Tickets Available for 2023 USHJA WCHR Spectacular Hunt Gala during $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular

Lexington, Ky.—Jan. 25, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to open ticket and table sales for the annual USHJA WCHR Spectacular Hunt Gala. Held each year during the $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, the gala supports USHJA's programs and opportunities with a portion of this year's proceeds benefitting the USHJA Horseman's Assistance Fund, which provides emergency financial support to equestrians.

The Spectacular Hunt Gala Committee invites members to watch the event on the evening of Saturday, February 18 from the best seats in the International Club. Tickets are available for tables for 6 or 8 and individual seats, including a reduced rate for Junior WCHR members. Tickets may be purchased here.

"The Spectacular Hunt Gala is a shining example of the equestrian community coming together to celebrate and support the sport," said Louise Serio, chair of the WCHR Task Force. "We're proud to continue the tradition each year to support the WCHR program."

The $100,000 USHJA WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular is the first of three WCHR Spectaculars held throughout the year. Hosted by the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International in Wellington, Florida, the class is invitation-only with horse-and-rider combinations qualifying throughout the week by earning either Champion or Reserve Champion in Hunter sections 3'6" or higher. Certain riders can be pre-qualified based on performances in the prior year's WCHR Program, including last year's winner Geoffrey Hesslink. The class features the top Hunters of WEF 6 competing over a Hunter Classic round with the 12 top-scoring horse-and-rider combinations returning for a second round. The evening's champion will take home a portion of the prize money, the Dark Continent Perpetual Trophy courtesy of Jim Greene, the Let's Dance Perpetual Trophy donated by Gene R. Mische and prizes from USHJA sponsors.

Additional awards will also be presented throughout the evening's events, including the 2022 USHJA WCHR Hunter of the Year, Babylon, and the Kavar Kerr Perpetual Trophy recipient, David Burton.

Thanks to the help of generous donors, the USHJA Foundation supports the Hunter/Jumper community with grants, scholarships and funding for programs that empower talented equestrians to pursue their personal and professional goals. This year's Gala beneficiary, the USHJA Horseman's Assistance Fund, provides financial assistance to individuals who are in need of support due to a catastrophic event, illness or injury. The Fund is designed to help horsemen in need with immediate financial assistance for expenses such as medical treatment, housing and horse care.

Learn more about the Foundation as well as its impact and opportunities at ushja.org/foundation. For more information about the USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program, visit ushja.org/WCHR.

Photo: Terisé Cole/USHJA