WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular returns to Blenheim EquiSports in June

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. – May 18, 2018 – 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 10, 2018, 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. Riders will compete over courses designed by Thomas Hern and will be judged by Sue Ashe, Timmy Kees, Cathy Robinson and Diane Grod.

Last year, Jenny Karazissis rode Hope Town Farms' Undeniable to top honors, earning $7,500 in prize money. She was followed by two other riders who have earned the Spectacular title in the past-John French and Hope Glynn. 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 CWD halter. Valencia Sport Saddlery also presents the winner with the "Horseplay Encouraged" Perpetual Trophy to the winner.

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. Currently, the program has more than 930 members, which puts membership slightly above this time last year.

In support of the WCHR Program, USHJA and Blenheim EquiSports are hosting a silent auction throughout the week. Already more than 20 items will be featured in the silent auction, and donations are being added each day. Blenheim EquiSports and USHJA thank all the donors who have contributed so far: Barnstyle, Charles Ancona, Charles Owen, CWD, Ecogold, Equ Lifestyle Boutique, Equine Omega, EquuSport, Fairfax & Favor, Frantisi, Inc., High Point Equestrian, Ice Horse, LA Saddlery, Linda Luster, Outdoor Outfitters, Premier Equine Chiropractor, Rococos, SmartPak, Solea Equestrian, The Clothes Horse and Ylva Aberg.

The USHJA would like to thank its generous sponsors for the 2018 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; Professional's Choice, The Official Horse 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: https://bit.ly/2rNf73C.

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.

About Blenheim EquiSports

Blenheim EquiSports, an equestrian event management company based in San Juan Capistrano, California, produces events in three locations: San Juan Capistrano, Del Mar and Las Vegas, Nevada. The events include USEF "Premier" rated hunter-jumper shows featuring multiple grand prix events, a Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League event, USHJA International Hunter Derbies, Medal Finals and more. More at showpark.com.