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USHJA Convention photos by Tish Quirk |
The United States Hunter Jumper Association held its fourth annual convention, Dec. 11-14 in Phoenix. USHJA was formed in 2004 as the national affiliate, to the United States Equestrian Federation, for the hunter and jumper disciplines, a counterpart to dressage’s USDF and eventing’s USEA. The organization’s goal is to “advance and represent the hunter and jumper disciplines by fostering an educated community of equestrians that promotes the welfare of the horse and fairness in competition.” The convention was well attended by West Coasters, many of whom are strong in their praise for this young and growing organization’s progress.
Marnye and Larry Langer, far right, were among several West Coasters Numerous rule changes were debated and either tabled or advanced for vote at the USEF convention in mid-January in Kentucky. Discussions regarding how to mandate ethical horse sales practices and certification for trainers and course designers reflected the USHJA’s pro-active direction. The Jumper Committee voted to replace “levels” with fence heights, in meters, as the new distinction between its classes and there were indicators that the Hunter division might eventually follow their lead. The USHJA’s International Hunter Derby, a two-round competition over natural fences and meant to revive “the lost art of tradition and horsemanship” in the Hunter division, was acknowledged as an idea whose time has come. Thermal, Oaks Blenheim and the Memorial Day Classic have signed on to host Derby classes in the first half of 2008, all working toward the program’s goal of an exciting showcase during the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY.
John French. USHJA was conceived at a breakfast meeting during the July 2003 USEF Board of Directors meeting in Lexington. At this meeting, a small group agreed that it was the right time to form an organization that would represent all levels of hunter and jumper participants under the umbrella of USEF. Steering and Advisory committees were created to help in the formation of this organization. Several Californians have been instrumental in the organization’s start and growing success. Trainer Archie Cox, newly elected to a two-year term as Pacific Coast Horse Shows Assn. president, was among the national group’s early leaders. Archie and fellow Californians, top trainer Karen Healey (Archie’s former boss), show manager Larry Langer and his wife, Marnye, a competitor, author and president of the Los Angeles Hunter/Jumper Assn., received the USHJA’s President’s Distinguished Service Awards in Phoenix. “It was a great honor,” said Marnye, who also picked up trophies for her accomplishments with her two amateur jumper horses. Archie and Marnye, along with Shelly Campf, Jackie Freundlich, Nick Karazissis and Julie Winkel were among the West Coasters to receive Committee Excellence Awards.
Bill Moroney, USHJA President. The USHJA was recognized by the USEF as its National Affiliate for hunters and jumpers during its July 2004 board meeting. Responsibility for various Zone 10 activities, including fielding the NAYRC and Prix de States jumping teams, was recently shifted from USEF to USHJA. The mission of the USHJA is to unify and represent the interests of all levels of participants in order to promote and enhance the hunter/jumper discipline and provide educational experiences in a manner that will benefit both horses and members. Trainers Symposiums are among the USHJA’s popular undertakings, which include a mentoring program and an under-consideration trainers certification program. A Q&A with trainers on the organization’s website, www.ushja.org, is packed with great questions and answers on topics ranging from the right degree of rein contact in a Hunter Under Saddle class to tips on training a flying lead change.
Archie Cox - President’s Distinguished Service Award. Reaching out to all levels of the sport is one of the USHJA’s primary goals and it relies on the involvement of its constituency to make things happen. A $15 membership through the association’s Outreach Membership Level provides full access to its resources, including In Stride Magazine, which will feature a full convention report in its February issue. For more information and to get involved, visit www.ushja.org.
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