What's Inside?
Now in Effect: New Rules 2018KBFYS
We are officially underway with the new (competition) year! Do you know the important rule changes that are now in effect for the 2018 competition year and affect Hunter/Jumper competition? Please take the time to review these important updates that were developed with horse and rider well-being and safety, fairness of play, and enhancing the competitive experience in mind. Click here for a comprehensive list of rule changes that were approved in early 2017 and will take effect for the 2018 competition year. View the entire 2018 USEF Rulebook here.

USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships to Debut in 2018YHPC
The USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships are open to ponies 7 years old and under. Credit: Tricia Booker/ USHJA Archives
The USHJA is pleased to announce that 2018 will bring the first Championships designed specifically for young hunter ponies, those 7 years old and under. The USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships will be held at the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, on September 30, 2018.

The USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships will offer the following sections: Hunter Pony 4 & 5 Year Olds 2', Hunter Pony 4 & 5 Year Olds 2'3", Hunter Pony 6 & 7 Year Olds 2', Hunter Pony 6 & 7 Year Olds 2'3" and Hunter Pony 6 & 7 Year Olds 2'6" (exhibitor's choice) to be made up of one model, one under saddle class and two over fences classes. An under saddle class for 5 Year Olds & under for ponies not competing in the 4 & 5 Year Olds over fences classes will also be offered.

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USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program Takes Off Nationwide in 2017RRA
Photo courtesy of Marnye Langer
Are you in search of a place to ride with qualified instructors? Or, do you have a lesson program that promotes safe, beginner-rider instruction for those looking to start their hunter/jumper endeavors? The USHJA Recognized Riding Academy program acknowledges lesson programs, riding facilities, equestrian schools and other types of educational equestrian programs that emphasize:
  • Horsemanship
  • Sportsmanship
  • Promote safety
  • Offer introductory hunter/jumper lessons
More than 42 facilities or programs nationwide earned the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy designation in 2017, meeting requirements for facility, operation, safety, staff and curriculum as set forth by the USHJA.

To find a location near you, or to see requirements, benefits and to apply to have your facility recognized, visit ushja.org/RidingAcademy.
Congratulations to the Young Horse Show Series Leading Riders!YHS
Congratulations to the leading riders in this year's Young Horse Show Series! This new series award for riders, presented by the USHJA, rewards the top three riders, who are also USHJA members, based on points collected throughout the series.  
 
2017 YHS High-Point Rider Award results:

1st Martin Douzant 64 points
2nd Ashley Douzant
56 points
3rd Caitlin Davison 40 points
This award aims to encourage and recognize riders focused on developing young horses within the hunter and jumper disciplines. In addition to showcasing the horses and riders' abilities, the Young Horse Show Series offers breeders an important opportunity to meet and interact with riders who are committed to the development of young hoses. For complete results, click here
See You in San Antonio!AM
We're looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2017 USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, December 10-14, in San Antonio, Texas!  This year's meeting will feature great keynote speakers, educational sessions, and the chance for members to connect with their peers, meet with Association leadership, and celebrate the accomplishments of fellow equestrians.

Whether you're able to join us or not, be sure to follow along on the USHJA Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels for live updates using the hashtag #AMSanAntonio, and stay tuned for special coverage of this year's Annual Meeting in the special January digital issue of USHJA In Stride! If you're at the meeting, be sure to share your experience using the hashtag as well.
You're Invited! 2018 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular & GalaPBS
You're invited! Table sales are now open for the 2018 $100,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Gala on Saturday, February 17, which benefits the WCHR Program. Watch top hunters compete for the title of Champion under the lights of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, during Week 6 of the Winter Equestrian Festival. 

Purchase your table today at ushja.org/WCHRSpectacular
Consider Giving Back to the Equestrian Community this Holiday SeasonUSHJAF
The USHJA Foundation's Annual Appeal is underway. Join the group of generous donors by making your contribution to embrace, support and protect the USHJA membership today! With every donation, you can help your fellow equestrians recover from a catastrophe, further their education in the sport, or find hope when facing adversity.
 
Whatever your passion, your contribution goes far to protect the hunter/jumper sport and support your fellow equestrians when they need you the most.
  • Your donation to the Horseman's Assistance Fund provides emergency financial assistance that helps equestrians get back on their feet after floods, fires, cancer diagnoses, crippling injuries, and other tragedies.
  • Your gift to the Making a Dream Grant program provides uplifting experiences for young equestrians struggling with illnesses, disabilities, family crises, financial limitations, and other hardships.
  • Your contribution toward Education allows talented equestrians with limited means to attend Emerging Athletes Program training sessions and passionate young professionals just beginning their careers to complete the Trainer Certification Program.
Consider making a donation in someone's honor as a meaningful holiday gift this year. Donating is easy. Simply send  in the donation card you received in the mail or visit ushjafoundation.org/donate to make your contribution online. 
Last Chance to Check Your Points!Points
The deadline to submit point corrections for USHJA Zone Horse of the Year Standings is December 15! 


Have corrections? Email [email protected] by 11:59 p.m. EST December 15. 

USHJA will mail all awards by January 31, 2018, for the following programs with year-end awards:
  • Zone Horse of the Year
  • Stirrup Cup
  • National Hunter Derby Program
  • Green Hunter Incentive Program 
  • International Hunter Derby Program
  • Pony Hunter Derby Program
  • USHJA Outreach
  • 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal
USHJA News Round UpNews
Don't miss out on news and updates from USHJA! Get the all the latest news at ushja.org/news
Have You Renewed Your Membership for 2018?Membership
The 2018 competition year is underway and if you haven't already, now is the time to renew your USHJA, USEF and affiliate memberships! 

Exciting changes this year include: 
  • Memberships running for an entire year, regardless of when members renew
  • An opportunity to sign up for auto-renewal so members don't have to worry about remembering to renew each year
  • New exclusive USHJA member benefits including discounts on airfare, rental cars and hotels



Thank you to our Life and Three-Year members as well as those who have already renewed for 2018; we look forward to serving you again and encourage you to check out the great new benefits
Sponsors and Partners
The USHJA would like to thank the following sponsors and partners for their support of our many programs and endeavors. For more information, click the sponsor logo(s) below.

Official USHJA Sponsors

Additional USHJA Sponsors & Partners





United States Hunter Jumper Association
3870 Cigar Lane
Lexington, KY 40511
P: 859.225.6700
F: 859.258.9033
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