USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider West Coast Hunter Spectacular Returns to Blenheim Equisports in June
Entries Close May 13
San Juan Capistrano, Calif.—May 9, 2019—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the $25,000 World Championship Hunter Rider West Coast Hunter Spectacular will take place Sunday, June 9, 2019, at the Blenheim EquiSports June Classic 1 at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano, California. 
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. Entries for the Blenheim EquiSports June Classic 1 close May 13.
Last year, Karli Postel and Bansky, owned by Grace Russo, topped a field of 34 in the two-round hunter classic Spectacular to take home $7,500 in prize money. In 2019, riders will compete over courses designed by Thomas Hern and will be judged by Jim Clapperton, Rachel Kennedy, Susie Schoelkpoff and Katie Young. This year’s winner will again take home a $7,500 check along with a custom engraved commemorative frame, embroidered jackets for the rider, owner, trainer and groom, embroidered cooler, FITS Gift Certificate, and a CWD halter. Valencia Sport Saddlery also presents the winner with the “Horseplay Encouraged” Perpetual Trophy, and the groom of the horse named Shapley’s Best Turned Out is presented with a bucket of Shapley’s grooming products.
The horse show is a WCHR Member Event, 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 USHJA would like to thank its generous sponsors for the 2019 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, including: Charles Owen, Inc., The Official Helmet of the USHJA; CWD, The Official Saddle of the USHJA; Parlanti, The Official Riding Boot of the USHJA; Rood & Riddle, The Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Pharmacy of the USHJA; Shapley's, sponsor of the Best Turned Out Horse for USHJA Hunter Championships; as well as Awards Sponsor FITS Riding.
For more information about the $25,000 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular, see pg. 19 of the prize list, or visit ushja.org/wchr.
Photo: 2018 WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular Champion Karli Postel riding Grace Russo's Banksy. Credit: Amy McCool Photography
About WCHR
The World Championship Hunter Rider Program was founded in 1992 to recognize and celebrate the hunter rider. Since the inaugural WCHR Professional Finals in 1992, the WCHR program has expanded to include coveted year-end awards for Professionals, Developing Professionals, Amateur Owners, Adult Amateurs, Juniors, Children's and Pony riders. Each year the top 10 nationally ranked riders in each WCHR category, as well as the top six riders from each region are invited to compete in their respective WCHR Challenge, except the Handy category, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. For more information about the WCHR Program, visit ushja.org/wchr.
