At the USHJA Annual Meeting in Orlando, key concerns were raised about the future of hunter/jumper sport, focusing on challenges faced by smaller, boutique horse shows amid evolving sport economics and an overcrowded championship calendar. USHJA President Britt McCormick emphasized the need for succession planning and fresh ideas as the organization’s leadership ages, highlighting plans to consolidate championships into a single, multi-discipline finals week to reduce the current strain on competitors and trainers. Additionally, efforts to reform hunter and equitation judging aim to improve transparency, consistency, and education by late 2026.

Discussions also centered on supporting struggling smaller shows, which face difficulties competing with larger, multi-week “big box” events that attract more participants due to convenience and amenities. Participants suggested strategic allocation of championships to smaller venues, creating incentives for competitors to show in their home zones, and developing resources or grants to help these shows with staffing and infrastructure challenges. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration within the tight-knit equestrian community to sustain the sport’s diverse ecosystem and celebrate collective success rather than individual failures.