USHJA Enhances Outreach Program with Free Membership and Streamlined Sections for 2019

Tampa, Fla.—December 9, 2018—As Zone and Affiliates Day kicks off at the 2018 USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by World Equestrian Center, the United States Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce enhancements to the USHJA Outreach Program including free membership and the addition of equitation sections for the 2019 competition year, effective Dec. 1, 2018.

"We are excited to provide the hunter/jumper community with more competitive opportunities and a free membership level," said Mary Babick, president of the USHJA. "We hope these enhancements will make the USHJA Outreach Program more accessible while rewarding and recognizing great riding."

While anyone may compete in Outreach competitions, individuals who join USHJA as free Outreach Members will be eligible for recognition and awards. Competitors who are USHJA Outreach members can earn national recognition based on their Outreach competition points accrued throughout the competition year at three levels: bronze (30-49 points per year), silver (50-74 points per year) and gold (75 or more points per year). They will receive a certificate of recognition for each level they reach throughout the year. In addition to recognition for all members earning at least 30 points, the top six riders in each zone per Outreach section will receive year-end awards.

Also new for 2019 is the addition of Equitation sections for Outreach competitions. These sections, which will replace the Outreach Medal sections, are open to Juniors and Amateurs for Walk/Trot, 18" or Crossrails, 2'0", 2'3", and 2'6", and 3'0" fence heights, and include a flat class per section.

Outreach competitions may be hosted by any organization meeting the minimum criteria, whether USEF-rated or local, unrecognized competitions. Effective Dec. 1, 2018, competition management, stewards, judges and course designers will be also required to complete the US Equestrian Safe Sport Training to host an Outreach competition. Horses are not required to be registered with USHJA to compete in Outreach classes.

The USHJA Outreach Program aims to offer hunter/jumper competitors at the local/unrecognized level an opportunity to earn national recognition. For more information about the USHJA Outreach Program and to view the specifications, visit ushja.org/outreach