The USHJA Board of Directors voted to move the 2020 USHJA Annual Meeting to a virtual format.

Meeting dates have been extended to accommodate more educational sessions and opportunities, and to avoid overlapping meetings. The virtual Annual Meeting will now be held November 30-December 11.

Click here to learn more about Annual Meeting. More details will be announced soon.

Alexandra Carlton and Cimorene topped the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive East Championship at Saratoga Fall, September 12, in Stillwater, New York, after recently moving up to the 3'6" section. Leann Kelly was reserve champion on Devon Michaelson's Exclusive, and Taylor Knapp and her own Brigantinos placed third.

"I was really pleased with how she went," Carlton said about her mare, Cimorene. "It was just a fun morning. My barnmates participated in the class too, so that also made it fun."

The USHJA continues to plan educational webinars for members! Mark your calendar:

Over 150 competitors took to the ring at the New England Equitation Championships to vie for the inaugural USHJA 3'3" Hunter Seat Medal Final - East title on Saturday, September 19. Following three rounds of competition at Fieldstone Show Park in Halifax, Massachusetts, Isabella David found herself on top and collecting the tricolor aboard her own Contelido.

Congratulations to our Zone 1 members competing in the virtual Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals this year!

HQC Participants

Adult HQC Participants

HQC Nationals will be held online October 26-November 7.

Campbell Hudkins of Farmington, Connecticut, won the fourth annual EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Final – East on Saturday, September 26, during the Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio.

“I can’t even believe that I won!” said Hudkins, who trains with Max Amaya of Stonehenge Stables and Stacia Klein Madden of Beacon Hill Show Stables. “I really didn’t expect it. After I went today, I got the highest score I’ve ever gotten. That was really exciting in itself. After that, I was just really hoping that I could at least get a ribbon. I’m so happy that I got first! Read more.

The USHJA Puissance Challenge Fundraiser is a friendly barn challenge that puts jumping skills to the test while raising money for the Equestrian Helmet Safety Initiative!

From October 1-31, host your own puissance challenge, where riders of all levels can compete in divisions from ground poles to over 4'.

The American National Riding Commission has several virtual competitions and educational opportunities for members happening now and coming up!

The show season continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While showing has resumed in many areas, horse shows also continue to be canceled or relocated.

Find the most up-to-date information relate to COVID-19:

We want your feedback about changing or keeping the current age splits in the Hunters and/or implementing age splits in the Jumpers. A survey has been created so you can provide your feedback!

The shadbellies and scarlet coats seen in Derby classes these days carry on traditions from foxhunting.

Horse show hunter classes have their origins in events for recognized hunt members to compete for “best suitable to hunt” awards over outside courses that simulated the hunt field. These classes were mostly in the Working Hunter division and required riders and horses to wear “appointments,” tack and attire required by foxhunting for safety. Over time, amateur, junior, and even pony hunter divisions featured appointments, or “formal attire,” classes.

Stock ties, plain bridles, and string gloves under the saddle flap in case of rain are just a few of the field hunt details that were judged in appointments classes.

Curious about some other traditions that come from the hunt field? Check out the Looking Back article in the latest issue of In Stride.