Know Before You Show
Rules Affecting Hunter/Jumper Competition Effective December 1, 2024
We are helping members Know Before You Show with a simple guide of rule changes taking effect for the new competition year. Click here for a comprehensive list of rule changes that were approved in 2024 for the 2025 competition year and here for the complete 2025 USEF Rulebook.
The following are important rule changes effective December 1, 2024, for the 2025 competition year that affect Hunter/Jumper competition.
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Membership: This set of rule changes requires that individuals conducting business with USEF either as a Competition Licensee or at least one owner of a farm or business registered with USEF, must be a USEF Active Competing Member in good standing. |
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Official Video: This rule change defines what constitutes official video and outlines circumstances where it can be used. |
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Horse Welfare: This set of rule changes broadens USEF's jurisdiction over unethical treatment of horses to include incidents occurring outside of competition. It also revises the unethical treatment of the horse rules and mandates the reporting of such treatment. |
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Biosecurity: This set of rule changes mandates that all competition participants abide by and comply with biosecurity measures and equine health protocols imposed by USEF and competition management. Likewise, competition management must operate their competitions in accordance with all applicable USEF, local, state, and federal animal health requirements. |
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Adults on Ponies: This rule change allows ponies shown in Adult Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes to cross-enter into any rated Pony Hunter section. |
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Hunter Refusals: This rule change limits the number of refusals in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship to two. |
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Green Ponies: This rule change allows ponies to compete as a Green Pony for two years. This change clarifies that a pony may only compete in the Green section at USEF Pony Finals in its first time at the championship. This change eliminates the need for Green Pony reinstatements. |
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National Hunter Derby Points: This rule change updates National Hunter Derby points to award National HOTY points and money won. |
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Draw Reins: This rule change prohibits the use of draw reins and German martingales in classes restricted to Juniors and Amateurs, as well as at any time when a pony is being ridden by a Junior. |
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Eye Coverings: This rule change specifies that hooded blinkers, sunglasses, fly masks, goggles, etc. that cover the horse’s eyes are only allowed with a veterinary certificate stating the necessity. It also states that blinkers or cheek pieces attached to the bridle may not exceed 5cm (2”). See USEF's info sheet here. |
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Jumper Scoring: This rule change prohibits Jumper classes below .90m that are restricted to Junior and/or Amateurs, ponies, or Opportunity Jumper classes from being scored under Table II, Sec. 1 or Table III. Additionally, it specifies that courses for these classes cannot include combinations. |
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Jumper Timing: This rule change clarifies that if a Jumper rider is forced to stop while a fence is rebuilt not due to their own attempts to jump it, time will be stopped and no penalty will incur. In accordance with FEI rules, if the rider does not stop when the tone is sounded, it is at their own risk, and the time will not be stopped. |
Please note this listing is not a comprehensive list of all rule changes effective December 1, 2024. All rule changes can be viewed here. For more information about rules, visit the Rules and Proposals Overview page.
