Applications to Host 2026 USHJA National, Zone, and Educational Programs Now Open

Lexington, Ky.—April 4, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is now accepting applications from competition managers interested in hosting USHJA championships, special classes, and educational programs for the 2026 competition year and beyond. Applications for most events are due June 1, 2025, while select programs accept applications year-round.

USHJA is seeking applications that support multiple USHJA properties and championships for a more comprehensive event structure. Applicants are encouraged to consider the list of available programs below to see if combining properties with a specific focus will be of interest to stakeholders in your area.

Competition managers and facilities are invited to apply to host the following events through their USHJA Member Account:

2026 Classes

  • 2026 USHJA International Hunter Derby Classes
  • 2026 USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Events, including the 2026 West Coast Hunter Spectacular and Central Hunter Spectacular
  • 2026 Zone Handy Hunter Challenges in Zones 1, 4, 6, 7, and 9
  • 2026 USHJA Outreach Classes

Zone/Regional Championships and Events

  • 2026/2027/2028 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Standlee/USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Zone Horse of the Year Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Zone-Specific Programs (Equitation and Horsemanship Championships)
  • 2026/2027/2028 Zone 10 NAYC Selection Trial
  • 2026 USHJA Outreach Festivals

National Programs

Hunters and Equitation

  • 2026/2027/2028 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs
  • 2026/2027/2028 USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals
  • 2026/2027/2028 Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA 3’3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals
  • 2026/2027/2028 IHSA/USHJA 3'3" Hunter Seat Medal Finals
  • 2026/2027 Sallie B Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championship - East

Jumpers

  • 2026/2027/2028 USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships
  • 2026/2027/2028 Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships

Educational Programs

  • 2026 MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program Regional and National Training Sessions
  • 2026 Instructor Credential Live Workshop and Examination Host Facility

Application deadlines vary depending on the program. Those wishing to offer Outreach classes or an Instructor Credential Live Workshop and Examination Sessions may apply at any time throughout the year. Applications for all remaining events are due June 1, 2025.

The online application process allows managers to apply for multiple programs and locations easily. By entering the competition ID at the beginning of the application, fields from previous submissions will auto-populate, reducing time spent on applications.  Interested hosts may access the application by logging in to their USHJA Member Account at my.ushja.org and selecting "USHJA Host Application for Programs." 

For questions regarding the application process or to receive a paper application, contact the USHJA office at 859-225-6700 or hunterdept@ushja.org. For an overview or more information on USHJA's competition and education programs, visit ushja.org/competition and ushja.org/education.