The AON/USHJA National Championships will feature National Hunter Championships for Amateur Owners, Junior Hunters, Green Hunters, Pony Hunters, Adult Amateur Hunters and Children's Hunters, with each section offering $4,000 in prize money across two over fences classes, one under saddle and a Hunter Classic. Jumper riders will compete in the USEF/USHJA National Jumper Championships, with eight sections of Jumper competition from 1.10m to 1.40m for Junior, Amateur and Open Jumper competitors. Each jumper section will offer $12,000 in prize money across three classes including a $10,000 Grand Prix. Equitation Championships will also be held for riders 14 and under and those 15-17, and a first of its kind USHJA Affiliate Hunter Championships will be featured at fence heights of 2' and 2'6".
"For the first time, we will have a national championship that is designed to give Amateur, Junior, Adults and Children's riders something really special to look forward to all year," said Pat Boyle, competition manager for the inaugural AON/USHJA National Championships.
Members interested in participating must
enter by Sept. 14 and submit a non-refundable $50 application fee, which will be credited toward the entry fee should the applicant qualify. Entered riders qualify based on points standings from competitions with a start date from Dec. 1, 2017, to Sept. 9, 2018.
Additionally, USHJA Affiliates are invited to send their best 2' and 2'6" horse-and-rider combinations to compete in the USHJA Affiliate Championships. Entering does not commit riders to attend; however, only those who enter by the deadline will be eligible to qualify.
"It's based on zone points, and we work our way down the zone standings based on who enters," said Boyle of the qualifying procedure. "Once we go down the zone lists, we move to the national standings, so it's worth it to get your name on the list."
The Championships will take place during The Las Vegas National, CSI4*-W, which is held at the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa's unique Arena & Equestrian Center. The Center offers an exceptional experience where riders and horses stay under one roof and exhibitors can also enjoy the spa, casino, 64 bowling lanes, a 16-screen movie theater and nine dining establishments offered at the venue. Learn more about the competition and all it has to offer at
www.thelasvegasnational.com. Download the
prize list here.
"Beyond the competition itself, we're going to have a lot of educational pieces," added Boyle. "We will have seminars for the kids, parents and adults that will cover pretty much everything you could possibly imagine related to horse care and showing. It will be a great week of education in addition to great competition."
In addition to educational opportunities, the AON/USHJA National Championships will provide all competitors and their families fun activities throughout the week and an experience to remember. USHJA extends sincere thanks to Blenheim Equisports for hosting the 2018 AON/USHJA National Championships during The Las Vegas National CSI4*-W, as well as the many USHJA volunteers who are making the Championships possible.
"I'm really excited," said Boyle. "This creates a whole new goal for people, and they are showcased alongside a World Cup Qualifier, which makes it really special. I encourage everyone to enter; you never know what could happen."
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this exciting event. Contact Pat Boyle at
showsno1@aol.com or (847) 274-5834 for more information about sponsorship.
As the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services, AON is the title sponsor for the USHJA National Championships for 2018, 2019 and 2020.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 50,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise. Aon has been named repeatedly as the world's best broker, best insurance intermediary, reinsurance intermediary, captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources. Visit
www.aon.com for more information on Aon and
www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United. Aon is a broker for Great American. Great American is a contributor to the AON/USHJA National Championships.
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Media Contact:
Megan Lacy
(859) 225-6723
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Program Contact:
Katie Patrick
kpatrick@ushja.org
(859) 225-6725 |
