USHJA volunteers, members and staff came together December 9-13 to work on important initiatives, engage in discussion about the sport and make plans for the future at the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, in Tampa, Florida. Thanks to our members who attended! Read more about what happened at Annual Meeting:

USHJA Board of Directors Submits Rule Change Proposal Recommendations to USEF Board of Directors

USHJA Board of Directors Ratifies Appointment of Eight Discipline Directors to USHJA Board

USHJA Board of Directors Elects Key Leadership Positions

Congratulations to members who received awards during the Evening of Equestrians at the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center!

Lynn Walsh, of Magnolia, Texas, pictured, received the Amateur Sportsmanship Award, created to recognize an Amateur Owner or Adult Amateur who displays excellence and integrity supporting fellow competitors and volunteering their time.

Colleen McQuay, of Tioga, Texas, not pictured, was recognized during the Evening of Equestrians for her leadership of the International Hunter Derby Program. Congratulations to our Zone 7 members!

Click here to read more about the Evening of Equestrians. Click here to read more about USHJA Annual Award recipients.

Congratulations and good luck to our members who are attending the USHJA Gold Star Clinic East Coast December 26-30 at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Florida! 

Riders will learn from lead clinician Richard Spooner and other experts in the industry. Read more here.

The West Coast Clinic will be January 16-20 at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California, and the Central clinic will be April 16-20 at World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio. 

The USHJA is helping members Know Before You Show with a simple guide of rule changes taking effect for the new competition year.

The 2019 competition year brings new requirements for competing members and horses with the implementation of the Safe Sport training requirement for all USEF members 18-years-old and older with a Competing Membership, and microchipping for all horses competing in USEF-licensed and/or USHJA sanctioned competitions with Hunter, Hunter Breeding, Jumper and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation classes not restricted by breed. 

You have had a great year! What have been some of your biggest highlights?

Brian: "I would say the number one biggest thing this year was winning medal finals in Harrisburg. I started doing the jumpers so I had a later start to equitation. One of my biggest goals was to win a finals. Also, being second in a two star grand prix in Tryon this summer, and top placings in indoors and open jumpers. It was really awesome."

What tips do you have for young riders hoping to have the same kind of success as you?

Brian: "I would definitely say what helps me accomplish my goals the most is having goals. If you don’t have goals you won’t have direction. It’s been a huge thing in my family. We sit down every year and come up with a list of goals and how we can accomplish them. If you really set your mind to something and you’re passionate about it it’s going to work out in your favor."

Do you have any superstitions or good luck charms?

Brian: "I am probably the most superstitious person you’ll speak to. It varies whether it is a certain tie I’ve worn, a certain shirt. After I was successful at medal finals I wore the same everything, hat, boots, jacket every time after. Ever since I was little my dad has tied my ties so now I leave them tied. I have had ties that have been tied for five years."

The 2019 competition year is underway, so don't forget to renew your USHJA, USEF and Affiliate Association memberships!

Beginning January 1, 2019, adults with USEF Competing Memberships must complete USEF's Safe Sport Training in order to be eligible to participate in USEF activities in the 2019 competition year.

Don't want to think about renewal every year? Take advantage of the auto-renew feature, so your membership automatically renews before expiring.

Exciting enhancements to the USHJA Outreach Program are beginning this competition year including free membership and the addition of equitation sections.

"We are excited to provide the hunter/jumper community with more competitive opportunities and a free membership level," said Mary Babick, president of the USHJA. "We hope these enhancements will make the USHJA Outreach Program more accessible while rewarding and recognizing great riding."

While anyone may compete in Outreach competitions, individuals who join USHJA as free Outreach Members will be eligible for recognition and awards. Competitors who are USHJA Outreach members can earn national recognition based on their Outreach competition points accrued throughout the competition year. Read more.