Kym K. Smith Returns as Title Sponsor of Kym K. Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships New in 2023, Inaugural Central Championship to be Held in Texas

Lexington, Ky.—Feb. 9, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce Kym K. Smith is returning for her fifth year as title sponsor of the Kym K. Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships. A longtime supporter of the East Coast Championship, Smith's support extends in 2023 to include the newly added Central Championship in Tyler, Texas.

"We are grateful to have Kym K. Smith continue her support of the USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships for her fifth year," said USHJA Executive Director Kevin Price. "Her commitment to investing in the future of our sport helps make the program a success, including this year's addition of the Central Championship."

The Kym K. Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships offer owners, breeders and handlers to showcase talented young Hunter pony prospects. Ponies aged 7 and under compete in a model, two over fences and under saddle class. A division for ponies 5 and under not competing over fences is also offered. Returning for the third year is the Adults on Ponies division, presented by Saddle Lake Equestrian, open to Professional or Amateur riders.

New in 2023, the Championships are expanding to a second location in the country's central region. The Texas Rose Classic will host the inaugural Central Championship at Texas Rose Horse Park in Tyler, Texas, on September 15. The East Championship will return to the Virginia Young Horse Festival at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia, on August 27.

"I am so happy to be back for a fifth year title sponsoring USHJA’s Young Hunter Pony Championships at the Virginia Horse Center in, Lexington, Virginia. Since competing at the first YHPC in Ohio, I have been fortunate to watch YHPC grow over the years," said Smith. "The caliber of ponies and riders changes each year, so it is exciting to see who comes out in August. I am even more excited to be the title sponsor for the first-ever USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships in Texas in September." 

For more information about the Kym K. Smith/USHJA Young Hunter Pony Championships, visit ushja.org/YHPC.

Photo: Terise Cole/USHJA