USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program Offers Regional Championships as Added Incentive 

More reasons to enroll by Feb. 1 to enjoy lowest enrollment fee and access to stake classes, new regional championships and the annual championships 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lexington, Ky. –Jan. 23, 2018 –The United States Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the addition of East, South, Central, Southwest and Northwest regional championships for Green Hunters as part of the 2018 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program.

The new regional championships come in addition to the annual, national Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships, which will take place again at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, August 14-16, 2018.

Horses that meet the eligibility requirements for the program may participate in one regional championship of the owner's choice and the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships. The regional championships will be held at the following five competitions across the country:

• East Championship: Brandywine Valley Summer Series II, July 3-8, 2018, Devon, Pennsylvania
• South Championship: NCHJA Annual Horse Show, June 27-July 1, 2018, Raleigh, North Carolina
• Central Championship: Harvest, Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2018, Katy, Texas
• Southwest Championship: International Jumping Festival, Sept. 19-23, 2018, San Juan Capistrano, California
• Northwest Championship: Oregon High Desert Classic 2, July 25-29, 2018, Bend, Oregon

"Adding championships closer to home, in addition to the annual Green Hunter Incentive Championships, supports our vision for the Incentive Program to reward owners and riders bringing along the horses that will be the future of our sport," said Ron Danta, chair of the USHJA International Hunter Derby & Incentive Task Force. "We keep innovating to add value for the participants and most importantly incentivizing the development of great Hunter horses."

Each regional championship is two rounds, and the combined total score for both rounds will determine the winner. Prize money is awarded through 12th place, and each championship will offer a minimum of $10,000 in prize money spread across all the sections offered. Horses must be enrolled in the program to be eligible to participate.

Exhibitors interested in participating are encouraged to enroll soon given enrollment costs increase throughout the year as follows, and the next increase occurs on Feb. 2. Enrollment fees are as follows: $350 for those who enroll Dec. 1, 2017-Feb. 1, 2018, $550 for those who enroll Feb. 2-June 1, 2018, and $750 for those who enroll June 2-Nov. 30.

"The addition of these championships is very exciting," added Colleen McQuay, vicechair of the USHJA International Hunter Derby & Incentive Task Force. "With enrollment fees going up on Feb. 2, it's important that anyone with a green horse get it enrolled sooner than later, so they can enjoy the lowest enrollment rate."                                                                                          

The Green Hunter Incentive Program, which is open to horses eligible to compete in Green Hunters 3', 3'3", 3'6" and 3'9", is designed to encourage the development of green horses. The program is multi-faceted and includes the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships, held during the same week and at the same venue as the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, regional championships held in five locations, stake classes throughout the year and across the country, money-won tracking lists, and rider recognition based on overall earnings. Horses must be enrolled in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program to participate in the Green Hunter Stake classes, new regional championships, and to be eligible for the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships. Additionally, horses must be registered with the USHJA and recorded with the USEF to participate in the program.

"The Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships in Lexington will continue to be the national championship event for this program," continued McQuay. "These regional championships simply are an added benefit to those who are preparing for the Championships in Lexington or who may not be able to make it to Lexington. It's really all about giving these great horses more venues to showcase and develop their talent."

To enroll a horse and for more information on the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program and the new championship opportunities, visit ushja.org/GreenIncentive.