The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, the last of the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s affiliates in the Olympic disciplines to make a decision about what to do with their annual meeting, has gone the same route as the U.S. Dressage Federation and U.S. Eventing.
Its board decided tonight that as Covid concerns continue, the organization will hold its December convention virtually, rather than in person in Washington State. The USEF also will stage its January convention and Horse of the Year Awards virtually, rather than in Austin, Texas, as planned.
A poll as to whether the meeting should be held live drew 153 respondents, with half saying they would feel comfortable attending a live convention. Several of the USHJA board members, however, said they wouldn’t attend an in-person indoor convention under the current circumstances. Board member Joe Dotoli pointed out during the meeting that this week’s New England Equitation Championship in Massachusetts got pushback about being indoors and as a result will be held outdoors, where the virus is deemed less transmissible.
It was mentioned during the board meeting that on the plus side, a virtual session may attract bigger numbers than an in-person gathering, because those who don’t have the time or money to attend a live meeting may take advantage of the opportunity to participate on line.
The virtual format, to run Nov. 30-Dec. 11, will enable everyone to express their thoughts and the time frame allows for multiple sessions.. USHJA Executive Director Kevin Price expects a higher level of participation than usual under the virtual format, noting some organizations report having double and triple the responses that they had when their meetings were live.
The nominating committee put forward the name of USHJA President Mary Babick for another four-year term. As the nomination process wound down, the panel narrowed candidates to Mary and one other person, who eventually was deemed to lack sufficient governance experience to move forward. As the only candidate, Mary’s election was assured and accomplished.
Mary Babick
Mary, a Middletown resident, outlined three main goals. The first involves getting USHJA its own information technology system. The second deals with competition and education.
Mary noted the business is “lopsided, with most of the eggs in the competition basket. We can’t always rely on competition to be there for us.” We have learned that the hard way during Covid.
She also is focused on outreach and growth of the sport, trying to “build a bridge into the unrecognized world.” As Mary pointed out, “the wider the base, the stronger the sport will be.”