Saturday, Jul. 5, 2025

Participation Brings A Wealth of Knowledge

One of my most memorable experiences in school occurred in sixth grade, when I was selected to attend a special social studies program that exposed students to our country's legislative system. For several days, we observed our legislature in action at the State Capitol, learning how the whole process works.
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One of my most memorable experiences in school occurred in sixth grade, when I was selected to attend a special social studies program that exposed students to our country’s legislative system. For several days, we observed our legislature in action at the State Capitol, learning how the whole process works.

We then returned home and practiced what we’d seen. A few weeks later, when their session was concluded, we had a mock Senate of our own back at the Capitol. We took our places at their respective seats, and some of us acted as senators (Democrats and Republicans), others took the duties of sergeant-at-arms and clerks. We debated new bills with our peers, discussed hot-button issues, and voted on new laws. Even now, several decades later, I still remember the awe I felt watching those leaders discuss the issues, the feeling of the smooth, polished wood in that impressive building, and the atmosphere of democracy at work.

So I was especially pleased that when I left the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association’s second annual convention in Miami (p. 8) some of those same feelings returned to my mind. While this young organization is still working to establish a system of governance, it’s certainly apparent that many talented and dedicated people would like to see this U.S. Equestrian Federation affiliate organization grow so that it encompasses all levels of people, from grassroots to the top.

And the enthusiasm was apparent from the moment I walked into the hotel lobby. While checking in, I saw a long-time friend from Maryland who’d put her riding and training business on hold and was excited to participate in the four-day convention. She and several other friends had traveled to the USHJA meeting to become involved in the decision-making process. They see an opportunity to help direct the organization, one that wasn’t as accessible to them before this affiliate was formed. In all, 250 USHJA members attended the convention, many traveling great distances, including a vocal group from Alaska.

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Throughout my three days at the convention, I attended as many meetings as I could. The three rule-change forums allowed sometimes-heated debate on various topics, and many well-prepared people took the microphone to speak their minds. The various committee meetings were well attended, and the open-door policy enabled anyone to sit in to observe. Some committee meetings even invited observers to comment, especially those that had rule changes to debate. There were so many impressive accomplishments that I couldn’t begin to report on them all. Suffice it to say that those who have committed to the USHJA have made a huge difference already.

It’s easy for me to say you should attend the convention next year, especially if you don’t like the decisions the people who were there made. I understand that taking four days off from work is hard for so many people, especially at this time of year. But the beauty of this moment in time is that the USHJA is extremely malleable. This year, new people are being added to committees, and it’s the perfect time to step up and make a difference, in whatever way works best for you, whether sitting on a committee or simply communicating regularly with your zone committee.

Yes, you can read my report and get a glimpse of the convention. But to truly appreciate the whole process, you must experience the passions of your peers first-hand as they debate subjects near and dear to them, topics like the helmet rule and horse welfare. Without seeing that, the convention could seem like little more than just an academic exercise.

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