USHJA Board of Directors Vote on Key Rule Change Proposals at 2025 USHJA Annual Meeting

Orlando, Fla.—Dec. 11, 2025—The 2025 U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Annual Meeting wrapped up on Thursday, December 11, with the Board of Directors voting on rule change proposals set to take effect in the 2027 competition year. These decisions mark an important step in the rule change process, as the proposals now advance to the U.S. Equestrian Board of Directors for final approval at their mid-year meeting.

Key rule change proposals discussed and approved include:

  • GR127.1 Tracking #046-25 – allowing mules to compete in Hunter competition 
  • GR311.2 Tracking #004-25 – adding a 3’3” Green Conformation Hunter division
  • GR845.1 Tracking #001-25 – requiring an automated external defibrillator at all competitions
  • GR1032.19 Tracking #044-25 and HU118.11 Tracking #013-25 – clarifying re-ride procedures
  • GR1134.1 Tracking #014-25 – establishing a new set of Pony Jumper classes
  • HU148.1 Tracking #025-25 and GR1133.5 Tracking #005-25 – updating Hunter Breeding and Pony Hunter Breeding language and the point system for Hunter Breeding divisions  
  • JP140.5 Tracking #053-25 (option A) – clarifying scoring in the event of a fall for the various Jumper tables
  • JP149.1 Tracking #021-25 – updating the penalties for optimum time classes 

Additionally, the Board advanced both a Presidential Modification for the 2026 competition year and a formal rule change proposal for 2027 to amend EQ114, the Equitation schooling rules, to permit the use of foam rails and similar materials. As of December 1, 2025, EQ114 aligns with the USEF Jumper Schooling Rules outlined in JP Appendix A, with specific allowances for Swedish oxers, ground lines on both sides of an oxer, tarps, coolers, and liverpools.

Rule change proposals discussed and disapproved include:

  • EQ102.13 Tracking #018-25 – changing the knock down penalty for rails in Equitation
  • GR839.4 Tracking #027-25 and HJ125.7 Tracking #015-25 – limiting the number of over fences classes a horse is allowed to compete in per day
  • HU105.1 Tracking #028-25 and HU105.1 Tracking #030-25 – allowing hackamores and bitless bridles in Hunter classes 

A set of proposed rule changes was set aside for further discussion or amendment. These include:

  • EQ107.1 Tracking #043-25 and HU118.10 Tracking #012-25 – outlining review of official video
  • GR122.3 Tracking #047-25 – updating and clarifying language regarding the collapse of a horse 
  • GR401.1 Tracking #058-25 – updating the repercussions for a trainer, rider, owner, and horse following a positive test for certain designated drugs
  • GR845.1 Tracking #029-25 – updating and clarifying emergency preparedness and response language

To view all the rule change proposals discussed, click here. Find a complete list of voting decisions here. Per the US Equestrian rule change process, the USHJA Board of Directors will have until February 15, 2026, to finalize any tabled rule change proposals and submit recommendations to USEF for voting at their mid-year meeting in the summer of 2026. Only the USEF Board of Directors may enact a rule change for USEF-licensed competitions.

The Annual Meeting kicked off on Monday, December 8, with forums and the Board of Directors election. On Tuesday, members gathered for the Annual Update, participated in additional forums and workshops, and celebrated achievements at the Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Wednesday offered more opportunities for discussion and collaboration, as attendees shared insights and explored key topics shaping the future of the sport, before the meeting concluded on Thursday.

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 about  the USHJA Annual Meeting, visit ushja.org/annualmeeting.

Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA