Applications Open for Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships

The Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships will return to the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 11-17, 2024. Coinciding with The Las Vegas National Horse Show, CSI5*-W & CSI2*, for the sixth year, the week will showcase Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation athletes competing for national titles across various levels.

The USHJA invites members across the country to apply for a chance to qualify for the Championships through points and classes in their Zone, through their USHJA Affiliate organization, or through the USHJA Outreach program. Members interested in attending must apply and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee by August 27, 2024, in order to be eligible to qualify.

E-News_2024_National Championships

Over 30 Divisions with National Championships for All Levels

Hunter competition will feature Green Hunter Incentive Stake Classes and two $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies—one for Open competitors and another for Juniors and Amateurs. Champions will be crowned in a range of divisions throughout the week, including Green Hunter, Junior Hunter, Amateur Owner Hunter, Adult Amateur Hunter, Children’s Hunter, and Pony Hunter. Special awards will be presented to the Grand Hunter and High Score Hunter in each section, as well as the Leading Hunter Owners in the Green Hunter divisions. Additionally, the Derbies will honor the Leading Junior, Amateur, and Professional Riders.

Nine sections of the USEF/USHJA National Jumper Championships highlight the week's competition, with divisions from the 1.00m Junior and Amateur Jumpers to 1.30m Open Jumpers. The 1.20m and 1.30m Open sections will award Leading Jumper Owners from each section and an overall Leading Open Jumper Rider. Leading Jumper Trainer honors will be presented in each Junior and/or Amateur division.

Age-group Equitation competition ranges from Juniors to Adults, including the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal and USHJA 3'3" Adult Jumping Seat Medal. New this year, the week will host the West Coast's USHJA 3'3" Hunter Seat Medal Final. The Leading Equitation Rider in each age group and the Overall Leading Equitation Rider will be presented with an award.

Qualifying requirements vary based on the section and are largely based on Zone Horse of the Year points or Zone events between December 1, 2023, and August 27, 2024.

Affiliate Championships for Nominated Riders and Outreach Golden Backstage Pass Recipients

The Championships will also include the USHJA Affiliate Championships for nominated members of USHJA Affiliate Organizations and Outreach members who have earned the Outreach Golden Backstage Pass. Affiliate competition includes 2' to 2'6" Children's and Adult Hunters, .70m to 1.00m Junior and Amateur Jumpers, and 2' to 2'6" age-group Equitation.

Affiliate competitors are nominated through each individual Affiliate Organization. Each Organization can nominate up to three horse-and-rider combinations per section and must submit their nominations by August 1, 2024. Affiliate representatives will be emailed an application link to share with their nominated riders once the Affiliate Nomination Form is received. Horses and riders do not have to be registered or members of USHJA to participate in these sections, and nominees will be notified of acceptance by August 15, 2024.

Outreach members who have been awarded the Outreach Golden Backstage Pass, based on total cumulative points calculated as of August 1, 2024, are invited to compete in the USHJA Affiliate Championships. Pass winners will also enjoy advanced registration for all education sessions. Outreach Golden Backstage Pass winners will be emailed the application link after August 20, 2024.

Applications Now Open for All Sections

All entrants for all sections, including nominated Affiliate competitors and Outreach Golden Backstage Pass recipients, must apply for the competition with a non-refundable $100 application fee by August 27, 2024. Applications are available online through ryegate.com. Qualifying lists will be made available after applications close. Click here to view and download the prize list.

A variety of educational opportunities will also be available to participants, free of charge, throughout the event.

The Championships will take place during The Las Vegas National, CSI5*-W & CSI2*, held at the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa's unique Arena & Equestrian Center. The Center offers an exceptional experience where riders and horses stay under one roof and exhibitors can also enjoy the spa, tables and slots, 64 bowling lanes, and nine dining establishments. The hotel room group code will be provided to competitors along with stall assignments once final show entries are made with the Blenheim Equisports show office.

The USHJA extends its thanks to current supporting and division sponsors of the USHJA National Championships, including Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling Insurance; USHJA Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and USHJA Championship Sponsors Charles Owen, Exhibitor’s, SmartPak, Human Touch, Prize Possessions, Essex Classics, Helite and Boy O Boy Bridleworks.

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships.

Photos: Terisé Cole/USHJA