December 22, 2022 
Each week on #HallOfFameThursday, Horse Network recognizes members of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame with an inductee’s plaque, historical photos and, on the first Thursday of every month, an article written by a Show Jumping Hall of Famer. This week, we recognize Harry D. Chamberlin Show Jumping Hall of Fame class of 1990.
Brigadier General Harry D. Chamberlin was one of the most influential horseman of the 20th century and this country’s most eloquent expositor of Caprilli’s concepts of forward riding.
Chamberlin had not ridden horses at all prior to his appointment to West Point, from which he graduated in 1910, yet he became arguably the finest rider the Army ever produced. He went on to participate successfully in the 1920, 1928 and 1932 Olympic Games, competing in all three disciplines of show jumping, dressage and three-day eventing. Chamberlin won the individual Silver Medal in jumping and a team Gold Medal in three-day eventing during the 1932 Olympics.
Chamberlin was also instrumental in the formation of the first Army Horse Show Team, which established an enviable record while in his charge on its then regular fall circuit of Boston, New York and Toronto.
Chamberlin was also a fine writer. His two most outstanding books, “Riding and Schooling Horses” (1934) and “Training Hunters, Jumpers and Hacks” (1937), were published by Derrydale Press and reprinted many times as they became recognized authorities on soundly progressive riding and training methods.
All images courtesy of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame.
The Show Jumping Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit charity that relies solely on contributions to operate. If you liked this story, please consider supporting its efforts to preserve our sport’s history. Donations can be made online at www.ShowJumpingHallofFame.net.
