Members can submit comments to zones@ushja.org. Please include your zone. To learn more about specifications, and view the current 2021 specs, click here.

There is a new location for the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships and Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships for Zones 7 & 8. The championships will be July 21-25 at Split Rock Jumping Tour at The Colorado Horse Park.

Qualifying ends and applications close for the championships on July 13.

The USHJA is pleased to announce USHJA Equitation Championships for 2021. The following will be happening on the East Coast:

September 22-26

International Jumping Festival, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

September 26

International Jumping Festival - Blenheim, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

July 22

Sonoma Horse Park, Petaluma, Calif.

By Johanna Jessen

Hannah LeJeune is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, currently in her seventh year of riding in the hunter/jumper discipline. Only recently has she been able to devote more time to horses, as she spent the majority of her childhood dancing competitively. This led to her purchase of her first horse, Bella.

Not in a search for a horse at the time, Bella was presented for sale at the perfect moment in December of 2020, a result of Hurricane Laura’s damages on her home farm in Lake Charles. Hannah instantly agreed to take Bella, stating that she had “always loved and dreamt of buying her, even with a college student bank account.” At this point, Hannah had never owned or cared for a horse on her own, but was more than up for the challenge and learning possibilities.

There are several USHJA Town Halls with USHJA President Mary Knowlton, formerly Babick, coming up that you can participate in!

June 23-27

Blenheim June Classic III at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

July 28- August 1

Equifest I at Lamplight Equestrian Center

Wayne, Ill.

August 29

Virginia Young Horse Festival at the Virginia Horse Center

Lexington, Va.

Also for pony riders, free educational horsemanship clinics will return during the 2021 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Though not exclusively for ponies, those under 14.2 can also participate in the new USHJA Hunter Team Challenge, a unique team experience for riders competing in the 2’-2’6” Children’s Pony Hunters, 2’6” Low Child/Adult Hunters and 3’ Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter divisions.

The USHJA invites trainers, riding facilities, clubs, or other associations to host a Mini EAP clinic for your students.

Mini EAP provides an introduction to the Emerging Athletes Program's goal of “opening eyes and opening doors” for developing riders, ensuring that all levels of equestrian athletes have access to a strong educational foundation both in the saddle and in the barn.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming USHJA Webinars:

May 25, 7 p.m. ET

Stand out in the Hunter Breeding ring, Equitation ring and everywhere in between with bridle fit tips from Hunter/Equitation Judge and Hunter Breeding Official Sue Lightner.

June 22, 7 p.m. ET

With the ever-increasing use of safety vests throughout the Hunter/Jumper industry, the USHJA Safety Committee would like to open a discussion with members like you to determine the interest in further researching and promoting this potentially life-saving equipment.