Application Requirements

Is your equestrian program helping to cultivate well-rounded equestrians from their earliest riding experience?  If your lesson program emphasizes horsemanship, sportsmanship and promotes safety, apply to become a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy. All applicants must read and understand the criteria set forth by the USHJA. Recognized academies are subject to USHJA membership fees and a renewal application will be required each year. There is no deadline for application but membership will end on November 30 unless renewed.

Requirements:

  • All applicants must meet the minimum standards as outlined in the RRA Information Packet.
  • All applicants must submit a completed application with payment due at the time of submission.
  • At least one staff member must be a current USHJA member above the Outreach level, in good standing, and Safe Sport trained.
  • Applicants must submit a current Certificate of Insurance showing proof of coverage for at least $1 million dollars per occurrence for the operation of its riding program. Click here for insurance specifications.
  • Applicants must identify the name and contact information of two references who can speak to the program listed on the application. References do not need to be USHJA members, should not be employed by the applicant, and will be contacted by a USHJA staff member or Recognized Riding Academy Committee member.
  • Applicants must submit at least six photo images to include the following items: riding ring, tack room, stalls/stabling, pasture fencing, grooming/tacking area, and a photo showing a rider or riding lesson with rider(s), horse(s), and equipment area.
  • Approved academies must agree to advertise with its students, guests, and vendors their relationship with the USHJA by methods to include, but not limited to, promoting available programs, posting flyers or banners, hosting events, and displaying the USHJA’s recognition of the program on the riding academy’s website.
  • Approved academies must have a staff person onsite who has completed the Concussion Awareness course.
  • Approved academies must display the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy plaque in a visible area.
     

Recognized academies not meeting the standards outlined by the program can be addressed by contacting the program liaison.

 

USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program Statement

The USHJA Recognized Riding Academy program is a voluntary recognition program developed by USHJA for the benefit of riding programs, equestrian facilities, instructors, USHJA members, and the general public. The RRA program is the sole and exclusive property of USHJA.

USHJA reserves all rights to determine the program’s specifications, requirements, and procedures and to review and amend those specifications, requirements and procedures as deemed necessary in its sole discretion.

USHJA has the right to seek recommendations from industry professionals within an applicant’s area to verify the academy’s adherence to the standards and expectations of the USHJA recognition program. Acceptance of an applicant for recognition in the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy program remains at the sole discretion of the USHJA.

USHJA reserves all rights to require periodic updating of its Recognized Riding Academies’ biographical and demographic information, qualifications, trainings, and other requirements, and it further reserves all rights to suspend or revoke recognition upon failure of the Recognized Riding Academy to provide the above information.

All parties to Recognized Riding Academies understand that recognition does not imply certification or endorsement by the United States Hunter Jumper Association and acknowledge that the USHJA takes no responsibility and has no liability for any injury, illness, or action deemed unsafe or negligent during the operation of the Recognized Riding Academy.

USHJA, as the nationally recognized affiliate of the United States Equestrian Federation for the Hunter and Jumper disciplines, and in accordance with USHJA By-Laws, agrees to reciprocity with USEF, and any suspensions of an RRA’s Key Staff Representative by USEF will be honored by USHJA. Therefore, an RRA’s recognition can be suspended by USHJA for the same time period imposed by USEF.

USHJA reserves all rights to review any claims, statements, allegations or other information submitted to it in writing by any USHJA member or member of the general public regarding any act, conduct or behavior by a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy which may be considered prejudicial to the best interests of the USHJA or the sport of equestrian and, if it deems necessary or appropriate in its sole discretion, to forward the same to USEF for further administrative determination and action pursuant to USEF General Rules.