Riders in Zones 3 and 4 Earn Medals in USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championship

Mill Spring, N.C.—July 17, 2024—Riders from Zone 3 and 4 took to the podiums in the second annual USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships at Tryon International Equestrian Center on July 10-14. More than 40 riders competed across two sections while Chefs d'Equipe Tori Bentley and Delaney Williams oversaw the competition.

"Being a gold medalist was truly just the cherry on top of an already amazing competition," exclaimed Lane Yarborough who won the gold with Team Shutterfly. "Coming together as a team from all different states and cheering each other on reaffirmed how amazing this community is, and it will be an annual event for me."

"When I qualified for this year’s Zone Championships, I never imagined winning a gold medal," stated Collins who competed on the Amateur winning team with Yarborough. "My goal was to have fun and be happy with my rounds, so securing the Amateur Team champion title was a dream come true!"

"The pressure was on as I was the last to go," Collins continued. "When the announcer said a clear round would secure gold, I held my breath the entire trip. Landing clear after the last jump and hearing the cheers was the best feeling ever. I rode with three amazing women and left Tryon with three new friends. Truly a week I will never forget!"

"I am very grateful to have been a part of a great team," Childers said, who was also on Team Shutterfly. "I had a wonderful experience at the Championship! Everyone was amazing and welcoming. I enjoyed meeting other riders from within my Zone."

The USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships provide riders with a competitive team experience and an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the 1.00/1.05m Junior and Amateur Jumper sections. To qualify, riders must apply and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective 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. 

Three more USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Jumper Championships will be held throughout the 2024 competition season. The next championship will be held during the Summer in the Rockies in Parker, Colorado, for Zones 7 and 8 on July 17-21. Then HITS Saugerties of Saugerties, New York, will host Zones 1 and 2 during the HITS-on-the-Hudson V over July 24-28. Wrapping up the championships will be the Temecula Valley Fall National III in Temecula, California, over October 16-20 for Zones 9 and 10. 

The USHJA extends special thanks to the team at Tryon International Equestrian Center for hosting this Championship. The USHJA also thanks Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, and Parlanti. 

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

Photos: Natalie Suto Photography