added Britt, noting the new hair testing is part of the protocol on these forbidden drugs.
“We have to get behind the rules that will allow us to punish those people that are putting substances into the animals that should never be there, and it’s just that simple.”
However, a rumor that an euthanasia drug was being used to calm show horses turned out to be a lie that caused “a knee-jerk reaction” in drafting the rule, as one person on the call noted.
Meanwhile, the 60-day suspension concept is far from acceptable for some members.
Spencer Chapin, a horse show judge, spoke against it.
“This is such a group condemnation, and with no process. No one will ever catch-ride for anybody else again. You can’t make rules that are so arbitrary to say `60 days’ and the whole group is indicted,” he observed.
“Some kid is going to miss riding for 60 days and they had nothing to do with it. I don’t understand how process ceases to be important in enforcing rules.”
In many cases, comments made online about the rule were even more vehement in opposition. It was pointed out that catch riders do not usually know how the horse they are showing was prepared, and owners often are not present or involved with preparations.
Another concept that drew criticism was the “collapse rule.”
Britt explained it is designed “to give the Federation the ability to help a horse that has fallen for no apparent reason and that the animal receives the care it needs immediately.”
It calls for having the horse leave the showgrounds for seven days, which was seen by commenters as impractical in many instances, such as if a stable’s personnel were 500 miles from home and did not know a place where the horse could be taken in the area of the show.
“Even if the language is not perfect, the intention is correct,” said Britt.
He believes the rule is designed to put a burden on the owner.
“You want the owner to know the horse collapsed…and get it to the appropriate veterinary location. How many of these do we see a year? Maybe two?”
Vanessa Brown said if her horse collapses, “I don’t want the horse taken out of my care,” noting the people who know the animal can recognize abnormal signs, which is important to insure it gets the best care.
“This shows so little faith and paints us as criminals and animal abusers. Honestly, I’m sick of being treated like that. It’s a very small percentage that are very bad actors, and the rest of the membership is being painted this way. It’s not just hurtful, it leaves a terrible taste in our mouth,” she emphasized.
There have been concerns about horses being over-jumped and over-shown, so tables have been drafted to define the possibility of limits on the number of times ponies, hunters, jumpers and equitation mounts can compete at a show.
Other topics included a discussion about allowing mules in hunter classes, and bitless bridles in hunter classes as well (though not necessarily on the mules!)
But here’s the context on the mules, and it makes sense:
“Since 2004, mules have proven themselves in multiple USEF disciplines—dressage, endurance, combined driving, and most recently, jumpers in 2022. Hunters are the natural next step. Dressage set a precedent for successful subjective scoring of mules and horses in the same classes, allowing judges to apply the same standards without any additional training. Research shows that mules competing under horse-specific medication rules have no competitive advantage. Mules are already subject to the USEF Equine Drug and Medication Guidelines in all other USEF disciplines that permit them.
“USEF’s restriction on hunter mules limits access to the sport at unrecognized and local levels of competition, so allowing some level of participation within USEF will encourage growth within the sport, especially in the grassroots where mules would most likely compete. Identifying restrictions at the upper levels will then protect and preserve the historical tradition of show hunters valued by traditionalists.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that there has been large member support for the inclusion of mules in hunter competition, and it is notable that the USEF affiliate approved a similar proposal in the past. USEF’s restrictions on mules limits access at the unrecognized shows and lower levels so allowing mules in these classes and competitions will encourage sport growth among the grassroots.
Hunters celebrate and focus on a strong partnership between equid and rider, good training, and form over fences. Mules are very capable over fences and have proven their versatility, stamina, and athleticism in many sports. These characteristics make mules well-suited to the hunter discipline, and it’s time for USEF to welcome them into a broader base of USEF membership and supporters. USEF has an opportunity to create more accessibility for mule owners and encourage participation, fun, and the spirit that lives within many people within the equestrian industry.”
To see all the proposals, click on this link. Comments may be made with USHJA until Oct. 31. The rule changes will be discussed at the USHJA’s annual meeting in December, and then go to the USEF for action at its mid-year meeting in June 2026.