Medals Awarded in USHJA 1.00/1.05m Child/Adult Zone 7 and 8 Jumper Championship

Parker, Colo.—July 25, 2023—Jumper riders in Zones 7 and 8 vied for a spot on the podium in the inaugural USHJA 1.00/1.05m Child/Adult Zone Jumper Championships at the Colorado Horse Park, July 19-23 during the Summer in the Rockies VI. Chefs d'Equipe Stephanie Cook from Zone 7 and Alexia Honegger from Zone 8 led the riders to victory throughout the three-day competition.

These new championships provide 1.00/1.05m competitors with a gateway to gain experience at higher levels of competition and provide a chance to earn Zone Horse of the Year points. Created to emulate the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships and Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships, riders compete over three days as an individual and on a team to represent their Zone.

"Having championships for all levels is a great way to engage all levels! I think it’s a great way to get more kids and adults involved in the sport," said Elizabeth Johnson, Amateur rider from Elizabeth, Colorado, Gold Team and Individual medalist of the new championship. "A lot of people, including myself, see the higher levels and always wished we too could experience that level of camaraderie and support." 

"I think it is an amazing idea. [The Championships] bring a sense of teamwork that the horse world oftentimes lacks," said Lillie Anthony, Gold Team medalist and Junior rider of Niwot, Colorado. "It also allows Jumpers at a lower level to learn what horse shows may look like as they begin to jump higher."

"It’s such an amazing feeling [to have won]," Johnson continued. "I’m so proud of my team for all riding clear and fast for the two days of team competition. Being on a team made the competition incredibly fun and I almost forgot it was a competition! Winning the individual championship on top of that was just a surreal experience. My horse Cheerio gets all the credit, he tried his heart out and I couldn’t be more proud of him."

"I am overjoyed [to have won]. Winning was a huge confidence boost for me and the fact that you aren’t just riding for yourself, you have others who are counting on you was a great feeling," Anthony commented on her team experience. "I would definitely recommend [the Championships] to anyone who jumps the meters; it is a fun new experience."

The USHJA 1.00/1.05m Child/Adult Zone Jumper Championships provide Children's and Adult Amateur Jumper competitors an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the Children's and Adult Amateur Jumper (1.00/1.05m) in both team and individual competition. To qualify, riders must apply and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective Children's and Adult Amateur Jumper sections at USEF-licensed competitions by their zone’s deadline, which is 45 days prior to the selected championship. Riders must also be current Active USEF and USHJA Junior or Amateur members in good standing. 

During the championship, riders compete in a three-day competition format. Day one entails a first round of the team championship and first individual qualifying class. Day two consists of the second round of the team championship and the second individual qualifying class. For the last competition day, the top 15 individual finalists from the qualifying classes return to jump for the individual championship title. 

"The experience overall was absolutely amazing. Every day was unique and exciting. Getting the opportunity to experience what an FEI-type jog is like was one of my highlights. I also loved getting to meet other riders from neighboring states and local riders I have competed against but never met. I would recommend the championships to anyone," exclaimed Johnson on her experience over the week. 

Two more USHJA 1.00/1.05m Child/Adult Zone Jumper Championships will be held throughout the 2023 competition season. Zones 1 and 2 championships will be held July 26-30 during HITS-on-the-Hudson V in Saugerties, New York. The final championship will be held during the Temecula Valley National Fall 3 in Temecula, California, for Zones 9 and 10 on October 18-22. 

The USHJA extends special thanks to the teams at LEG Shows and Events and the Colorado Horse Park for hosting these Championships. The USHJA also thanks official sponsors CWD, Nutrena and Parlanti. 

For more information about the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Child/Adult Zone Jumper Championships, visit ushja.org/lowzonejumper. 

Photos: Captured Moment Photography