Enrollment and Applications Open for 2024 USHJA Competition Programs

Lexington, Ky.—Jan. 16, 2024—Enrollment and applications are now open for a variety of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association's competition programs for 2024. Members are encouraged to enroll or apply now in their USHJA member account by signing in at my.ushja.org/login, selecting "My Programs," and clicking on the program they wish to join. 

USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program

Open to horses of any age that are eligible to compete as a Green Hunter under USEF rules, the Green Hunter Incentive Program features stake classes, six Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships, and the annual Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship. Horses must be enrolled in the program prior to competing. Enrollment is currently open with a $350 fee until February 1. The fee increases to $550 from February 2 until June 1 and again to $750 from June 2 until November 30.

Additionally, owners may purchase enrollment slots at the current rate and designate the specific horse(s) to them at a later date this year through their USHJA member account. Only results achieved by the horse after it is assigned to the slot will count in program standings. Slots expire at the end of the competition year the same as the regular enrollment and are non-transferrable.

Visit ushja.org/GHI for more information and the year's dates and locations.

USHJA International Hunter Derby Program

The USHJA International Hunter Derby Program consists of a series, six Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships, and the annual Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. Horses must be enrolled in the program and maintain a current USEF recording to compete in a USHJA International Hunter Derby, be eligible for inclusion on the regional and national money won tracking lists, and to participate in the Championships. Horses may show in a maximum of one class in the series without enrollment. Enrollment is currently open for a fee of $450 until November 30.

Find more information at ushja.org/IHD.

USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program

The World Championship Hunter Rider program includes National and Regional awards, special events, and a Finals for Hunter riders who earn points at WCHR Events held across the country. In order to be eligible, riders and owners must be enrolled in the WCHR program. When enrolling, participants must select their category: Professional, Developing Professional, Amateur Owner 3'3" or 3'6", Adult Amateur, Junior 3'3" or 3'6", Children's, Pony, Farm/Business Owner, Owner or Trainer. Participants may change their category once during the competition year by June 1. 

Visit ushja.org/WCHR for more details.

USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships

Held for the second year, the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships consist of team and individual competition at Championships held by combined Zones. For a chance to qualify, riders must complete an application, submit the $75 application fee, and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective section(s) at USEF-licensed competitions by their Zone’s deadline:

• Zones 1 and 2: June 9
• Zones 3 and 4: May 26
• Zones 5 and 6: May 26
• Zones 7 and 8: June 2
• Zones 9 and 10: September 1

Visit ushja.org/lowzonejumper for detailed information on dates and deadlines for each set of Championships.

Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships

Held regionally, the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships allow 1.10/1.15m and 1.20/1.25m Junior and Amateur Jumper riders to compete as a team and individually. Riders interested in competing must submit an application and a $75 application fee and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective section at USEF-licensed competitions by their zone’s deadline for a chance to qualify. Qualifying periods vary by Championship:

• North (Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6): May 5

• South (Zones 3, 4, and 7): June 2

• West (Zones 8, 9, and 10): September 1

See a full calendar of Championships dates, locations, application deadlines, and qualifying end dates at ushja.org/zonejumper.

Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships

The Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships feature team and individual competition for Junior, Amateur, and Professional Jumper riders competing at 1.30/1.35m and 1.40/1.45m. Riders qualify for the Championships by earning a minimum of $250 and submitting an application and $75 application fee by their Zone's deadline:

• North (Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6): May 5
• South (Zones 3, 4, and 7): June 2
• West (Zones 8, 9, and 10): October 13

Find more, including the full calendar of Championships dates, locations, application deadlines, and qualifying end dates, at ushja.org/platinumjumper.

USHJA Young Jumper Championships

The USHJA Young Jumper Championships allow talented 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old Jumpers to be showcased at the national level. To be eligible for the Championships, horses must be enrolled:

• 4-Year-Olds
  • January 1 until 24 hours before the first horse inspection - $100
• 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-Year-Olds
  • Early Enrollment: January 1 until June 30 - $150
  • Middle Enrollment: July 1 until August 26 - $300
  • Late Enrollment: August 27 until 24 hours before the first horse inspection - $750

The Breeder and Owner Enrollment Incentive is for breeders and owners enrolling three or more horses.

• Early Enrollment: January 1 until June 30
  • First three horses (required for participation in Enrollment Incentive) - $450
  • Additional one to three horses - $75/horse
  • Each additional horse after six - $50/horse
• Middle Enrollment: July 1 until August 26
  • First three horses (required for participation in Enrollment Incentive) - $900
  • Additional one to three horses - $150/horse
  • Each additional horse after six enrolled - $100/horse
• Late Enrollment: August 27 until 24 hours before the first horse inspection
  • All horses - $750

Breeders and owners enrolling the same horse in a consecutive year will receive a $50 discount. Visit ushja.org/youngjumper for more details.

Find more information about all of USHJA's competitive programs, including dates and locations for the year's championships, at ushja.org/competition.

Photos: Terise Cole/USHJA, Tori Bilas, Andrew Ryback Photography