New USHJA Wheeler Museum Exhibit Explores American Show Hunters

“From the Hunt Field to the International Hunter Derby: American Show Hunters” is Now Open to Visitors at the USHJA Headquarters

Lexington, Ky.—June 20, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the opening of the latest USHJA Wheeler Museum exhibit, “From the Hunt Field to the International Hunter Derby: American Show Hunters” at the USHJA Headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky. The new exhibit showcases traditions of the Hunter ring from the origins in foxhunting through innovations that define the modern Hunter discipline.

“We are excited to take visitors on a ride across the changing terrain of the Hunter discipline through the decades by showcasing treasures from the permanent collection,” said Denise Quirk, curator of the USHJA Wheeler Museum. “We thank our donors for entrusting their memories and sharing their experiences that help tell the story of American Show Hunters.”

Visitors can discover how foxhunting became a formal affair with rules for elegant attire and proper etiquette that became horse show traditions. Photos and stories explore how horse shows developed as a means of showing off a horse’s good conformation and judging the best jumping technique and way of going for the hunt field. Scrapbooks, vintage prize lists, portraits, and memorabilia bring to life the beauty and athleticism of legendary Hunters and their relationship with their riders. Firsthand accounts and photos from bygone eras provide insights into how the sport has adapted over the past century.

A highlight of the exhibit is the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame’s photo collection of champion Hunters and riders, trainers and owners whose vision of the ideal Hunter shaped the Show Hunter sport. 

In addition, on display from the ongoing exhibit of items in the permanent collection of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame are Olympic Medals, US Equestrian Team artifacts, and memorabilia of legendary Jumpers and riders, as well as a special section dedicated to film excerpts from "Harry & Snowman" and personal mementos loaned by the de Leyer family.

The USHJA Wheeler Museum is supported by individual donors to the USHJA Foundation, including USHJA Foundation Legacy Circle Founders Kenneth and Selma Garber, the Gochman Family, the Hallman Family and Merrylegs South, the Oberkircher Family, and Roger and Jennifer Smith.

The exhibit is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, visit ushja.org/wheelermuseum.