USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals Return to Blenheim International Jumping Festival and Capital Challenge Equitation Show
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEXINGTON, Ky. –April 23, 2018–The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the 2018 USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals will be held on the West Coast at the Blenheim International Jumping Festival, Sept. 21-23, in San Juan Capistrano, California, and the Capital Challenge Equitation Show, Sept. 28-29, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
"Last year's Finals were so well received by members, and we're excited to bring them back to Blenheim and Capital Challenge," said Robin Rost Brown, chair of the USHJA Joint Equitation Task Force. "This is such a tremendous opportunity for riders to get the Talent Search experience at the 3'3" fence heights, and we look forward to another great year and experience for everyone who qualifies."
In 2017, 55 riders participated across the two Finals. Riders qualify for the USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals when they have accumulated a minimum of 10 or more points in any USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal classes between August 2, 2017-August 1, 2018. Currently, 77 riders are already qualified for the Finals, and 180 classes are available throughout the remainder of this year's qualifying period. Qualified riders may choose to compete in either the East or West Finals but may not cross-enter into the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals.
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Maverick Helmer, winner of the 2017 East Coast Finals. Photo credit: Shawn McMillen Photography |
Payton Potter, winner of the 2017 West Coast Finals. Photo credit: McCool Photography |
The Finals, modeled after the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, consists of three phases: Phase I (Flat Phase), Phase II (Gymnastics Phase) and Phase III (Jumping Phase) that will be held over two or three days. The Capital Challenge Horse Show will host the USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals - East on Sept. 28 and 29 at Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Blenheim International Jumping Festival will host the USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal Finals - West, Sept. 21 to 23, at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, California.
Phase I will include no more than 10 riders at a time who will be tested on the same flatwork elements at the walk, trot, and canter, including the collection and lengthening of stride at a trot and canter. Riders may also be asked to perform more advanced flatwork such as a counter canter, turn on the haunches, shoulder-in and leg yield. In Phase II, riders will be asked to perform three of the Standard Gymnastics Exercises similar to those in the specifications for the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals.
Phase III will be held in a jumper ring and feature a course of 10-12 jumper-style obstacles set at a height of 1.0m with spreads up to 1.10m (triple bar up to 1.15m). The course will include one double and one triple combination or three double combinations. The course will also include a dry, above-ground Liverpool. The time allowed will be calculated at 350 meters per minute.
A work off is required for all riders within three points of the leader following the completion of Phase III, and the work off will consist of a shortened course with a tight time allowed. Additional testing may be required.
For more information, including the full specifications, visitwww.ushja.org/jumpseatmedal.
Media Contact:
Megan Lacy
mlacy@ushja.org
(859) 225-6723
