2023 USHJA Annual Meeting State of the Association and Town Hall Incites Discussion

Concord, N.C.—Dec. 5, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting got underway on Monday, December 4 with an active Rule Change Forum followed by President Mary Knowlton's State of the Association. New this year, Knowlton then gave the floor to the members in attendance both in-person and online in an interactive “State of the Sport” Town Hall. Held across two days, the week's discussion began with prompts focusing on shaping the future of the sport.

At the forefront of conversation was the sport's social license to operate, an integral piece to the sport's longevity. Members discussed how the sport appears to those outside the equine industry, including animal welfare, integrity and accessibility. Feeding into the discussion was the topic of competitive competency when advancing up the levels of the sport, with those weighing in noting the U.S. Eventing Association's Minimum Eligibility Requirements.

"Our goal is to talk about our sport in a very open and honest way to search for some solutions," Knowlton began. "Every sport, regardless of which sport it is—whether it's a horse sport or a non-horse sport—needs to take a hard look at themselves and see what they look like to the outside world. What can they do better?"

Finally, dialogue led to thoughts on what areas of the sport USHJA members believe the Association should focus on. Opinions included stressing the importance of promoting to non-equestrians to continue sport growth, encouraging education and governance participation from current members, and prioritizing equine welfare.

Committee and Task Force chairs also took to the podium, highlighting the success and growth of USHJA's competitive, educational and humanitarian efforts over the past year. Amid a chorus of positive notes about a range of programs, including the new USHJA Instructor Credential and USHJA 1.0/1.05m Child/Adult Zone Jumper Championships, Knowlton introduced the new USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships coming 2025. The inaugural competition will feature Adult Amateur and Amateur Owner Hunters from 2'6" to 3'6" showing over fences and under saddle for national titles. 

Knowlton wrapped up the session with excitement as USHJA enters its 20th anniversary. 

"All the way from a conference room in Newark, New Jersey, to all of the things that [we've] created—all the programs we've envisioned, all of our sponsors, our wonderful association with organizations like IHSA and IEA," said Knowlton. "It's pretty amazing what we have done in those 20 years. I'm proud of this organization and I'm proud of all of the work that all of the volunteers have done over the years."

Proceeding the Town Hall discussion, President-Elect Britt McCormick called for member involvement, emphasizing how important it is that the Association hears from the membership and stakeholders in the sport. He concluded with expressing a positive outlook on his transition year and looking forward to taking office in December 2024.

The USHJA extends thanks to Official Sponsors CWD, Parlanti and Nutrena. A special thanks also goes to Supporting Sponsors Aiken Horse Park Foundation, Explore Cabarrus County NC, Hodges Badge Company, Human Touch, RingSide Pro, Tryon International Equestrian Center and US Equestrian for their support of this year's Annual Meeting. 

The 2023 USHJA Annual Meeting continues with important sports governance meetings through December 7. For more information on the USHJA Annual Meeting, including resources and details on select virtual and on-demand sessions, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting.

Photos: Terisé Cole/USHJA