New Committee Interest Form Now Available Online

In the interest of creating greater opportunity for our members to become involved in the governance of our sport, the USHJA has developed a new committee interest form that allows members to better express their desire to serve on committees, their areas of interest and their experience. As the association develops a new governance model providing a greater balance of representation of USHJA's hunter and jumper constituents this will be an important component. USHJA is launching this new online form to ensure members are aware of how to communicate their interest and have the time to submit the Committee Interest Form prior to committees being reseated at the end of this competition year. There are approximately 500 volunteers that serve in the USHJA governance structure and while that is a large number of people, USHJA cannot guarantee a committee seat for everyone who expresses an interest in serving. To learn more please visit the USHJA website.

Click Here for the Committee Interest Form.

2012 USHJA Zone Election Reminders

In order to vote in the upcoming Zone Committee elections a member must be active by March 1, 2012 with a senior life, senior active or senior associate membership, AND be declared hunter or jumper. If you are not sure of your designation or would like to change your designation you can contact membership coordinators Christina Murphy or Kim Knotek

Also note that Zone Committee Nominations are open as of February 1, 2012. Nominated members must be in good standing with the USHJA and a senior life, active, or associate member. Nomination Forms can be found here and self nominations are allowed.

New for Zone 1 — Young Rider Development Class

The Zone 1 Young Rider Development Class is a series of 5 five jumper classes (1.20 – 1.30m) with the goal of promoting the NAJYR program and to create incentives for aspiring young jumper riders. This series will award a total of $2000 in bonus prize money to the top six Young Rider eligible junior or amateur riders between the ages of 14 to 21 from Zone 1, irrespective of class placings. The last class will be followed by an educational demonstration about different aspects of High Performance Show Jumping as well as an award presentation to the high money winner from the series. For more information please contact Greg Prince.

Participating events:

• Fairfield – June 19-23
• Vermont Summer Festival – July 4-8
• Manchester Summer Festival – July 11-15
• North Hampton Hunter & Jumper – August 9-12
• Fieldstone Summer Showcase – August 21-25

Come Monday Wins Inaugural WCHR Peter Wetherill Cup

The United States Hunter Jumper Association and the USHJA Foundation will honor the life and legacy of equestrian Peter Wetherill on February 18, 2012, when the Peter Wetherill Cup is presented for the first time, during the World Championship Hunter Rider Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, in Wellington, Florida.

The award will be presented to Tammy and Jon Williams' Davlyn Farms, of Rancho Santa Fe, California; owners of the 9 year-old Holsteiner mare Come Monday, who finished 2011 with a stellar show record and received several nominations for the Peter Wetherill Cup. Come Monday was a true stand out in the hunter world in 2011, earning a total of 14 Championships in the First Year Green and Green Conformation Hunters, including the First Year Green Championship at the Capital Challenge and Pennsylvania National Horse Shows. In addition to these accomplishments, the versatility Come Monday has shown competing successfully in USHJA International Hunter Derby classes, proves she is truly deserving of the title, "WCHR Hunter of the Year".

Read More about the Peter Wetherill Cup

WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Tables Available

The World Championship Hunter Rider Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Week takes places February 15-19, during week six of the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival. Throughout that week, the very best in show hunters will take center stage and riders will compete to qualify for several awards and hunter classics, the highlight of which will be the Palm Beach Hunter Classic Spectacular, to be held in honor of Peter Wetherill, Saturday February 18, under the lights of the International Arena.

The class is returning to its original format where Professionals, Juniors and Amateurs will compete head to head for the coveted title of the 2012 Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular Champion! As always, the International Club will be full of food and fun, complete with a Calcutta, champagne toast, cocktails and dinner. Tables of six are now available for purchase.

All proceeds benefit the USHJA Foundation which supports programs such as the Horseman's Assistance Fund and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Please visit the USHJA Foundation website to be part of this exciting evening and to reserve your table now! For more information please contact Whitney Allen at 859.225.6707

Click Here to purchase your table(s) or tickets now.

There's Still Time – Emerging Athletes Program 2012

Applications for the 2012 Emerging Athletes Program are still being accepted! Ten EAP Regional Clinics are being held at various locations throughout the country during the months of June, July and August. The intensive four day clinics will be taught by some of the country's top clinicians and stable managers. Please check the EAP Calendar for the Regional Clinic in your area. Riders interested in participating in the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program must submit the EAP Application and required documents to USHJA no later than the respective deadline.

New for 2012, applicants are required to pass the Level One USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, with a score of 80% or better, to be considered for participation in a Regional Clinic.

Dates for the EAP Regional Clinic held at Oz, Inc. in Canby, OR, have been changed to June 28 – July 1, 2012.

Regional Clinic Deadlines:

• Clinics held in June – Deadline April 1, 2012
• Clinics held in July – Deadline May 1, 2012
• Clinics held in August – Deadline June 1, 2012

For full application details visit the EAP Apply page or contact Jennifer Kisner at 859.225.6705

Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is Approaching!

Registration for the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge presented by Sweet Briar College will be available next month! The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge educates and recognizes young equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge through a three-part quiz series. This program is open to all levels of youth horsemen and horsewomen, regardless of their competition achievements. Click Here to learn more about the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge.

For more information, contact Carrie Vaught at 859.225.6703.

NAJYRC — 2012 News

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.

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 applications also have an extended deadline of June 15, 2012. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY will again host the 2012 NAJYRC.

For CERTIFICATE OF CAPABILITY, riders now have the option of utilizing a form to be signed by the judge to fulfill this requirement. Click Here for a certificate of capability form for the 2012 FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships.

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

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.