USHJA Board of Directors Elect Hunter Athlete, Jumper Athlete, Zone Council, and Affiliate Council Seats

Orlando, Fla.—Dec. 8, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Board of Directors voted on candidates for four Director At-Large positions—representing the Hunter Athlete seat, Jumper Athlete seat, Zone Council seat, and Affiliate Council seat—during their first meeting of the USHJA Annual Meeting.

The following individuals were elected to the USHJA Board of Directors:

Director-At-Large – Hunter Athlete Seat

Caroline Weeden, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, in Zone 5, was elected to the Hunter Athlete seat. She is a Professional rider, trainer, and farm owner with experience at all levels of competition. Weeden has served on numerous USHJA committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Hunter Working Group, as well as the USEF National Hunter Committee and National Breeds & Disciplines Council.

Director-At-Large – Jumper Athlete Seat

Brooke Kemper, of Reddick, Florida, in Zone 4, was elected to the Jumper Athlete seat. Kemper is a Professional rider, trainer, and breeder with experience from young horses to International Derbies and FEI 5* Jumpers. She has served on USHJA committees, including the Board of Directors and Jumper Working Group, and the USEF Jumping Sport Committee.

Director-At-Large – Zone Council Seat

Cricket Stone, of Gladys, Virginia, in Zone 3, was elected to the Zone Council seat. Stone is a Professional and USHJA Credentialed Instructor with extensive experience in education, coaching, and horse show management. She has served on USHJA committees, including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Affiliate Council, and Zone Council, as well as on IHSA national and regional boards.

Director-At-Large – Affiliate Council Seat

Laurie Birnbach, of Sarasota, Florida, in Zone 4, was elected to the Affiliate Council seat. Birnbach is an Amateur competing in the Hunter and Jumper rings and an experienced competition manager. She has served on several USHJA committees, including the Affiliate Council.

USHJA members submitted nominations for USHJA Board of Directors positions, from which a slate of candidates was developed by the USHJA Nominating Committee. All elected and appointed members of the Board of Directors will assume their duties immediately following the close of this year's Annual Meeting on December 11. Each position will serve a four-year term.

To learn more about the election process for the Board of Directors, visit ushja.org/elections.