The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has paused judge licensing to address confusion and inconsistency caused by multiple, unaligned entry pathways. USHJA President Britt McCormick explains that the pause aims to restore clarity by creating a straightforward, transparent progression—Applicant to Small R to Big R—with consistent education and clear benchmarks at each stage. This reset is designed not to slow progress but to ensure judges are well-prepared, which in turn protects competitors and maintains trust in judging outcomes.

McCormick emphasizes that consistent judging is critical for the sport’s integrity, affecting how riders, trainers, and exhibitors perceive fairness and plan their seasons. The licensing pause is a deliberate step to rebuild trust through education and alignment rather than rushing to increase judge numbers. Although the pause creates short-term challenges, McCormick argues that addressing the system’s flaws now prevents long-term instability, reinforcing that sustainable confidence in judging requires patience and a commitment to doing things right.