Effective Dec. 1, 2025, USEF rule GR801 regarding saddle attachments states that no piece of equipment shall be attached to a saddle that has a rigid upward pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching a rider’s clothing or person when dismounting, including stirrups.  

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The style of safety stirrups that are recommended are those that have closed branches when the release mechanism is not activated, or have an outside branch with a gap that fully aligns with the outside plane of the stirrup. If there is a gap when not activated, it must lie inside the plane of the stirrup.  

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USHJA is excited to share the launching of the USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby starting December 1, 2026!

 

Modeled after the USHJA National and International Hunter Derbies, the USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby is designed to support the growth of riders competing at the 2’6” fence height. Open to Junior and Amateur competitors, this class offers a unique opportunity to gain experience and showcase their skills in a Derby-style format.

 

What to Expect- see full specifications

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The class is open to any horse or pony registered with USHJA and follows the traditional two-round Derby format: a Classic Hunter Round and Handy Hunter Round.

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The Classic Hunter Round is judged on performance, hunter pace, jumping style, quality and substance, and movement. The top 12 horse-and-rider combinations from the first round return for the Handy Hunter Round, which is judged on brilliance of pace and handiness. High-option fences are included in both rounds, where riders can earn one point for each high-option fence jumped, up to a maximum of four. The rider with the highest combined score from both rounds is declared the winner.