Reminder: USHJA Rule Changes are in Effect for 2026

The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has implemented rule changes, most of which went into effect on December 1, 2025. With few shows in December, plus the distraction of the holidays, here is a reminder of some new rules as the 2026 competition season is underway.

Summary of USHJA rules changes in effect:

BLOOD RULES: The presence of blood on a horse in competition is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by a licensed judge or ground jury, and blood found to be caused by the rider/handler or equipment results in elimination.

EQUITATION TESTS: A two-point or half-seat position at the walk or trot has been added to the list of Equitation tests.

HUNTER POINTS: When entering individual Hunter classes, points count based on the entries for each class rather than the number of entries in the section's first class.

JUNIOR/AMATEUR HANDLERS: Stallions are prohibited from Junior/Amateur Handler classes.

RETURNING FOR CONFORMATION (Hunters): Horses and ponies in conformation sections must return to be considered for a ribbon.

SADDLE ATTACHMENTS: No piece of equipment may be attached to a saddle if it has a rigid, upward-pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching a rider's clothing or the rider when dismounting, including stirrups. Open-sided stirrups, or the type of safety stirrup with a stiff rubber band to close the outside, known as peacock stirrups, are no longer permitted.

SOUNDNESS: Trotting a circle at the end of an over-fences round to demonstrate soundness is now required for the following divisions/classes: Equitation, Adult and Low Adult Amateur, Children's and Low Children's Hunter, Low Children's Hunter Pony, and USHJA Hunter sections.

SPURS: Rules regarding spurs now align with the FEI rule on spurs.

Jumpers - Spurs must be made of smooth metal. Rowel spurs with serrated edges are not permitted. Hammer spurs are allowed. Smooth metal or plastic “impulse” spurs with round hard plastic or metal knobs and “Dummy” spurs with no shank are allowed. The contact surface with the horse and all edges must be smooth rounded. When mounted, athletes may wear only one spur on each boot. 

Hunters and Equitation - 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.  

TACK RULES (Hunter schooling): When schooling over fences, if draw reins, chambons, de gogues, or other similar tack attach to the girth between the legs, they must be run through a yoke or neck strap. If attached on the side, they must be attached to the saddle or billets.

Jumpers: Any tack used in an unconventional manner or considered against the welfare of the horse will incur possible elimination from the class (upcoming or class in progress) or disqualification from the show. Items such as cables, wire, exposed chains, or unconventional materials are prohibited (curb chains used in the conventional manner are excluded).  

VETERINARIANS: Any veterinarian providing services on competition grounds must be registered with USEF.

For the complete 2026 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) rulebook, click HERE.

The USHJA is the largest single organization under the USEF umbrella.