2012 Annual Meeting Destination: MIAMI, FL!

The time has come to start gearing up for the 2012 USHJA Annual Meeting Presented by The USHJA Supporting Winter Circuits of Zone 4 and Featuring the Supper Dance Presented by Equestrian Sport Productions and The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. The 2012 Annual Meeting will be held December 3rd – 6th, at Hilton Miami Downtown in Miami, FL.

Join us in the sunshine state for a great annual meeting starting with a Copacabana themed Welcome Supper Dance. This hot Miami party is the perfect way to kick off our meeting and it is FREE to all 2012 registrants. Visit the updated 2012 USHJA Annual Meeting Site to find more information on highlights, schedules, registration, sponsors and the hotel. The earlier you register the more money you'll save; we look forward to seeing everyone there.

USHJA Foundation Offering More Grants & Scholarships in 2012

In 2011 the USHJA Foundation collaborated with several USHJA Zones to develop the Scholarship & Grants Partner Program. Created to provide USHJA members with a well-integrated and easy to use system, the program provides zones an opportunity to give back to their members in the form of financial assistance towards educational needs.

The USHJA Foundation contributes additional funds to supplement the various educational awards, which helps to increase the cash value of each scholarship or grant that a zone awards. 2012 has happily seen an increased number of zones now partnering with the Foundation and a healthy growth in the zone donations. Such boost means the Zones are able to provide for more recipients and the awards can be more sizable.

The USHJA Foundation appreciates the support of all the participating Zones, "As a supporting organization of the USHJA, the Foundation worked hard to put together a system of grants and scholarships that would assist the members of the USHJA who wish to broaden their knowledge and skill set inside and outside of the classroom. The Foundation was excited to see the number of zones who participated in the 2011 inaugural year and we are delighted to be growing the partnership in 2012. It is our hope that every zone will provide an opportunity for their members to benefit from each category" said Whitney Allen, Managing Director of the USHJA Foundation.

To learn what your Zone's Grants and Scholarships offerings are please visit the USHJA web site at ushja.org or contact Kim Knotek at 859.225.6709.

Derby News – 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 return to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, to compete for $100,000 and the title of the 2012 USHJA International Hunter Derby Champion. To qualify, a horse must have competed in USHJA International Hunter Derby classes between June 2, 2011, and June 1, 2012 and earned a minimum of $500. 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 for 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.

Emerging Athletes – Next Application Deadline is June 1^st

Applications are still being accepted for two of the 10 EAP Regional Clinics held throughout the country, that offer the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and stable managers. Each four-day clinic features flatwork, gymnastics, course work and an intensive stable management curriculum. 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 Regional Clinics listed below must complete the application process no later than June 1, 2012.

• August 6-9 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA
  Clinician: Karen Healey     Stable Manager: Lisa Baldassari

• August 23-26 at the University of Findlay in Findlay, OH
  Clinician: Julie Winkel     Stable Manager: TBD

For more information please contact Carrie Vaught at 859.225.6703.

REMINDER – New Open Water Requirement and Approaching Deadline for 2012 NAJYRC

Athletes who want 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 applications also have an extended deadline of June 15, 2012.

Certificate of Capability for Open Water are required for 2012. Riders competing at NAJYRC now have the option of using a form signed by the judge certifying that the rider had 4 faults or less AND cleared the open water in a class. Additional information regarding NAJYRC requirements and selection can be found at usef.org or by contacting Chris Murphy at 859.225.6714.

Stay Up to Date on Zone Points and Forums

With the competition season in full swing you'll want to check your points! Remember in order to accrue points riders and owners must be a current members of USHJA and USEF, and the horse must be USEF recorded and USHJA registered. Also be sure to check out your Zone calendars 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

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

May 12 – Kentucky Spring Horse Show, Lexington, KY

May 13 – Memphis in May II, Germantown, TN

May 19 – Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY

May 19 – Atlanta Spring Challenge, Conyers, GA

May 20 – Keswick Hunt Club, Keswick, VA

For a complete list of USHJA International Hunter Derby classes visit the USHJA web site.

Upcoming WCHR Member Events

May 15-20 – Keswick Hunt Club, Keswick, VA

May 15-20 – Old Salem Farm, North Salem, NY

May 16-20 – Kentucky Spring II, Lexington, KY

May 16-20 – Show Jumping Classic, Tyler, TX

May 16-20 – Atlanta Spring Challenge, Conyers, GA

May 16-20 – High Prairie Spring Classic, Parker, CO

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.