To say Britt McCormick knows the hunter-jumper industry is an understatement. He’s spent his life in it, from his childhood in Flower Mound, Texas, to his current position as the newly elected president of the USHJA. Britt grew up in the business and was a Junior catch rider “on every type of horse imaginable,” he said. “I was lucky enough to apprentice with the very best trainers of the time and eventually opened my own business in 1989 in San Antonio.”
Britt married the love of his life and soulmate, Rachel, 27 years ago and the couple moved back to the Dallas area and founded Elmstead Farm in Plano, Texas, in 1997. They have two children: Erica, a PhD candidate at Stanford University, and Stone, an equestrian. In 2023, with the addition of Stone and Natalie Stoyko as trainers and partners, they changed the name of their farm to Stonewall Farm. “I’ve been lucky enough to own and operate a training and showing stable for over 30 years,” Britt said, “and I look forward to watching my son grow into my role and helping him as long as I am able.”
Britt has also been involved with governance of the sport for many years, and will be using his experience to lead the USHJA with the goal of strengthening the organization’s relationship with its members. “I am a horse trainer first and always,” Britt said. “I also do my best to teach people how to communicate with horses effectively and humanely. I got to the point where I am now by learning from those who would teach me, watching those who would let me and letting the horses guide me.”
What are some of your best early memories of horses?
I have always loved watching and listening to horses. My grandfather and father were both horsemen, although much different types with much different careers. Since I was little, I have always felt a bond with horses, and I enjoy being around them as much as riding them. My earliest memories are of driving/being drug by my Shetland pony Daisy around on the ice and her pulling me in a wheelbarrow body like a sled, jumping over railroad ties and trying not to flip over!
Have you had any favorite horses?
My all-time favorite horse was a Selle Français named 82nd Airborne. He was my first Grand Prix horse when I was a kid and we just got along. I ended up with him because nobody else could or wanted to ride him, but he will always be my favorite. He could jump anything you pointed him at.
If you weren’t involved with the horse world, what career do you think you would have picked?
If I wasn’t involved in horses, I would definitely have gone into some kind of government service like the CIA, FBI or State Department.
If you could tell every rider one thing, what would it be?
Be still and be soft.
If you had a week off, what would you do?
Take a vacation with Rachel—anywhere she wanted to go.
Have you had a funny horse moment that still makes you laugh?
When Stone was on his small pony in Atlanta during a pony derby in the Grand Prix field, the course had them gallop up the bank and back down again. On the way down the hill, his pony started whinnying. I have it on tape and it always makes me smile.
What’s something you’ve done that not many people have?
I have shaken hands with two U.S. presidents.
Who inspires you?
I’m a huge fan of General George S. Patton and Jaques Pépin (how different are those two!) but I’m inspired by anyone who is good at what they do, no matter what field. I love watching people who are good at what they do.
Do you have a personal motto?
I try to treat people like I would want them to treat me.
Outside of horses, what do you like to do?
I love cooking.
What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Good quality Parmigiano-Reggiano, fresh eggs from our chickens, spinach.
What’s your favorite meal?
That has changed as I have gotten older, but I like to try things that are new and that I can’t make at home. Mostly seafood.
Something people don’t know about you?
I am a huge “Star Trek,” “Star Wars” and “Dr. Who” fan.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Fly like Superman.
What’s your favorite thing about being part of the horse world?
We’re lucky to be involved in a sport and an industry where anyone can be involved. There are so many opportunities, and even though the lifestyle can be difficult at times, it has provided me and my family with more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. I get to work outside, work with great animals and see the country in a very special and unique way. Most importantly, I have the opportunity to do all of these things with my family.
Photos courtesy of Britt McCormick
