Growth and Future Initiatives Outlined at 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting
Orlando, Fla.—Dec. 10, 2025—Day two of the 2025 U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting opened with the Annual Update delivered by President Britt McCormick and Executive Director Whitney Allen. The session provided members with a look back at the Association’s accomplishments over the past year and offered a view of the initiatives shaping its path forward.
Allen began by recognizing the dedication of USHJA staff and volunteers whose work continues to advance the Association’s mission. She highlighted growth across sport and education programs, membership initiatives, and the USHJA Foundation, reflecting renewed engagement across the community.
Shifting the focus to future priorities, McCormick outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening the Association’s competitive and educational framework. Central to this effort is an update to Hunter and Equitation judging, with a targeted rollout in 2026. The project will modernize best practices, enhance consistency in training, and help exhibitors and professionals better understand the processes and principles behind judging decisions.
A renewed emphasis on the Zones structure will support a more consistent regional pathway for riders nationwide. Plans include building robust Zone Championships, including dedicated Affiliate sections to connect local riders with broader opportunities. The Affiliate system is also expected to play an expanded role, enabling USHJA to reach local-level organizations more effectively. This enhanced network will provide new access points for education, competition, and community engagement, strengthening the sport from the ground up.
“We are at a turning point, and I don’t want to leave anyone behind,” McCormick said. “There are groups of people trying to fill the void in the unrecognized world. I want to fill that void. If you ride or show horses, I want you to be a member of USHJA.”
He continued, “We can provide the best practices, safety information, and horse care knowledge for those who may not be able to access it through their local organizations. Using our Affiliate system to reach grassroots—county- and state-level participants—is incredibly important. On the sport side, if we can connect with what people already do in the field, help them do it better, and offer a touch point to the recognized world, all the better.”
As the national Jumper affiliate of the USEF, McCormick reaffirmed USHJA's commitment to strengthening Jumper development at the national level, emphasizing that a strong presence is essential to U.S. success internationally. He also introduced the concept of a unified "Championships Week" to bring Hunter, Equitation, and Jumper finals together and reduce the dispersal of championship events throughout the year.
Human and horse welfare remain central to the Association’s mission. McCormick stressed protecting the well-being of horses and athletes by educating members on responsible practices, while also highlighting the financial, competitive, and disciplinary consequences associated with banned substances. This will be done through continued conversations and working in conjunction with USEF to support their efforts.
“I think we have to get serious about horse care and start having open and honest discussions with one another about what is tolerable and what is not,” said McCormick.
McCormick also recognized the strong partnership between USHJA and USEF, noting improved communication and coordination, “We are working together better than we ever have. We talk more, we discuss more, and we’re helping more breeds become better connected to make the world bigger.”
He closed with a message of momentum and mission. “Where we're going is forward, and we're not going to look back. We're going to keep growing, and we're going to keep expanding. We're going to try to be as inclusive as we possibly can. We'll work on the details together," he said. "We're going to keep trying to make this organization what we want it to be and follow the goals of the founders that started it.”
The session concluded with a Town Hall, during which attendees discussed accessibility in the sport, expanded education for members and trainers, sustainability of smaller shows, and strengthening connections across the industry.
The 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting kicked off on Monday, December 8 with forums on Disciplines, Hunter and Equitation Judges, and Outreach and Affiliates, as well as the Board of Directors election. Through December 11, members and industry leaders will continue participating in workshops, presentations, and discussions to focus on the future of the sport.
The USHJA extends thanks to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti. A special thanks also goes to Desert International Horse Park, RingSide Pro, Hodges Badge Company, New England Equitation Championships, 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
