Essex Classics: THE CHOICE of Hunter/Jumper Riders

Now in its fifth consecutive year, Essex Classics will continue to support two USHJA Programs through 2014: Title Sponsor of the USHJA Hunterdon Cup Equitation Class and Award Sponsor of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Series and Finals. "Essex Classics is proud to continue its strong relationship with the USHJA. The Hunterdon Cup Equitation Class and the International Derby Series are two of the most prestigious venues that test our top level junior riders and showcase our top level hunters. It is very rewarding to support these highly successful programs that bring out the best in our sport."

Always "Raising the Standard of Equestrian Style", Essex Classics continues to set the fashion trend for show shirts with their innovative Wrap Collar shirt that eliminates the need for a separate choker. Designed with a collar that neatly and effortlessly snaps into place when worn in the show ring and trimmed with exquisite Italian silk trim inside the collar and cuffs to make the shirt stylish and sophisticated when worn outside the ring. Fabricated in luxurious, moisture wicking CoolMax fabrics, Essex Performance shirts provide superior breathability and extreme comfort. Only available in the finest tack shops and equestrian websites in the United States and Canada. View our latest collection online at EssexClassics.com.

USHJA Officials Committee Supports Horses Showing Natural Expression and Enthusiasm

Consistent with United States Hunter Jumper Association's commitment to the welfare of our equine partners, its Officials Committee has issued the following statement regarding the performance of competition horses.

"The USHJA Officials Committee is a strong advocate of allowing a horse to show expression, not to the point of it being a safety issue or significantly disrupting the round, but natural and enthusiastic about the job at hand."

Shelby French, CEO of USHJA and 'R' Hunter Judge applauds the Officials Committee for their stance on this topic. "This statement issued by the Officials Committee provides the guiding philosophy on how we should be evaluating horses in the show ring."

The Officials Committee will be emphasizing this position throughout its judging curriculum, including the materials covered at USEF Licensed Officials Clinics.

For more information please contact Kelley Mallery at 859.225.6717.

2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Entry Forms Now Available

On August 17-18, 2012, the top USHJA International Hunter Derby horses in the country will come together again at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, to compete for $100,000 and the title of the 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion. Every horse that has earned a minimum of $500 in USHJA International Hunter Derby classes between June 2, 2011, and June 1, 2012 is qualified to compete. A new feature of the 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, presented by Dietrich Equine Insurance, is the addition of a $15,000 Consolation Competition, in which the highest scoring 30 horses from the Classic Hunter Round, that did not otherwise qualify for the Derby Finals Handy Hunter Round, will be invited back for their own second round. This means more chances to compete for prize money! The Consolation Competition is generously supported by Moyer Farm, LLC.

Get a jump on the closing date of entries, August 1, 2012, by sending in your completed Derby Finals entry form now!

For more information please contact Kelley Mallery at 859.225.6717.

Congratulations Emerging Athletes! Next Application Deadline is May 3

More than 70 applicants to the Emerging Athletes Program have received their acceptance documents and are excitedly making preparations to attend one of the first four Regional Clinics taking place in June! These talented riders will be working with top riding clinicians and stable managers during the four-day clinics. Applications are still being accepted for 6 of the 10 EAP Regional Clinics and the next application deadline is May 3. 16 riders will be selected to advance to the National Training Session and compete for the title of the 2012 EAP National Champion and a $3,000 grant for advanced training. Please check the EAP Calendar for the Regional Clinic in your area.

Riders wishing to participate in one of the four Regional Clinics listed below must complete the application process no later than Thursday May 3, 2012.

• June 28-July 1 at Franktown Meadows in Carson City, NV
  Clinician: Cynthia Hankins     Stable Manager: Francisco Lopez

• June 28-July 1 at Oz Inc., in Canby OR
  Clinician: Kip Rosenthal     Stable Manager: Darren Roberts

• July 10-13 at Coker Fram in Bedford, NY
  Clinician: Candice King     Stable Manager: Erica McKeever

• July 11-14 at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in Lake View Terrace, CA
  Clinician: Anne Kursinski     Stable Manager: Carol Hoffman

For more information please contact Carrie Vaught at 859.225.6703.

NAJYRC – New in 2012: Certificate of Capability for Open Water Required

Athletes wishing to be considered for a 2012 Zone Junior or Young Rider Show Jumping Team for the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) must complete and return the application no later than June 8th. Late applications will not be accepted.

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY will host the 2012 NAJYRC July 17-22, 2012.

Applications must include an application fee of $20, be postmarked, hand-delivered or faxed on or prior to deadline. There are separate applications for the Junior and Young Rider Teams.

Save $10 per application by completing your application online. Online applications are updated immediately in the standings and email confirmation is sent immediately. Click on the "USEF LOGIN" at the top right of the USEF homepage at www.usef.org. Online application also have an extended deadline of June 15, 2012.

New in 2012:

Click here for the NAJYRC General Selection Procedures.

Riders hoping to compete at NAJYRC will have the option of using a form signed by the judge certifying that they had 4 faults or less AND cleared the open water in a class.

Click here for the Certificate of Capability.

Additional information regarding NAJYRC requirements and selection can be found at www.usef.org or by contacting Chris Murphy at 859.225.6714.

Keeping Up with Zone Points and Forums

As the competition season enters full swing don't forget to check your points! In order to accrue points; riders, owners and trainers must be current members of USHJA and USEF, and the horse must be USEF recorded and USHJA registered. Also be sure to check out your Zone calendar for news on upcoming Forums. If you have any questions or concerns please contact one of our membership coordinators: Kim Knotek or Chris Murphy.

Upcoming USHJA International Hunter Derbies

April 29 – Texas Shoot-Out, Tyler, TX

May 4 – Lexington Spring Encore, Lexington, KY

May 6 – Memphis in May I, Germantown, TN

May 11 – Showpark Ranch & Coast, Del Mar, CA

May 12 – Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Lexington, KY

May 13 – Memphis in May II, Germantown, TN

For a complete list of USHJA International Hunter Derby classes for the 2011-12 Qualifying Series visit the USHJA web site.

Upcoming WCHR Member Events

April 25-29 – Lexington Spring Premiere, Lexington, VA

April 25-29 – Texas Shoot-Out, Tyler, TX

May 1-6 – Del Mar National, Del Mar, CA

May 8-13 – Showpark Ranch & Coast, Del Mar, CA

For a complete list of 2012 WCHR Member Events visit the WCHR Events Calendar.

2012 USHJA Trainer Certification Program Clinics

Attendance at a recognized USHJA Trainer Certification Program Clinic will count towards the enrollment requirements for the Trainer Certification Program.

Click Here for a complete list of TCP Clinics.

USHJA 2012 Directory of Clinics

The USHJA Directory of Clinics is dedicated to providing clinics throughout the country to the members of USHJA. For a complete list clinics visit the Directory of Clinics. For questions please contact Carrie Vaught.