USHJA Board of Directors Vote on Rule Change Proposals at 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting

Tucson, Ariz.—Dec. 12, 2024—The 2024 U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting concluded on Thursday, December 12, with the Board of Directors voting on rule change proposals for the 2026 competition year. These recommendations will now advance to the US Equestrian Board of Directors for final approval during their mid-year meeting.

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 prizegiving and equipment with an upward pointing hook, such as stirrups
  • HU124.3 Tracking #020-24 – changing the number of refusals before elimination to two

A set of proposed rule changes was disapproved; however, the Board expressed support for the intent of the rule, 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

At this time, 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 US Equestrian 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 their mid-year meeting in the summer of 2025. Only the USEF Board of Directors may enact a rule change for USEF-licensed competitions.

The four-day Annual Meeting kicked off on Monday, December 9, with the rule change forum. USHJA President Britt McCormick highlighted his vision for the future in his State of the Association address on Tuesday, December 10, which concluded with honoring this year's Annual Awards recipients during the Evening of Equestrians. Throughout the week, attendees participated in open discussion workshops, exploring key sport topics and sharing insights, before the event concluded on Thursday.

The USHJA extends thanks to Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, and Parlanti. A special thanks also goes to Desert International Horse Park​, Hodges Badge Company, Human Touch, Revita Vet Therapy Systems​, RingRadar​, RingSide Pro, and US Equestrian for their support of this year's Annual Meeting.

For more information on the USHJA Annual Meeting, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting.

Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA