USHJA National Hunter Derbies are open to any horse or pony registered with USHJA. In order to receive Zone Horse of the Year bonus points, horses, ponies and owners must be actively recorded with USEF and registered with USHJA, and riders must fill out the official USHJA Declaration Form in the horse show office.

Adult Amateur Awards

At the conclusion of each competition year, USHJA recognizes the one adult amateur rider in each of the 12 zones, who has accumulated the most Zone Horse of the Year bonus points in their respective adult amateur section, through competing in the USHJA National Hunter Derby classes. Each high-point rider is awarded a Charles Owen helmet.

National Hunter Derby Horse of the Year Awards

USHJA recognizes the top 10 horses on the National Horse Standings List and the top 10 riders on the National Rider Standings List annually. USHJA National Hunter Derby Money Won is also tracked in each zone by horse and rider. Ribbons and trophies are mailed to the recipients once the standings lock at the end of the competition year. National award winners are recognized through 10th place while zone award winners are recognized through 6th place.