USHJA Pony Hunter Derby 

The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby offers Juniors the opportunity to compete ponies in a series modeled after the International and National Hunter Derby programs. Competitors can earn National and Zone year-end series awards.

Each USHJA Pony Hunter Derby will feature two rounds—a Classic Hunter style course (first round) and a Handy Hunter course (second round). Fence heights will be adjusted by size (small - 2'3", medium - 2’6", and large 2’9"-3’0"), but the class will not be split by size. Each derby is pinned through 12th place.

The class is judged by a minimum of two judges who provide a single score for each round. No high option fences are included in either round, and handiness is taken into account in the base score of the Handy Hunter round. The score from each round will be added together for an overall score. In the event of a tie for first place, riders will participate in a third round to break the tie.

The USHJA Pony Hunter Derby may be offered at any USEF-licensed Channel l or Channel II competitions, as well as competitions approved for Special Competition classification. A USHJA Pony Hunter Derby offered at a Channel I (Premier or National) competition or those approved as Special Competitions will offer a minimum of $1,500 in prize money. Channel II (Regional) competitions will offer a minimum of $500 in prize money.

USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championships

Two USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championships will be offered—one on either coast. Ponies qualify by placing 1st through 12th overall in at least one USHJA Pony Hunter Derby class during the qualifying period. Read the full specifications and mark your calendar for one of these exciting Championships!

Pony Hunter Derby Points Presidential Modification
Starting April 1, 2025, through the 2026 competition year, ponies will no longer accrue Horse of the Year points from Pony Hunter Derby classes and championships toward the National and Zone Horse of the Year standings. Declarations are also no longer required.

View Pony Hunter Derby Presidential Modification

   USHJA Specifications Library  

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