Susie Schoellkopf

In everything we do, we need to make sure we’re continuing to challenge our riders.

As the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association convention approaches in early December, several recent Chronicle articles have given all of us in the hunter/ jumper world something to think about.

Many people complain about the issues Shelley Campf, Leo Conroy, George Morris and Ron Danta have brought up in their articles.

Our columnist has noticed some things that seem to be in vogue in the horse show world—and explains why she likes some and hates others.

The first of the hot topics I’ve noticed lately in the hunter/equitation world involves money won in the professional divisions.

Many are saying there aren’t enough professional rated horses to fill the divisions such as the first year, second year, high performance and conformation divisions. I think there are some different factors that need to be figured into this concept.

Our columnist examines some changes to the fall show schedule.

As the winter show circuits were thriving, three of our major indoor shows experienced significant changes that could have a strong impact on the hunter industry. As people start packing to move back to their summer bases, they’re deciding which shows to attend based on criteria like distance to their home, quality of the show and footing, and costs. The managers of most top shows have learned that they must make improvements in order to attract exhibitors, and the indoor shows are no different.

My most recent article, “We Need To Strive To Better Ourselves” drew a huge reaction. Most of the article was asking the question: Do we ask our riders to strive to go to the next level? It was by no means knocking the lower height divisions. All I was saying is that we should use all the divisions as steppingstones.

I’ve always thought that a good writer presents topics that can be discussed. I’ve never thought I had all the answers, but simply many of the questions.

We’ve had an exciting year for hunters and jumpers in this country in 2010. We’re in the midst of an economic crisis—horse shows have all been hit by fewer entries—yet we keep going because of our love of our horses and ponies and our love of competition.

This year’s The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA $100,000 International Hunter Derby Finals hit a home run. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games limited the choices as to where this competition could be held, so this year it moved to the new indoor ring at The Kentucky Horse Park.

Our columnist reflects on the World Cup controversy and what teamwork means to our sport.

This spring we witnessed one of the most controversial FEI World Cup Show Jumping Finals in the history of the sport. The U.S. riders had picked up where they left off at the 2008 Olympic Games and started out strongly, with Rich Fellers and Flexible winning the first leg of the World Cup. McLain Ward and Sapphire earned second-placed ribbons in the first two legs for the overall lead.

Our columnist sees great advantages to becoming certified, including valuable continuing education and improved safety for riders and horses.

I had an eye-opening experience when I took the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Trainers Certification Level I test in early February. I realized that we trainers have indeed been skipping steps and using showing as a means to an end instead of stepping back and making sure the basics are followed.

Our columnist reflects on two important milestones she witnessed in the hunter/jumper sport this summer.

I’ve been fortunate to be involved in major changes in our hunter/jumper world in a short time, and two of these have been so beneficial for our sports: the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program and the USHJA International Hunter Derby.

These two programs—and many others, both established and in the works— have evolved since the birth of the national hunter/jumper affiliate, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, five years ago.

Our columnist reflects on why it's so vital to retain and value tradition at our venerable horse shows.

Tradition, elegance and history all come together each May when The National Show Hunter Hall of Fame hosts their annual dinner during the Devon Horse Show. This dinner, held May 26 at The Merion Cricket Club in Haverford, Pa., (June 12, p. 69) is the perfect setting to celebrate great hunters and horsemen.

Our columnist would like to see young horsemen replace their blaring iPods with solid horsemanship skills.

When times get tough people have different reactions and demonstrate their feelings through how they behave toward others. A lot of the mess the United States is in right now is because we have become a nation of “I and me” instead of “we.”