FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"We are thrilled to have the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge open for the fourth year," said Cricket Stone, chair of the USHJA Youth Committee which oversees the program. "Each year we continue to grow and improve the program, and we enjoy seeing young riders that are incredibly knowledgeable and committed to quality horsemanship excel in the HQC program." 
 

Hannah Bentz completes her practicum at the 2014 HQC Finals.  Photo Credit: Tricia Booker/USHJA Archives

Resources are available to encourage and assist participants in preparing for the online quizzes including a practice quiz and a study guide. The official study guide covers topics that include horse identification, anatomy, nutrition, riding theory and welfare, and is available to everyone interested in expanding their equine knowledge, not just HQC participants. 

The HQC is open to any USHJA member who was not 21 years old prior to December 1 of the current competition year. Two different levels of quizzes, composed of multiple-choice and true/false questions, will be administered online. Participants must score an 80 percent or above on the Level One Quiz to advance to the Level Two Quiz. Those who score 90 percent or above on the Level Two Quiz will be eligible for selection to compete at the 2015 HQC Nationals.

"We look forward to seeing this year's HQC competitors put their knowledge and skills to the test, and we encourage everyone to use our resources to improve their horsemanship," continued Stone. "We can never stop learning in this sport."

In 2014, the HQC produced two individual gold medalists, Zoe Conlee, 18, of Ridgefield, WA, and Devyn Hinkle, 18, of Oakland, CA, and the team gold was awarded to the IHSA team of Kabisa Baughen, Brown University; Emily Dengler, SUNY; and Emily Garrett, Ohio University. In addition to their gold medals, Conlee and Hinkle received $1,000 grants for training and education, Charles Owen helmets, and 60-day internships with leading American sport horse breeding and training facility, Spy Coast Farm. The members of the winning IHSA Team each received a $1,000 grant for training and education and a Charles Owen helmet, in addition to their gold medals.

For a complete list of 2015 HQC specifications including eligibility, requirements, qualifying procedures for Nationals, as well as Nationals competition specifications, please visit www.ushja.org/HQC.

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