With a determined president and a repopulating of some key governance positions, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is ready to move ahead with renewed energy, focusing on the state of the industry and working to make the sport more accessible.
“Even though our sport is rooted in tradition, I think we have to start realizing that if we’re going to grow, and if we’re going to get new people to come in the door, we have to be open to new ideas,” said Britt McCormick, who took over the presidency in April after a leadership shakeup that promoted him from the role of president-elect.
Speaking at the organization’s convention in Arizona last week, he emphasized, “We need to start with new people, new ways of thinking — all of the things that a younger generation is going to bring to the table.”
This year’s achievements that he highlighted included adoption of a balanced budget, done without raising membership or horse reporting fees. Instead, a “pay-to-play” approach ensures fairness by aligning costs with program usage, while enabling reinvestment in vital programs and services.
“These are the things that allow us to reinvest into the association and reinvest into the programs, both educational and sport,” he explained. In his view, that points toward the path tor further growth.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of evaluating existing programs and fostering innovation. Britt challenged task force chairs and members to assess their initiatives by asking if they effectively serve the membership, are economically sustainable and remain relevant. The answers to these questions will shape the USHJA’s path as it begins work on the 2025–30 strategic plan.
Among the initiatives unveiled was the development of a comprehensive, tiered event calendar designed to streamline scheduling for competitors and managers while reducing conflicts, something Britt mentioned during a Town Hall session earlier this year. The goal is to provide a better member experience by enabling more people to compete in more places, more cost-effectively, while saving time and reducing wear and tear on horses and people.
Britt emphasized the importance of listening to members and fostering trust and collaboration across the sport’s many stakeholders —including members, staff, parents, show managers and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.
“We’re super interested in what the members have to say. We really want you guys to drive us forward. Call us out when we’re doing it wrong, applaud us when we’re doing it right, but most of all, working together,” he said.
“I think if we do that, we can show that we have something to offer. That this is a great sport, it’s a great lifestyle, it’s a great community, and, for me, there’s no better place to be than at a horse show.”
Rule changes must be passed by the USEF to take effect at licensed horse shows, but they were the subject of discussion and voted on during the convention. Key rule change proposals discussed and approved include:
• HJ106.2 Tracking #027-24 – requiring a show number be worn and visible at all times when the horse is outside of the stall
• HU106.1 Tracking #016-24 – permitting nose nets in the Hunter ring
• HU116.4 Tracking #017-24 and EQ107.9 – defining parameters in which an exhibitor can meet with the judge
• HU App. A Tracking #057-24 – detailing safe attachment of draw reins
• JP117 Tracking #008-24 – changing the Young Jumper sections to be defined by fence height instead of age.
Rule change proposals discussed and disapproved include:
• GR312 Tracking #046-24 – adjusting the Channel 2 competition formats, including classification requirements and points
• GR801.1 Tracking #051-24 – updating safety language regarding removing a helmet for prize giving and equipment with an upward pointing hook, such as stirrups
• HU124.3 Tracking #020-24 – changing the number of refusals before elimination to two.
Another set of proposed rule changes was disapproved; however, the board expressed support for the intent of these rules, indicating they would approve with further refinement of language. These include:
• GR839.1 Tracking #050-24 – updating the list of prohibited practices and equipment, including obscuring the visibility of horses stabled on competition grounds, excessive use of draw reins, and augmented nosebands
• GR843 Tracking #041-24 – requiring veterinarians providing services on competition grounds to be USEF members
• EQ104.1 Tracking #034-24 and HU100.1 Tracking #033-24 – defining excessive use of the whip
• EQ104.1 Tracking #058-24 – adjusting language regarding unethical treatment of the horse
• EQ106.3 Tracking #035-24, HU106.6 Tracking #036-24, JP111.3 Tracking #002-24 – defining spurs that are permitted for use.
The board voted to take no action on a proposed rule regarding the presence of blood on a horse during competition and the resulting consequences, but voiced support for the rule’s intent.
To view all the rule change proposals discussed, click here. Find a complete list of voting decisions here. Per the USEF rule change process, the USHJA Board of Directors will have until February 1, 2025, to finalize any tabled rule change proposals and submit recommendations to USEF for voting at that board’s mid-year meeting this coming summer.