Rule Changes Effective Dec. 1, 2025

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For a guide to all approved rule changes affecting Hunter/Jumper competition beginning in the 2026 show season, visit USHJA Know Before You Show.

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Stirrups: Rule 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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Soundness: Trotting a circle at the end of a round to demonstrate soundness is now required for Equitation, Adult Amateur, Low Adult Amateur, Children’s Hunter, Low Children's Hunter, Low Children’s Hunter Pony, and USHJA Hunter Sections. 

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Spurs: The language on spurs has been aligned with the FEI rule on spurs. 

Spurs, crops or bats are optional but if used must be a conservative color. Spurs must be made of smooth metal or plastic. Rowel spurs with serrated edges are not permitted. Hammer spurs are allowed. Metal or plastic “impulse” spurs with round hard plastic or metal knobs and “Dummy” spurs are allowed. The contact surface with the horse and all edges must be smooth and rounded. Athletes when mounted may wear only one spur on each boot.

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USHJA is excited to share the launching of the USHJA 2’6” Junior/Amateur Hunter Derby starting December 1, 2025!

 

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.