Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

What’s Going Wrong?

Many of our country’s best horsemen—including several of the Chronicle’s Between Rounds columnists—have been discussing and writing about the ongoing problems in the hunter/jumper disciplines for some time now. They say these issues, which run the gamut from a lack of horsemanship skills in our young riders to the debate over the current U.S. Equestrian Federation mileage rule, have all ultimately contributed to the inconsistent international performances by our show jumping teams.
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Many of our country’s best horsemen—including several of the Chronicle’s Between Rounds columnists—have been discussing and writing about the ongoing problems in the hunter/jumper disciplines for some time now. They say these issues, which run the gamut from a lack of horsemanship skills in our young riders to the debate over the current U.S. Equestrian Federation mileage rule, have all ultimately contributed to the inconsistent international performances by our show jumping teams.
This week Linda Allen brings up some troubling issues she sees the sport facing in her column “What Do You Think Of Our Current Hunter/Jumper System?” (p. 33).

As our society has changed, show jumping has evolved too, which is only natural. It’s the transition from a sport into a business, however, that’s caused the most conflict in our world. While most sports have undertaken this change in stride, ours is a much different animal, literally. We’re not dealing with balls, bats and golf clubs, we’re working with a living, breathing partner.

A friend recently compared many of today’s trainers to used car salesmen. They do their best business when selling and maintaining the fanciest models for their clients to drive around at these special venues called “shows” where the other people there admire and envy their ability to purchase them. Riding is like putting someone in a car and showing her the controls—once she’s comfortable with the brakes and the gas pedal, it’s off to the show ring for the lowest division at the next AA rated show.

While this used car mentality has always existed in the fringes of the sport, it’s now permeated through the levels. Back in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s our top grand prix riders had horses that became household names—such as Snowbound, Idle Dice and For The Moment—who spent many years at the top of their games instead of just a season or two before they dropped down to become winning junior, children’s or amateur jumpers.

Consequently, when these talented jumpers find their way to the lower levels they’re overqualified for their jobs and sent out as ribbon collectors, not necessarily teachers. Taking the time to truly educate a rider into a horseman, with lessons at home and schooling shows, now simply takes time away from chasing points and buying or selling that next six-figure horse.

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Unfortunately, the escalating costs of horse showing are also preventing some less advantaged but gifted riders from being “discovered” because their families can’t even afford the sport even at the base level. In addition, often the financially challenged rider who develops a star grand prix horse can’t resist the offers made, and the horse goes to yet another rider, regardless of skill, who can write the check.

Returning to the past isn’t an option. So how do we tweak today’s hunter/jumper system to bring out the best in our sport? How do we find that delicate balance that allows for the business to thrive while also carefully developing talented horses and educating the great horsemen of the future? Is there a way for us to once again become a consistent international force in show jumping while also allowing for our top grand prix riders to earn a living in the United States? I certainly hope so.

These are just a few of the many questions the leaders of the sport are pondering, and the situation we’re in hasn’t gone unnoticed. Many dedicated USEF and U.S. Hunter Jumper Association committee members are working tirelessly to resolve these issues. Linda Allen, one of these dedicated horsemen, asks many questions in her column and hopes that you’ll in turn respond with some suggestions.

Tricia Booker

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