USHJA to Hold Two West Coast World Championship Hunter Rider Spectaculars in 2021

Lexington, Ky.—Feb. 17, 2021—As qualifying gets underway for the 2021 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular during WCHR Week at the Winter Equestrian Festival (Week 6), the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that two WCHR Spectacular classes will be held on the West Coast in 2021. The WCHR West Coast Spectacular will be held March 16-21 during Desert Circuit VIII at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. The WCHR Summer Spectacular will be held June 9-13 during the Blenheim Equisports June Classic I in San Juan Capistrano, California.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring not one but two WCHR Spectacular events to the West Coast this year,” said Louise Serio, chair of the World Championship Hunter Rider Task Force. “The Spectaculars showcase top Hunter riding and provide WCHR members with the opportunity to earn HOTY bonus points, added prize money and the chance to qualify for WCHR Finals.”

All WCHR members are eligible to participate in this two-round class with fence height options set at 3'6", 3'9" or 4'0". Both rounds are judged by at least two judging panels consisting of two judges each, and the top 12 horses will be called back for the second round from low to high score within their respective heights.

Both horse shows are also WCHR Member Events, which means WCHR members can earn points in eligible classes throughout the week toward regional and national year-end awards, as well as the opportunity to qualify for WCHR Finals, which are held during The Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Individuals interested in participating in the program simply join the WCHR Program during the competition, and their points will count toward the program. Riders have until June 1 to change their category or region for awards.

The 2021 $50,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular will be held Saturday, February 20 under the lights of the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. While there will not be a WCHR Spectacular Hunt Gala this year, WCHR enthusiasts can still support the WCHR program via the Score 90 WCHR Fundraiser. Individuals can make a pledge for each score of 90 or above during the WCHR Hunter Week at WEF 6 by texting the word “PLEDGE” to the number (859) 413-3628. Pledges are a commitment to donate. Donations will be determined by the total number of scores of 90 or greater earned in WCHR designated sections between February 17 and 21. For example, if there are 20 rounds with a score of 90 or greater with a pledge of $10, the total donation amount would equal $200. Donations are tax deductible.

The Palm Beach Spectacular will be live streamed via pbiec.coth.com. Opening ceremonies will begin at approximately 6 p.m. with the first horse on course at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, February 20. For more information about the WCHR Program, visit ushja.org/wchr.

Photo: 2019 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular Champions Jenny Karazissis and Really, owned by Michelle Cobb. Credit: McCool Photography.