Mules might be turning heads in the hunter ring sooner than you think.
Contested Arena
After renewed effort from mule supporters, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has once again approved a rule change to allow mules to compete in hunter and equitation classes — and the proposal now goes to the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) for a vote in June.
The idea isn’t new, breeders and competitors first suggested letting mules in hunter and equitation rings in 2023 after a long campaign that successfully put them into jumper divisions in 2022. That original hunter proposal passed the USHJA vote, but was ultimately rejected by USEF, leaving mules still on the sidelines at USEF-recognized hunter shows.
Great Show Partners
Why the push now? Supporters like breeder Kimmy Risser and eventer Holly Fox argue that mules already compete successfully in dressage and jumpers alongside horses and should be judged by those same performance standards in hunters, too. Dressage has welcomed mules for more than 20 years and their jumper inclusion has shown they can perform at recognized competitions without issue.
Equal Opportunity
It turns out, people really like mules and some of the most passionate advocates aren’t even mule owners themselves, but they ride with and for friends who do. One standout example is Alan A Day’s Work, a jumping mule made famous as a Breyer model, whose presence in the sport has helped spotlight the broader argument: mules belong in more competitive arenas.
For mule owners like Whitney Barnard and researcher Dr. Amy McLean, the barriers go beyond just rules — it’s about access and fairness. Many riders have been turned away from hunter shows simply because their equine partner has long ears, despite being fully capable athletes. McLean points out that many mule competitors aren’t trying to beat big-money horses; they simply want to enjoy showing, set personal goals and demonstrate what their animals can do.
Why Not Mules?
Many supporters also highlight how including mules could help grassroots participation and benefit local horse shows, bringing more entries and revenue to events that need it. With other breeds like Arabians and Quarter Horses already welcomed in hunter classes despite having separate breed shows, advocates ask: why not mules?
If USEF approves the rule in June, mules could be eligible for hunter classes at recognized competitions as early as 2027, opening new doors for riders who have been waiting years for a chance to compete in the hunter ring with their long-eared partners.