USHJA President Britt McCormick Highlights Vision for Future at 2024 USHJA Annual Meeting
Tucson, Ariz.—Dec. 10, 2024—Setting the tone for a productive and inspiring week, the 2024 U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting continued in Tucson, Arizona, with the State of the Association address by President Britt McCormick. The address highlighted the USHJA's journey over two decades and moving forward with a renewed focus on member-driven progress, transparency, and sustainable growth.
“Even though our sport is rooted in tradition, I think we have to start realizing that if we’re going to grow, and if we’re going to get new people to come in the door, we have to be open to new ideas,” McCormick said. “And we need to start with new people, new ways of thinking—all of the things that a younger generation is going to bring to the table.”
Among the key achievements highlighted was the adoption of a balanced budget—an accomplishment reached without raising membership or horse reporting fees. Instead, a refined “pay-to-play” approach ensures fairness by aligning costs with program usage while enabling reinvestment into vital programs and services.
"These are the things that allow us to reinvest into the association and reinvest into the programs, both educational and sport," McCormick explained. "For that reason, I think we are on the path to further growth year after year."
The meeting also emphasized the importance of evaluating existing programs and fostering innovation. McCormick challenged task force chairs and members to assess their initiatives by asking if they effectively serve the membership, are economically sustainable, and remain relevant. The answers to these questions will shape the USHJA's path forward as it begins work on the 2025–2030 strategic plan.
Among the initiatives unveiled was the development of a comprehensive, tiered event calendar designed to streamline scheduling for competitors and managers while reducing conflicts. The goal is to provide a better member experience by enabling more people to compete in more places, more cost-effectively, while also saving time and reducing wear and tear on both horses and people.
Throughout the address, McCormick emphasized the importance of listening to members and fostering trust and collaboration across the sport’s many stakeholders—including members, staff, parents, show managers, and US Equestrian.
“We're super interested in what the members have to say. We really want you guys to drive us forward. Call us out when we're doing it wrong, applaud us when we're doing it right, but most of all, working together,” he said. “I think if we do that, we can show that we have something to offer. That this is a great sport, it's a great lifestyle, it's a great community, and, for me, there's no better place to be than at a horse show.”
The meeting kicked off on December 9 with a discussion on rule changes, meetings, and the Board of Directors election. Through December 12, members and industry leaders will gather at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort, to shape the future of the sport through discussions, workshops, and presentations.
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.
Photos: Terisé Cole/USHJA
