Back in September 2023, sport horse breeder Kimmy Risser proposed a U.S. Hunter Jumper Association rule change that would allow mules to compete in hunter and equitation divisions. Though the USHJA approved the rule that December, the U.S. Equestrian Federation did not, first tabling and eventually voting against the proposal a year later. As a result, long-eared equines remain excluded from hunter competitions.

But in late 2025, Risser and eventer Holly Fox, owner of Fox Farms in Woodland, California, resurrected that rule change proposal, again requesting access for mules in the hunter ring. USHJA approved the proposal at its December annual meeting, and now it goes back to USEF to be reconsidered and voted on again in June.

Expanding the mule rule is only logical, argue mule lovers including Risser and Fox: Mules have been allowed to compete in dressage for more than 20 years and were welcomed—after a two-year effort—into the jumper ring in 2022.

Interestingly, neither Risser nor Fox own nor compete mules. But they have friends who do: Risser’s friend Whitney Barnard owns Alan A Day’s Work, the jumping mule who became a Breyer model in the summer of 2024.

And Fox became friends with lifelong mule aficionado Amy McLean at the University of California, Davis, where McLean is a professor in the Department of Animal Science and Fox is the equestrian center coordinator. McLean, who grew up on a mule and donkey farm in Georgia and earned her Ph.D. in Mali, West Africa, through Michigan State University in donkey nutrition, training, and management, has conducted mule and donkey research in over 40 countries.She eventually began riding with Fox’s assistant trainer, and the three since have attended shows together.

The foundation of the proposal, for both Risser and Fox, is simple: There’s just no reason mules can’t compete against horses. Hunter classes have clear standards, and mules can be held to those same standards and judged equally alongside their horse competitors.

And, on a more personal level, Risser and Fox just want to be able to enjoy additional equestrian events with their friends. 

Both Barnard and McLean have been turned away from competitions at various levels due to their partners’ long ears, as so many venues—from schooling shows to rated competitions—abide by USEF rules.

“Mule owners are humble people,” McLean said. “If you own a mule, you have to be. Most of us attending horse shows with our mules are not trying to beat six- or seven-figure horses. We just love our animals, we set personal goals, we want to improve our own skills, and we want to get out and show the world what mules can do.”

The hunter ring, McLean explained, may also be better suited to many mules’ temperaments and personalities. She currently competes her own Greystone’s Silhouette—whose breeding includes Belgian Warmblood, Quarter Horse and Andalusian donkey—in local jumper shows. But although she says “Sarge” is athletic and loves to jump, she suspects he’d favor the hunters. 

“Mules, Sarge included, are generally on the slower side, which is a disadvantage in the jumper arena,” she said. “And I much prefer to go slow and pretty!”

The expansion of competitive avenues for mules would, according to both McLean and Barnard, be nothing but beneficial to the equine industry as a whole. 

“[Mules and donkeys are] a growing population,” McLean said. “But mule-specific shows are getting smaller. Some states don’t have any. So let’s broaden the opportunities and get mules to more shows.”

Additionally, mule supporters argue, other breeds with breed-specific shows, such as Quarter Horses and Arabians, are still welcome to participate in hunter shows. They’re not excluded because they already have their own breed organizations. So why should mules be limited, and what effect might that exclusion have on the industry as a whole? 

“I don’t know if people realize it, but this rule has a trickle-down effect that really has the greatest impact on local levels of showing,” said Barnard. “It limits grassroots riders. And it financially impacts show organizers; people bring their mules to do the jumpers but can’t show in the hunters. Passing this rule would result in more engagement and more income for local show organizers as well as larger organizations, which we know is vital to the industry.”

When “Alan” was allowed to compete in jumper classes, for example, Barnard upgraded her USHJA membership, became a member of USEF, recorded Alan in both organizations, and then took Alan to their first rated horse show, excited to now be allowed to compete. There’s no other way to view it, she said, besides industry growth.

“Now, the fact that we can show in jumpers but not hunters just seems so silly,” she continued. “I can warm up with your hunters, stable next to your hunters, longe next to your hunters, graze next to your hunters—but we can’t compete in the ring together. It just isn’t logical.”

McLean agreed that the expansion of competitions for mules would be a financial benefit across the industry. 

“I ride with a trainer,” she said. “So if I could also compete in hunter classes, I’d attend more shows, which would mean more money in her pocket as well. It’s a win-win.”

Supporters of this proposal are optimistic that 2026 will be the year the rule is passed. An educational social media campaign in 2023 and 2024 brought awareness and empathy to the plight of mule owners who want more opportunities to show. And mule aficionados, McLean included, have been raising awareness and advocating for mules throughout the industry over the past few years by writing letters to organization leaders and speaking at various equine events. 

Last June, McLean gave a talk at the American Horse Council’s annual conference titled “Donkeys and Mules Are Equine, Too.” 

“Top folks from USEF, USHJA and USEA were there, and I received a lot of positive feedback,” she said.

So when might we expect to share the hunter ring with some adorable long-eared equines? 

Mule supporters like Barnard and McLean hope the answer is 2027. 

The proposal will be considered by various USEF committees this spring, and USEF members will be allowed to comment on all rule change proposals. (In 2024, the majority of member comments were in favor of passing the rule.)

In May, a few overseeing USEF councils will consider the committee and membership responses and make a recommendation to the USEF board. USEF will then review and vote on the proposal at its mid-year board meeting in June. 

If the rule passes, mules could begin competing in hunter divisions at any competition following USEF rules in 2027. 

“It’s notable that two different affiliates on four different occasions—twice at USHJA and twice at [the U.S. Eventing Association]—approved this rule, but it was voted down at the USEF level, despite so much positive member feedback,” Barnard said. “The FEI allows mules in their rulebooks. I really hope this is the year we see USEF do the same.” 

“I don’t know what stereotypes we’re up against,” McLean said. “That mules bray instead of whinny, maybe, or that people believe mules are not as well-trained. I don’t know. I just wish people would be more open, and let judges judge as they see fit, according to the same standards that horses are held to.”

“Mule people are grassroots,” Fox added. “They’re just trying to have a good time with their animals, who are completely qualified to participate in the sport. It’s absolutely within their wheelhouse of what they can do, and what they enjoy doing.”

The post The Brays Have It: USHJA Again OK’s Mules For Hunters appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

To view all the rule change proposals discussed, click here. Find a complete list of voting decisions here.

Key rule change proposals discussed and approved include:

• GR127.1 Tracking #046-25 – allowing mules to compete in hunter competition 
• GR311.2 Tracking #004-25 – adding a 3’3” green conformation hunter division
• GR845.1 Tracking #001-25 – requiring an automated external defibrillator at all competitions
• GR1032.19 Tracking #044-25 and HU118.11 Tracking #013-25 – clarifying re-ride procedures
• GR1134.1 Tracking #014-25 – establishing a new set of pony jumper classes
• HU148.1 Tracking #025-25 and GR1133.5 Tracking #005-25 – updating hunter breeding and pony hunter breeding language and the point system for hunter breeding divisions  
• JP140.5 Tracking #053-25 (option A) – clarifying scoring in the event of a fall for the various Jumper tables
• JP149.1 Tracking #021-25 – updating the penalties for optimum time classes 

Additionally, the board advanced both a presidential modification for the 2026 competition year and a formal rule change proposal for 2027 to amend EQ114, the equitation schooling rules, to permit the use of foam rails and similar materials. As of Dec. 1, 2025, EQ114 aligns with the USEF Jumper Schooling Rules outlined in JP Appendix A, with specific allowances for Swedish oxers, ground lines on both sides of an oxer, tarps, coolers and liverpools.

Rule change proposals discussed and disapproved include:

• EQ102.13 Tracking #018-25 – changing the knock down penalty for rails in equitation
• GR839.4 Tracking #027-25 and HJ125.7 Tracking #015-25 – limiting the number of over fences classes a horse is allowed to compete in per day
• HU105.1 Tracking #028-25 and HU105.1 Tracking #030-25 – allowing hackamores and bitless bridles in hunter classes 

A set of proposed rule changes was set aside for further discussion or amendment. These include:

• EQ107.1 Tracking #043-25 and HU118.10 Tracking #012-25 – outlining review of official video
• GR122.3 Tracking #047-25 – updating and clarifying language regarding the collapse of a horse 
• GR401.1 Tracking #058-25 – updating the repercussions for a trainer, rider, owner, and horse following a positive test for certain designated drugs
• GR845.1 Tracking #029-25 – updating and clarifying emergency preparedness and response language

Per the USEF rule change process, the USHJA Board of Directors will have until Feb. 15, 2026, to finalize any tabled rule change proposals and submit recommendations to USEF for voting at their mid-year meeting in the summer of 2026. Only the USEF Board of Directors may enact a rule change for USEF-licensed competitions.

The post USHJA Board Of Directors Vote On Key Rule Change Proposals At 2025 Annual Meeting appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

How many classes are too many classes is a topic of vigorous debate in the horse show world now, with the U.S. Equestrian Federation board of directors passing a definition of overuse as a position statement in June.

Since then, numerous groups and individuals have introduced rule change proposals—some of which are currently being debated at the USHJA Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida—addressing and limiting the number of classes horses can do per day or per show. 

But at today’s presentation by USEF CEO Bill Moroney to the meeting attendees, he made clear that the first question the federation needs to answer is: What’s really happening?

Moroney shared data compiled and analyzed by the organization from 2024 horse show results, explaining that 2025 results aren’t finalized yet. 

“This is 30,000 feet,” Moroney said, “and I’m sure there are 1,000 details people want to drill into here. We just wanted to put together an overview of what we’re seeing initially as we start looking at the overuse of horses. There is a ways to go with this still, and we’re going to still be looking at more in the coming weeks, but we wanted to get something initially to really see how big of a problem this might be.

“I don’t do any social media myself, so I’m assuming there is a good side to it, but there is also a pretty bad side. There are a lot of assumptions that get made out there that become urban legends and actually are chipping away at our ability to enjoy equestrian sport, as they have in other disciplines, such as racing,” he added. “We’re trying to deal with it and find out what the facts really are.”

And these initial facts show that for hunters jumping at 3’ or below, the average competing horse does 39 classes per year at five competitions, doing an average of eight classes at a rate of two classes per competition day. The average competing hunter jumping over 3’ does 70 classes per year at 10 competitions, doing an average of seven classes per competition at a rate of two classes per day. (This initial data analysis didn’t separate out equitation classes, over fences versus under saddle classes, or model classes, which Moroney noted can keep horses out of their stalls for longer, depending how the ring schedules are flowing.)

Jumpers, according to this data, do fewer classes overall than hunters, and the higher a horse jumps, the fewer classes it does per show, but those higher-jumping horses, on average, do more shows a year.

Jumpers that show at the 1.10-meter level or lower do an average of 27 classes per year at six competitions, showing in an average of five classes per competition at a rate of one class per day, while jumpers that show at 1.40-meters and above do an average of 26 classes per year at 11 competitions, with an average of two classes per competition, for a rate of one class per day as well.

When looking at hunters again, 57.7 percent of competing horses (13,814) do one to five competitions at year; 26.1% (6,253 horses) do six to 11; 14.2% do 12-20 competitions (3,396 horses); and 1.5% (368 horses) do 21-25 shows per year, while .04% (92 horses) do 26-36 shows per year. 

So 1.9% of hunters, or 460 horses, are competing at more than 20 shows per year. 

“I think people think horses might compete a lot more than they really do. From where we’re sitting at this moment, the panic that happens out there in social media, the panic people have, we don’t see that in reality when we look at the data,” said Moroney. “But we do see that a small percentage, albeit a few hundred horses at this point, that we do need to be concerned about. We need to figure out what’s happening there, and then the next steps.

“You’ve seen a bunch of rule changes that just pick a number,” he continued. “Maybe this data says those numbers [in the proposals] are fine, but I don’t think we’re there yet. It might be as simple as moving to a direction where there’s set of guidelines and a set of warning flags for people. If, as results come in, a horse is starting to get close to the points we set, whether it’s the number of competitions, classes, frequency, whatever, then there are flags, and that person is notified.”

And Moroney added that the outliers aren’t always quite what they seem, noting that one-day horse shows could play into some skewing of data. 

Moroney also talked the audience through a few of the horses identified as outliers. One, an anonymous 14-year-old warmblood, competed in 348 classes at 19 competitions in 2024. The horse averaged 18 classes per competition, at a rate of four classes per competition day. “This horse was primarily shown in Zone 5 between December and July, and averaged about two comps per month,” stated the presentation slide.

“This sort of waterfall of information is really important. When you see 348, it’s a little bit shocking,” said Moroney. “Then you see the horse was doing 18 classes per competition. But you have to keep digging: He only did four classes per day, and then also he’s only showing two times per month on average. Does that really make him an outlier? We don’t have an answer for that today, but it’s interesting what data shows you, and how you can’t just take one data point and make an assumption off of it. You’ve got to dig a little deeper.”

But even results-based data about the number of classes, once it’s distilled further, can’t tell the entire story without even more information. 

“My gut is the classes are not going to tell you the whole story. It’s what happens behind the classes,” said Moroney in response to someone asking about equitation classes being a seperate subsection. “How many times were they out getting a lesson each day before competing in the finals? Are they out being prepared, prepared, prepared for one class? There’s more we need to learn about that, so we’re going to dig into it. But my gut is their frequency of showing [in equitation] might be different, but on that side, from what the community tells us, is it’s the preparation. The class is one moment, one trip or two rounds and a test, but what’s happening on the way to it might be the issue there.”

While Moroney said that the data will eventually be published by the organization, further examination and analysis is needed first. This is also the reason the USEF itself isn’t setting limits or recommendations on numbers of classes and shows per year—yet. 

“When we get into this environment, we want to make sure we’re on solid ground about the welfare of horses and looking at truths, not myths, not innuendos, not things people made up—and not emotion,” said Moroney. “I know that doesn’t sound good to you, but you can’t make an emotional decision, or you’ll zigzag back and forth all day long. You have to stand back and take the time to collect a lot of data that can tell you a clear story. You have to rely on people who are experts on data analysis. 

“This is where we are today,” he continued. “It’s why we’re cautious about setting hard and fast rules at this point, because we don’t think we’re there all the way, and we think we’d end up going back and changing them. Let’s make them right the first time. But we’re definitely raising the awareness.” 

The post How Much Is Too Much Showing? USEF Presents Preliminary Overuse Data appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

With USEF and all horse-related fees climbing, local shows are where my kids—and countless others—stay in the ring, learning, laughing, and loving the sport. Local is where showing stays real, fun and accessible. We need more local! 

I realize I’m lucky to live in an area with options. On any given weekend, there’s often more than one local show within an hour of us. We have a wide variety too: jumper-specific, dressage, derbies, you name it. We’re spoiled, right?

I love that my younger girls are excited to show locally. Because let’s be real: Most littles don’t care about the difference between the Dixon Oval and a local show ring. In fact, they prefer smaller classes where they aren’t lost in a crowd of glitzy ponies. And the chance of winning a good ribbon or prize is very appealing.

There are so many other reasons to love local shows. It’s not just about beginners. School horses get their moment to shine, and you don’t need a big budget to join in the fun. No stress over braids, fake tails, or fancy tack—just ride, smile, and spend less. Local shows make a pricey sport feel more doable, and honestly, that’s my kind of big time.

Some of our favorite local series even have “finals” on their own, smaller scale. Ponies don’t need to be hack-winning-lead-changers to qualify, and riders have the chance to earn year-end awards. We signed up for one series we frequent, and my girls are uber excited about the possibility of winning cool prizes, even if they aren’t Labubus. Local showing feels special too.

From my momming perspective, what I love most about local shows is the community. My daughters are besties with the office staff and the food stand folks. When I’m scrambling to find them for their next class, they’ve cozied up to the vendor selling shirts—or they’re at the food stand chatting, covered in Dorito dust. Though I end up madly wiping their orange-flecked show coats down, it makes me warm and fuzzy to know my fam is part of this nurturing bunch.

Last month at one of our favorite shows, it was my youngest’s birthday. While she was in the leadline ring, they made a special announcement. It might seem like a small gesture but watching my girl’s eyes widen into saucers when they called her name over the loudspeaker says everything about why these shows matter. She felt celebrated, Taylor-Swift-like.

As a local horse show mom, I’ve come to know the other trainers and parents who’ve become true friends. We root for each other. One mom-trainer and I have become daily texters. My girls adore her crew. Though my kids don’t ride at her barn, they still feel very much part of it—posing for group pictures and running feral around the show grounds with the pack. 

The judges at these shows often seem more relaxed, too—less focused on competition and more on growth. They don’t have to worry about strict rules. After my daughter’s recent class, the judge explained that her heels kept popping up then reminded her it would “come with time.” She didn’t want my daughter to feel disheartened for placing lower than others; she encouraged her to keep trying.

Moments like these are exactly why local shows are exceptional. The judges and participants tend to be approachable rather than intimidating. These shows are safe, budget-friendly spaces for mistakes, for learning, and for supporting one another along the way—regardless of age or experience. 

That’s also why showing locally is perfect for developing green horses. I take our young pony because I know these smaller venues are a positive foundation. And I like showing her in a judgment-free zone, where I’m not afraid someone will snicker if her turnout isn’t immaculate or she puts a foot wrong.

What it comes down to is that local shows aren’t just a more affordable option. They’re an essential stepping stone. They give both horses and riders the space to build confidence before stepping into bigger rings. 

And for some, local shows aren’t just the beginning; they’re exactly where they want to be. Forever. I adore that.  

But the hard truth is, we don’t have more local shows for valid reasons. They take time, energy, and money to organize. Hiring judges, arranging ribbons and prizes, and covering insurance isn’t cheap. Trailer parking can be a nightmare. Plus, some barns focus only on attending rated competitions, so smaller venues can struggle to attract entries. I’ve seen the lack of entries firsthand at some of our locals, and it breaks my heart. But it’s not a lost cause.

Because there’s a barrier we can overcome: the stigma around local shows. In some corners of the horse world, they’re seen as “less serious” or “for beginners.” Changing that mindset is vital if we want local shows to thrive. Local isn’t less than. It’s just a different, wonderful option.

And, yep, social media makes the stigma worse. Feeds are flooded with perfect rounds at big-name venues. It’s easy to feel like that’s the version of showing that counts. But the real heart of this sport is in the early mornings at local shows, where kids help each other tack up and braids are a little wonky.

I know not everyone has the local luxury. I have friends who are hard-pressed to find a local show within reasonable driving distance, and that’s a shame.

Which is why the shows that do exist feel like hidden gems where kids and adults alike can learn, grow, and belong. With robust community investment and support, more riders could experience the joy of showing without the stress and expense of big events. 

Why shouldn’t more riders have access to that joy?

Let’s keep local shows alive. Let’s push for more of them. Because they remind us of what really matters. They’re where confidence takes root and riders with modest budgets still have room to grow.

Show up. Cheer loud. Support your local circuit. Let’s keep riders showing.

Jamie Sindell has an MFA in creative writing from the University of Arizona and has ridden and owned hunters on and off throughout her life. She is a mom of five kids, ages 4 to 15. She and her family reside at Wish List Farm in Pennsylvania, where her horse-crazy girls play with their pony and her son and husband play with the tractor.

The post Local Shows Are The Heart Of The Sport appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

On Dec. 8, the board of directors will vote on the candidates for four director at-large positions, representing the hunter athlete seat, the jumper athlete seat, the zone council seat and the affiliate council seat. 

The following are the nominees for the board of directors positions open for election this year: 

Director-at-large: hunter athlete seat

• Hannah Isop
• Caroline Weeden

Director-at-large: jumper athlete seat

• Brooke Kemper
• Andrew Philbrick

Director-at-large: zone council seat

• Cricket Stone

Director-at-large: affiliate council seat

• Laurie Birnbach

Senior active competing and senior education/non-competing USHJA members were invited to submit nominations for the hunter athlete and jumper athlete positions in June and July. Nominations for the designated zone and affiliate seats follow a separate process with nominees submitted by the zone and affiliate councils, respectively. After careful review of all submissions, the nominating committee has recommended the above slate of candidates for each position. 

All elected and appointed members of the USHJA board of directors will assume their duties immediately following the close of this year’s annual meeting on Dec. 11. Each position will serve a four-year term. 

To learn more about the election process for the board of directors, visit ushja.org/elections.

The post USHJA Announces Candidates For Board of Directors Election appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

“I told him that if he came to Las Vegas and there was anything the horse did that he didn’t like, he could get off,” said Branscomb, who bred and owns the young Oldenburg (Vagabond De La Pomme—Calida BF). “When he took him in for his first schooling round the first day on Monday, they let him go in to just jump around six or eight fences in the big South Point arena. He came out with a smile and he says, ‘I don’t think I’ll be getting off.’ ”

Everyone on the Branscomb Farms, LLC, team was smiling after “Valentino” put down one winning round after another. On Tuesday, French and Valentino topped a field of 37 to win the $25,000 USHJA National Hunt & Go Derby–Open, then they claimed the 3’3” grand green hunter championship title on Wednesday, along with blues in the green hunter 3’/3’3″ classic and the green hunter incentive 3’/3’3″ stake. The pair was also awarded grand green hunter and high score green hunter titles.

“I must say, when she reached out to me, I thought he was just doing the green division, and then I didn’t realize he was doing the derby too, and he’s only 5 years old,” French said. “I was thinking, ‘Oh, I’m not sure what I signed up for here.’ ”

The horse’s maturity and readiness for the bigger division might have surprised French, who only met the stallion this week, but not Branscomb, who says the horse has always had a “golden retriever” personality. 

“He has a very chill brain,” she said of Valentino, who is a fifth-generation product of her breeding program, based in Half Moon Bay, California. “The horse is very smart. He loves his job. And you know, he’s a show horse: He likes the applause, he likes the ribbons, he likes the coolers. He’s happy to be here doing the job.”

The job wasn’t easy, either. French said that Valentino rose to the challenge of the derby, even when the green stallion seemed to be wondering why they were suddenly trotting a fence in the middle of the course. 

“[The handy round] was hard enough. As far as the turns, there was a lot of twisty turns where you go in between jumps to get to the next one,” he said. “For 5 years old, the horse handled it amazing. He just kind of has this pleasant way of going around, so he just looks smooth the way he goes.”

Watch their winning round:

For Branscomb, seeing French pilot the stallion she bred and raised was a bucket-list moment. Over the summer, French had reached out to Brancomb, who rode with him years ago when he was based in California, to ask about a photo he’d seen of Valentino. He wanted to see if the horse was for sale. Her answer was no—he’ll remain in the farm’s breeding program—but she remembered French’s interest in Valentino when her two regular riders, Jill Humphrey and Ivy Creahan, were both out with injuries.

“John’s the only person I know that can produce—consistently—the kind of rounds that Rodney Jenkins did,” Branscomb said. “I mean, he sees his distance nine strides off the corner; the horses love him; he knows exactly how to keep in a completely consistent rhythm, no matter how tight the turns, no matter how big the jumps, no matter what the horse does. John is just a legend, probably the best hunter rider of our generation—I really believe that.

“As a breeder, you want your horse to show himself as well as he can at a national championship show, and especially when he’s young and inexperienced like that,” she continued. “You want the master of the game.”

Branscomb said that after a year marked by significant health challenges, watching Valentino succeed with a legend such as French on a national stage has been a bright spot, giving her hope in the horse’s future—both as an individual competitor and as a breeding stallion. 

“This is a lifetime dream of mine,” she said. “I was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and went through some pretty major health challenges and surgery. [It’s a dream] to be able to be here in Las Vegas with the National [Championships] and see a horse I bred at my farm with all the employees that have been loyal to me and believe in our program and believe in our horses.” 

French, who was competing at the Marshall & Sterling/USHJA National Championships for the first time since 2018 after moving from California to Florida in 2020, said it was special to be a part of a team who had been devoted to a horse since before his birth. 

“I think it’s special for them, because they were there when that horse was conceived, and then foaled and they’ve been with this horse since he was born,” French said. “So I’m sure it’s like having your own kid, seeing him coming along like this. … They’ve been with him the whole way.”

Branscomb holds this success in contrast with a darker part of her farm’s story: Last year at the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Riyadh, her homebred jumper Chromatic BF collapsed and died in front of the same groom, Porfirio “Pepe” Rodrigues, who was with Valentino in Las Vegas. Following his death, Branscomb created the Chromatic Fund to support equine welfare initiatives. This week in Las Vegas gave Branscomb the chance to simply enjoy her horse and his success. 

“It ended so badly at Riyadh when my horse was killed there,” Branscomb said. “To be able to go home with a healthy horse, with a smile on my face, and bring all the championship ribbons back to all the employees at the farm—that’s huge for me.”

French was glad to help give his friend a moment of uncomplicated joy. 

“She said she didn’t get that high—it only lasted one day over at the World Cup,” French said of Branscomb’s experience with Chromatic’s death. “She never really got to celebrate because it had such a tragic ending. But she was like, ‘This weekend, I can just enjoy it. I’m so happy.’ ”

Branscomb says that while Valentino likes the attention and competition atmosphere, he’ll also be happy to return from his first big outing back to her farm in Half Moon Bay, California, and his pasture overlooking the sea. It’s important to Branscomb that her horses live long and well. 

“We don’t do a lot of jumping with him at home; he naturally knows how to jump well,” she said. “He lives outside. He comes in at night if it’s inclement weather, but sometimes we just let him sleep outside in his field, and he has his own paddock within sight of mares and other horses. And he just gets groomed and taken on trail rides.”

The post French And Valentino BF Deliver Dream Week For Branscomb At USHJA Nationals appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Abby Steller, the horse’s owner, had offered McMillion the ride just a few weeks ahead of the finals. Because of McMillion’s school schedule, she didn’t have an opportunity to practice with “Timmy” until she arrived to compete in the championship. 

“We kind of put our feelers out throughout the year, and maybe three weeks ago, Abby Steller, the horse’s owner, called me and said, ‘I heard you’re looking for a horse. Do you want to use Timmy?’ ” McMillion said. “And it was instant—you can’t say no to that! She’s so generous. She said, ‘I just want to be able to watch him, and I’ve watched you grow up.’ So out of the kindness of her heart, she let me ride her horse, and he is incredible.”

Watch McMillion’s third phase on Change Up PS, courtesy of USEF Network:

McMillion climbed from seventh to the top of the championship on the second day of the multi-phase competition. The 2025 edition of the championship followed the lead of the new format debuted at this year’s Talent Search Finals—East: points from the first two phases, while still judged separately, were combined. Each athlete completed their individual flatwork test, immediately followed by the gymnastic course. 

On Friday, riders tackled the flatwork and gymnastic phases—where Katalina Raiszadeh and Cetello took the initial lead—followed by Saturday’s jumper course. The top four riders’ then moved on to a work-off where scores reset to zero, and they swapped mounts, riding each of the four horses over a shortened jumping course. 

Judges Jimmy Torano and Lillie Keenan brought back four pairs for the final phase, Shiloh Roseboom and Zazou, Sophia Blake and E-Up, Raiszadeh with Cetello, along with McMillion and Timmy. McMillion said she called on her collegiate catch-riding skills to be competitive in the new structure. 

“The flat phase was a new format for this year,” McMillion said. “Going into it, I tried to keep a level head. I’m on a team at college and we compete in a very similar format, so I had that background and tried to use that to my advantage.”

For McMillion, after all the horses she’s ridden in competition and at college, she gives Timmy high praise, and not just for being talented. He’s simply a thrill to ride.

“I haven’t had that much fun in a long time,” she said. “He’s truly an incredible animal. He’s so scopey; he could jump the moon if you ask. He does all the things. He gives you the best feeling in the air. He’s easy to prep. I can’t say enough about him.”

For full results, click here.

The post Video: McMillion Banks On Catch Riding Know-How To Win Talent Search Finals—West appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

Over the one-hour meeting, the panelists responded to questions submitted by members ahead of the webinar, while Voss facilitated additional questions to the two veterinary officials in real time. Read on for highlights from the conversation.

Drug Testing Using Hair Samples

Schumacher gave background for the new hair testing rule, which was implemented in July following “feedback from the industry that individuals were using euthanasia solution,” Schumacher said. “The most egregious form of abuse, in my opinion, is to expose a horse to a euthanasia solution.” 

That alarming information led USEF to develop a testing methodology to detect the misuse of barbiturates in competition horses. Schumacher said that, in response to member feedback, the federation plans to modify the hair sample collection process. 

The current system is modeled after mane pulling, as testing samples must include the bulb, which “provides more of a medium for drug detection,” he said. However, that process can look “visually traumatic” to concerned owners and riders, especially in horses that have thoroughly pulled manes. Schumacher said that in some test subjects, especially hunters, their manes have been pulled so frequently that the remaining hairs “are actually firmly entrenched and a little more challenging to get out.”

As a part of the testing process, Schumacher said that USEF has recorded all hair testing collections on video. In one video posted last week, some viewers perceived that the horse was not comfortable; Schumacher affirmed that this horse had the “most significant response” of those horses who have been hair tested to date, but did not believe the horse’s body language indicated pain.

However, in light of members’ concerns, he said that the federation is considering allowing grooms or trainers to collect the samples under observation from the drug tester, as well as collecting hair samples from the underside of the tail. In a recent trial of tail hair collection, Schumacher said the horse was “unfazed.”

Evaluating Marketing Claims: When Is A Supplement Safe?

Dowling addressed questions from members about discerning what supplements are permitted, and when ingredients might trigger a positive result in testing for a banned substance. Dowling, who informed viewers of her credentials as a toxicologist with a background in animal science and nutrition, said she prefers that owners aim for a balanced diet, and that she is “not a believer in supplements,” herself. 

“So just because something’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe, and in fact, most people die of natural causes,” Dowling said. 

Dowling shared what she tells students in her course on drugs and performance horses.

“I teach them that if any kind of a product is claiming that it either can rev a horse up or calm a horse down or put on muscle, it is extremely difficult to do that with something that’s not going to be prohibited by most sport organizations,” she said. “Because then you are not having horses compete on their own merits with good training, good conditioning, that sort of thing. It violates the spirit of our equestrian sports.”

While drugs are regulated closely by the Food & Drug Administration, supplements do not have the same oversight and lack peer-reviewed research to demonstrate their safety and efficacy. There is also a history of contamination in supplements, which has led to positive drugs tests. (Earlier this year, for example, the results of a Belgian rider and the Belgian eventing team were disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics because the rider’s horse tested positive for a banned substance. The manufacturer blamed accidental contamination.)

“When it comes to a supplement, both in the U.S. and Canada, it’s a little bit more the Wild West,” Dowling said. “Pretty much anybody can decide that they want to start making a supplement, and they’re going to put these different ingredients in them.”

Dowling shared other examples where competitors were disqualified after a supplement included a banned substance that turned up a positive test. When a live question came in about the labels that specifically advertise that a supplement “won’t test,” the member asked what level of confidence consumers can take from those claims.  

“You can go back to the Hong Kong show jumpers who all got busted for capsaicin, for a topical product that has long had ‘won’t test’ on its label,” she said. “So not much in my humble opinion.”

Schumacher added that while some supplements advertise that they are FEI- or Horse Racing Integrity Safety Authority-approved, those organizations do not formally endorse any products, and that “show-safe” packaging can be misleading. The speakers clarified that USEF does not endorse or approve any supplement brands, even when banners or booths appear at shows. Individual competitions are free to solicit their own sponsors, which can create the appearance of endorsement.

Schumacher and Dowling acknowledged that this can be confusing for riders who see supplement logos alongside USEF signage and assume products are sanctioned. They stressed that sponsorship does not mean a product is exempt from testing or compliant with USEF drug rules, a distinction they urged competitors to keep in mind when evaluating marketing claims.

Another member submitted a question about how intention was taken into consideration in the review process, when a positive test might be the result of a mislabeled or contaminated supplement rather than intentional doping. 

“That can be mitigated; it depends on what the purpose of the supplement was, what drug was found,” Schumacher said. “Those portions of the finding or the investigation can be used in mitigation for a penalty.”

Viewers also inquired about formally reporting medications that are being used legally and therapeutically, or in a treatment for medical conditions ahead of competitions. Schumacher advised: “What we’re there to do is provide information about how to get that horse back into competition and be compliant with the rules and document that administration. So as far as when you should use a medication form, definitely give us a call or send us an email.”

To learn more about drug testing, how to reporting medications, or view a list of prohibited substances, visit https://www.usef.org/compete/regulation/drugs-medications. A recording of the Nov. 3 Q&A will also be provided at that link. 

The post Hair Testing Collection And ‘Show-Safe’ Supplements Discussed At USEF Q&A appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

While Steinkraus is one of the pre-eminent names in U.S. riding today, he didn’t seem to make much of an impression on the Chronicle’s reporter as a teen competing—and winning—both finals. Instead, the reporter focused on the quality of judging, concerns young riders did not practice mounting and dismounting correctly, and the joy of the addition of pony classes to the National’s program. He also expressed surprise that, unusually, the field for the Maclay final was larger than that for the Good Hands championship, which that year was called the National Equitation Class and, he said, “stole the spotlight” from the growing Maclay final.

The unidentified parent of one of the children who lost to “Billy” Steinkraus that year also penned a letter to the editor complimenting the skills and prowess of the group of East Coast riders who dominated both classes, noting that dual champion Steinkraus had won 21 out of the 26 “horsemanship” classes he’d entered in the year leading up to the National. Read both pieces below: 

Garden Provides Top Junior Contests With 41 In Children’s Hunter

Well, “The National” has come and gone, and it leaves a sort of vacuum. It’s like baseball when the World’s Series is over. Looking back it was a good show, although we very much missed our friends the Chileans.

As far as horsemanship classes go, it was a banner event, and the Saturday devoted to junior contests drew a gate which the press estimated to be two to three times that of any previous attendance for horsemanship classes. Patrons stayed on, and after six o’clock were still sitting in their seats, watching the Children’s Hunter Class of 41 entries—by all odds the best in quality that has been held for many years.

One judge who was watching checked 10 as excellent, seven as good, and said he was glad he didn’t have to pin the ribbons in this class!

The judges did a very sane and patient job of judging, allowing ample time for individual performances, and the fears of some, that freak requirements might be asked for, proved groundless. One news columnist said it was the first time in years that there was general satisfaction with the horsemanship decisions.

Thirty-three children were enrolled in the competition for the National Equitation Class, 41 in the Maclay Championship Class. This was somewhat of a surprise, as usually the Good Hands is larger. Perhaps the answer is simply that more children are learning how to jump and ride hunters, and this is beginning to show in Maclay entries.

However, although the number in the Maclay class was larger, it was the National Equitation Class, successor to the Good Hands, which stole the spotlight, and was followed with the keenest interest. The fortunate 20 who survived the morning session number some of the season’s most frequent winners:

William P. Dunn III, Dick Van Winkle, Miss Fifi Moeckel, Miss Edith Lisle, George T. McKelvey III, Miss Janet Lee Dant, William E. Bradley, Miss Janet Ann Meade, Miss Nancy Douglas, Herbert W. Marache, Jr., Miss Ann Morningstar, Miss Mary Poll, Miss Ann Leigh Graham, George Chase, Miss Lois Lisanti, William Steinkraus, Miss Mary Elizabeth Pilliod, Miss Dorothy Ritterbush, Miss Lurline Eberhardt and Miss Barbara Pilliod.

In the afternoon the judges asked for individual figure eights, changes of lead on a straight line, and finally, mounting and dismounting. Simple as it sounds, this last requirement nearly proved a Waterloo! Certainly the children did not expect it.

Anyone who watched this competition would be interested in reading an article in November’s National Horseman by Miss Annie Lawson, a judge and western Instructor, who goes into this often neglected subject of mounting very thoroughly.

One point she makes, and which was borne out by the final class on Saturday, was that greatest care should be taken not to jab the horse with the toe in mounting, which tends to make him start or veer around. In the cases where a horse has developed a persistent fault in this regard, he can be cured by mounting and dismounting against a wall, but nothing takes the place of a little carefulness.

Again we could not help feeling that some of the horses were tired, and that most could have stood a little more rest. In this connection, in a chat, with Lt. Col. [Hiram] Tuttle he told us he attributed the smoothness of his performances largely to the fact that he never permitted his horses to become overworked. He follows a plan of light walking the day after a performance, the next day schooling, and the next performance, and so on.

Getting back to the show again, surprisingly good performances were turned in by some of the younger children in the Maclay class, and competition was very real. The judges followed the customary plan of changing horses before the final decisions. Those who achieved the final class were:

Miss Mary Reinach, William P. Dunn, III, Miss Eve Prime, Miss Flora Van Sciver, Miss Jane Elizabeth Earle, Arthur Morley, Don B. Low, Miss Elaine Moore, Miss Nancy Dean, Miss Elaine Weins, Miss Ann Morningstar. Miss Ethel Skakel, Miss Susan French Potter, Miss Mary Poll, Miss Lois Lisanti, William Steinkraus, Miss Emily Young, Miss Nancy Frank, Milton Wuischpard and Miss Carol Gussenhoven.

Both in the Maclay and the equitation classes riders placed in the final ribbons from the South and West, which dispels the legend that children have to be known in the eastern circuit to win. Furthermore, their riding was well up in the upper brackets.

We wish we had time to describe the pony classes, which were an innovation thoroughly enjoyed. This reminds us of an old actor who used to say there were three things which never failed to “get” an audience: a child, a dog and a horse. They had two of the three at the Garden, in the pony group, and the audiences were all smiles watching them.

Final winners of the day were—Equitation Class, William Steinkraus, champion; Nancy Douglas, reserve; 3. Mary Poll; 4. Janet Lee Dant;, 5. Dorothy Ritterbush; 6. Dick Van Winkle. 

For the Maclay Class, William Steinkraus, champion; Mary Reinach, reserve; 3. Ann Morningstar; 4. Eve Prime; 6. Mary Poll; 6. Nancy Dean.

While congratulations are being received by the winners, we want to mention especially the fine performances of the 20 who in both classes were in the final judging, many of whom were so close behind the winners. So much is behind the picture. Back of each rider’s effort is the support of many others, friends, instructors, family and others who help. No one wins alone.

— Proctor Knott

National Equitation Riding Demands Perfect Form, But Mary Not Contrary

It is hoped that these reflections may reach a lot of parents who are interested in their children’s riding as well as their progress at horse shows.

With this interest at heart we went to New York last week where our “Mary” was participating in the Maclay Jumping Championship at Madison Square Garden, having won an ASPCA class on the summer circuit.

Over a period of time, “Mary” had done pretty well in such classes, and it wasn’t that we suffered from delusions of grandeur, but we had permitted ourselves on several occasions, before falling asleep, to picture her in the ribbons. Anyway it’s of such stuff that good dreams are made of.

Hers was the first class, which was fortunate, for by then the butterflies had almost eaten through our stomach. Forty competed and 20 were selected for final competition in the afternoon. Our “Mary” was not selected! Somebody said something about “tough luck, better luck next time.” Neither our smile nor our reply hid our dejection!

There were only two things to do: flee from the scene of battle or hang around and reconstruct something from the collapse. We chose the latter—partly by necessity for “Mary” was among friends and immediately forgot her defeat and showed no intention of going home.

There are those who may say that these reflections should be discounted on the grounds that they were written on the “rebound”. Maybe they should be. Anyway, they are intended to be constructive and will have to stand or fall on a basis of their merits.

As the morning went on, several things were obvious: the competition was keen, the judging was awfully fair and the horsemanship in the Maclay Equitation classes was brilliant.

These consistently good performances in the morning and in the elimination classes in the afternoon provoked the question, where do the children come from and how do they do it?

In the Maclay Jumping 26 out of 40 participants came from or within 50 miles of New York City and in the Equitation class 30 out of 34 came from or within 50 miles of New York City. This concentration prompts one to wish that the representation were a little more scattered but should in no way detract from the credit due these New York children.

For so many of them to have earned the right to compete in these two classes they must have gone pretty far afield to have found the necessary shows that are licensed by the AHSA or conducted under conditions of the ASPCA. In Philadelphia there were none in 1941!

In doing this, these children had to beat the local talent wherever they went. Furthermore, they must have been competing against each other a lot of the time so it must follow that they were consistent winners.

What is also significant is that a number of these children were eligible and competed in both the Maclay and Equitation Championships which combine all around horsemanship ability.

This would seem to establish the fact that children from and within 50 miles of New York City take their riding pretty seriously and have a good deal to show for it.

As to how they have developed this unusual ability one can only assume certain things but it is believed that inquiry would confirm our assumptions.

There was ample evidence of good instruction and plenty of practise. Of the latter, there is almost a complete absence with all too many children. Practise means a lot more than exercising a horse once a day. Practise to produce the kind of riding we are talking about should be, at least part of the time, in a ring under expert analysis and instruction. This should be varied with cross country rides and hunts. Instruction and practise in the ring are just as necessary in the development of a good rider as the ever-lasting stroke perfecting practice that golf and tennis champions indulge in. It is the only way of mastering the technique of any sport.

This instruction and practise results in the riders being able to gradually direct the movements of the horse, under most trying conditions, without disturbing the horse’s natural poise and spirit.

These trying conditions are to part as set forth in the specifications for the Equitation classes. All this assumes that the rider first knows how to ride properly to a walk, trot and canter.

The Dressage Exhibition by Lt. Col. Hiram Tuttle was well placed on the program, coming as it did before the Equitation Championship.

This gave the spectators an opportunity to see the art of advanced equitation at its very best.

There was ample evidence that these youngsters have had plenty of competition experience. Billy Steinkraus who won both the Maclay and Equitation championships has won this year 21 horsemanship blues out of 26 entered.

So—it seems fair to say that if other sections of the country would compete against these children with any hope of success they will have to do more learning, more practicing and more of the kind of competing we have described.

In the meantime, our hats are off to these New York youngsters and—conditions permitting, our “Mary” and her friends will be back.

Respectfully yours,

“Sadder but Wiser”

The post Throwback Thursday: Revisiting The 1941 Maclay Final Billy Steinkraus Won appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.

A member comment period for the proposed rules opened Oct. 1 and will run through Oct. 31. USHJA President Britt McCormick will also hold an online town hall discussion at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 27 to provide members with an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback. (Register for the town hall here.)

All of the rule change proposals are listed on the USHJA website numerically by a three-digit tracking number and include links to view or comment. Use the tracking number, listed in parentheses at the end of each description below, to find details of a specific proposal on the website.

Here is what some of the most noteworthy rule changes being proposed at this year’s meeting would do if approved, by topic area:

Horse Welfare

• Limit on the number of over-fences classes horses can participate in at a competition. Two different proposals get at this goal in different ways: One sets variable limits based on the length of the show and jump heights, the other sets a blanket limit. (015 and 027)
• Aligns the language in the rule book with a USEF Presidential modification that went into effect July 1, a proposal would require collapsed horses to leave the show grounds, when safe to do so, following the collection of blood samples, be barred from competition for at least seven days, and be certified by a licensed veterinarian to be fit to return to competition before they may return. (047)
• The trainer, rider, owner and horse would be immediately, temporarily suspended for 60 days after a positive test for certain designated drugs. The current rules allow for suspension after a hearing. The specified banned substances include selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), barbiturates, certain anticonvulsants, anabolic steroids and long-acting tranquilizers or psychotropics. (058)

Safety

• Requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at all hunter/jumper competitions to provide potentially life-saving care during a (human) cardiac event. The proposal comes after a teenager’s life was saved earlier this year thanks to the use of an AED. (001)
• Expands the definition of qualified medical personnel to include nurse practitioners and physican’s assistants. (026)

Housekeeping

• Adds language to existing rules to clarify that a judge’s decision on soundness is not reviewable. (002) 
• Establishes special guidelines to determine the correct number of stewards for a hunter/jumper competition. (003)
• If fewer than three entries complete a class, points for competition championships and reserve championships will be calculated for those entries that did complete the class; however, no Horse of the Year points will be awarded for that class. (023)
• Requires USEF to maintain a publicly accessible list of violations for a reasonable period of time, similar to the recorded warning list as provided in GR1037. This list should include all persons responsible for violations within at least the past five years. In addition, all prior hearing committee rulings would remain available. (035)
• Specifies when video review can be used in hunters and equitation. (012 and 043)
• Addresses concerns about individuals who are currently suspended but may exert a presence at competitions through assistant trainers, other employees, business branding, or clients. The exact language for this rule was not available by press time. (056)
• Proposes to restructure the steward and technical delegate program to be more agile and transparent by redefining roles and responsibilities. The exact language for this rule was not available by press time. (057)

Hunters

• Establishes parameters under which a judge may grant a re-ride in the hunter and equitation divisions. Three proposals address this topic, submitted by the USHJA Pony Hunter Task Force, the USHJA Hunter Working Group, and the USEF/USHJA Judges Task Force. (009, 013 and 044) 
• Removes “outdated” walk fences from the rule book. (006)
• Clarifies the appropriate use of martingales. (007)
• Requires at least one over-fences class in the young hunter division be judged on conformation and establishes a green conformation hunter division at 3’3”. (004 and 031)
• Any eligible green pony showing in USEF Pony Medal Championships will no longer be eligible to complete in the USEF Green Pony Hunter Championships. (008)
• Requires all junior hunters to hold a current and valid USEF measurement card, and allows horses that are re-measured mid-season to retain their qualification provided they compete in the appropriate section. (024)
• Allows hackamores and bitless bridles without leverage in the hunters. (028 and 030)
• Makes mules eligible for the hunters. This rule was first proposed in 2023, after a rule allowing mules in the jumpers was passed in 2022. (046)

Hunter Breeding

• Weights zone and national Horse of the Year points based on the rating of the competition where they were earned, to reward competitors placing at larger competitions with more competitors. (005)
• Increases points awarded at Hunter Breeding National Championship. (011)

Equitation

• Allows competitors to put martingales back on after the flat phase prior to testing. (017)
• Establishes a tiered penalty structure for rails down in an equitation class: 2 points for the first and 4 points for subsequent rails. (018)
• Prohibits competing or riding on competitions grounds with equipment that has conflicting or counteracting forces at the same or close point of contact on the horse. The use of draw reins, running martingales or German martingales attached at or below the point of contact of equipment that lifts the horse’s head, such as gag or leverage bits, or hackamores, is prohibited. (039)

Jumpers

• Adjusts penalties awarded for going over time in optimum time classes, so that those who are closest to optimum time, regardless of going under or over, are rewarded. (021)
• Sets a limit for leverage headgear—no longer than 15 cm for bits or 20 cm for hackamores—from the point of the cheekpiece attachment to the point of rein attachment. (040)
• Establishes small, medium, large and 1.05-meter pony jumper sections. (014) 
• Expands the boot rule that has been in place for Ranking List classes to all classes. (049)
• Allows 14-15 year olds to do U25 classes where the height does not exceed 1.40 meters, making the rule consistent with the Fédération Equestre Internationale. (051)
• Defines how scoring will work in the event of a fall for the various jumper tables. (053)

Veterinary

• Permits competition management to address other vaccinations in response to a local threat without having to request guidance from the veterinary commitee. Any additional vaccination requirements set forth by competition management would need to comply with the AAEP Vaccination Guidelines. Additionally, it would be necessary for all horses to have valid vaccinations for the duration of a show. (034)

The post Deciphering The 2026 USHJA Rule Change Proposals appeared first on The Chronicle of the Horse.