In 2023, the Federation appointed a Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judges Task Force, which was tasked with evaluating, analyzing, and improving the current hunter and hunter/jumping seat equitation judging system. Over the last two years, the Task Force, in collaboration with USHJA, has evaluated various concerns regarding judging and reviewed processes related to education, licensing, and judging systems.

Through this process, we identified a need to evaluate and improve the current licensing and education systems for Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judges. The Task Force

examined feedback from stakeholders, assessed the effectiveness of the current systems, and considered the evolving standards within the sport. Enhanced educational resources and updated training curricula are essential to ensuring that judges are well-prepared to uphold fairness, consistency, and integrity in their officiating role. To allow USHJA sufficient time to review and develop applicable training programs, the Federation will impose a moratorium on new Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Judge applications (‘r’ and ‘R’ levels) from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2026. This will ensure new judges begin their licensing process with consistent and up-to-date resources, and are aligned on judging standards from the start of their licensing process.

Hunter and Hunter/Jumping Seat Equitation Judge applicants who start an application before December 1, 2025, will be permitted to continue with the application process. However, those applicants must fulfill the eligibility requirements within 45 days of starting an application. USHJA will continue to host applicant, promotion, and maintenance clinics in 2026 to meet the needs of current applicants and licensed judges.

Jumper Judge, Jumper Course Designer, Hunter Course Designer, and Hunter Breeding applicants are not affected by this application moratorium.

General information about the Licensed Official licensing process can be reviewed on the USEF Become Licensed webpage. Questions regarding the application moratorium can be directed to [email protected]. Current licensed official applicants with questions about their application may reach out to the USEF Licensed Officials Department at [email protected].