Calling All Pony Kids! The USHJA Digital Pony Challenge Starts August 14

Lexington, Ky.—Aug. 8, 2020—The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and DigitalHorseShow.com are pleased to announce the launch of the USHJA Digital Pony Challenge, powered by DigitalHorseShow.com (DHS). Competition opens on Friday, August 14, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. ET and continues through August 28, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. ET. 

The USHJA Digital Pony Challenge will feature competition delivered digitally through DigitalHorseShow.com, the official sanctioned online horse show of the USHJA. Educational opportunities are available through judge’s comments on every video submitted. In addition, there is a special “Review My Ride” class, a mini clinic opportunity where 11-time Pony Finals-winning trainer Patricia Griffith will give riders tips and feedback on uploaded videos through written and audio comments on the DHS platform to help them learn and improve their performance.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the USHJA Digital Pony Challenge, powered by DigitalHorseShow.com,” said USHJA President Mary Babick. “We wanted to provide an outlet for the pony competitors to shine in 2020, and DHS offered that opportunity in a safe and meaningful way. This digital competition will complement all of the clinics and webinars that USHJA is currently hosting for pony riders.” 

Entry fees to the USHJA Digital Pony Challenge are affordable, and anyone can sign up to watch for free at DigitalHorseShow.com with a USHJA membership – Outreach membership is also free.

  • The USHJA Digital Pony Challenge will offer a variety of divisions and classes including: 
  • Pony Hunter Challenges (Small, Medium, Large sections with over fences, under saddle, and model classes)
  • Green Pony Hunter (Small, Medium, Large sections with over fences, under saddle, and model classes)
  • Pony Equitation over fences
  • Children’s Pony Hunter (Small/Medium and Large sections with over fences, under saddle, and model classes)
  • Children’s Pony Equitation over fences
  • FREE! Special Classes: Playful Pony Pranks, Costume Class, Pony Hunt Teams
  • “Review My Ride” mini clinic opportunity

Each entry will upload videos of their best rounds over fences from any horse show from the past 12 months and upload videos from home of their pony under saddle and in the model. The model will be judged on how the rider presents their pony. Any rider eligible to show in respective pony divisions under USEF rules is allowed to enter, but riders may not cross-enter between the Children’s Pony and rated Pony Hunter divisions.

“The USHJA Pony Hunter Challenge, powered by DigitalHorseShow.com, is an opportunity for anyone to participate in a fun, inclusive competition,” said DHS co-founder Oliver Kennedy. “We want pony riders, no matter where they live or what kind of pony they have, to feel connected and part of the horse show experience.”

Championships and reserve championships will be awarded in each division, Grand Championships will be given in the Pony Hunter, Green Pony, and Children’s Pony sections, and ribbons will be awarded to the top 10 in every regular competition class. In the fun Playful Pony Pranks, Costume Class, and Hunt Team class, the top three will win awards. Special prizes to be announced soon will also be awarded.

Competitors can choose different packages, from $150 for entry in six classes (a $95 savings) – a hunter division (over fences, under saddle, model), the pony derby, an equitation class, and Review My Ride mini clinic – $75 for a hunter division ($30 savings), to as little as $35 per class per pony. The Playful Pony Pranks, Costume Class, and Hunt Team Class are all free to enter. 

View the USHJA Digital Pony Challenge Prize List

Sign up for a free USHJA Outreach Membership

Sign up for a free DigitalHorseShow.com Membership

DigitalHorseShow.com is a full horse show experience delivered digitally, offering competitors and viewers alike a way to share, connect, and learn through videos, chats, judge’s feedback, and a live broadcast show with knowledgeable guests and fun awards.

DHS competitions are run using the basic principles and rules for competition of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), while holding horse welfare of the utmost importance. To learn more about the rules and regulations for DigitalHorseShow.com, please read the Terms of Service and Competition Rules and Regulations.

For more information on DigitalHorseShow.com and to sign up, please visit DigitalHorseShow.com.