Category Archives: USHJA

World Champion Hunter Rider Week Shines Light on Hunters

Matt Martin and Cadouch Z ©Bailey Beck Photography for TIEC.

Mill Spring, NC – May 23, 2022 – Tryon Spring 3 featured World Champion Hunter Rider Week (WCHR) at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (TIEC), with two derbies in the International Stadium on Friday and heightened celebrations for Hunter divisions all week long, in addition to marking the first edition of 2022 Saturday Night Lights presented by Tryon Horse & Home.

Matt Martin and Cadouch Z Capture $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Win

Matt Martin (USA) and Cadouch Z scored a total of 190 points in the first round to lead after the classic, producing a handy score of 203 to clinch the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby win in what was only “Teddy’s” second competition ever as a Hunter, on a final score of 393 points. In reserve, Michael Britt-Leon (USA) scored a class-record 205 points in the handy round with Midas, the 2013 Holsteiner gelding (Casall x Belunye HH) owned by Paul McCracken, to claim second place and a total of 389 points. Caroline Willard Briles piloted Necofino, the 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Nerrado x Sienna), to third place on a total score of 376 for Rein Family LLC, completing the podium.

Twenty-one horses took on the Andy Christiansen, Jr. (ECU) track, with a minimum score of 130 qualifying the top twelve combinations to return for the handy test. Martin and the 2009 Zangersheide stallion (Calvaro Z x Nadouch Z) owned by Amy Hassinger were in the neighborhood for the first time in a few years, and decided to test Cadouch Z in only his second Hunter Derby ever, at his third Hunter show in America.

“We imported him a few months ago,” Hassinger said. “He was a winning Grand Prix horse in Europe, and now he stands at Hassinger Farm as a breeding stallion. We did not plan to show him this early,” she revealed. “But Matt did a warm-up class a couple of weeks ago and he just loves when Matt rides him. So, we put him in the Derby and he won that classic round and then he came here! This is the only class he does. He’s just good at it. He doesn’t need to practice!”

When asked about his strategy for the class, Martin points at his horse. “We tried a new bridle today, and I wanted him to be a hair slower off the ground. And then, he really does the rest! For the handy I was trying to be handy while still a little conservative,” trying to remind Teddy he’s not in a Jumper jump-off these days. “He loves turning in the air, and he loves leaving a little soft off the ground. So, there’s not a whole lot of strategy; it’s just keeping him in the corner and finding the middle of the jumps.”

Brady Mitchell and Cornet Blue PS Ace First $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Brady Mitchell (Wellington, FL) and Cornet Blue PS attempted their first USHJA National Hunter Derby at Tryon Spring 3, producing two scores of 91 from the judges for a winning total of 182 points in the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby in the International Stadium. Timothy Maddrix (Mountain Brook, AL) scored a class-record 94 in the handy round to earn reserve and a total score of 181 aboard Cypress, Missy Nolen’s 2011 Warmblood gelding of unknown breeding. Wengen, the 2013 Warmblood gelding (Casdorff x Fanfarone) owned by Kate Preston and piloted by Riley Hogan (Warrenton, VA), was named to third on a two-round score of 175.

Mitchell and the 2015 Hanoverian stallion (Cornet Obolensky x Chaccina) owned by Everlong LLC were one of 33 horse-and-rider pairs to navigate the Andy Christiansen, Jr. course, with the top twelve scoring 81 or higher to contest the handy round. In just the horse’s first week showing as a Hunter, whose first trot jumps ever took place in the show pen and the warm-up ring, Mitchell revealed, his potential as seen by owner Ann Thompson is already clear:

“This is just the horse’s first week ever showing as a hunter. We’re ecstatic. This horse is owned by Ann Thompson, who’s obviously a huge supporter of Grand Prix horses in this country, so it’s kind of cool. Ann sent [Brian Moggre and team] this horse to see what they thought of him this winter; she’s owned him since he was three. They thought he was a hunter, and they asked me to come over.”

Amanda Flint and Hudson Win $25,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake

Amanda Flint (Bourbonnais, IL) and her own mount Hudson, the 2012 Cutch Warmblood gelding (Arezzo VDL x Orchidee), posted a double-clear round in Thursday’s $25,000 Horseware Ireland Welcome Stake for the win on a jump-off time of 41.931. Fernando Cardenas, Jr. (New Hill, NC) and his own Madeira SCF, the 2012 Belgian Warmblood mare (Diktator van de Boslandhoeve x Lilli Marlen), earned reserve honors in a time of 43.78 seconds, while third place belonged to Ashley Fleischhacker (Lexington, KY) aboard Davall VDL, the 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zavall VDL x Rhamanta) owned by Ashland Show Stables LLC, on a time of 46.197.

For more info and results, visit www.Tryon.com.

IHSA Celebrated in Special Issue of USHJA In Stride Magazine

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – May 13, 2020 – Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) teams and members were celebrated by Membership Partner United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) in a special digital issue of its In Stride magazine. In Stride is a bi-monthly publication produced by the USHJA and is the magazine for up-to-date and informative news for the hunter/jumper community.

“We are honored to have such a great partnership with the USHJA,” said Peter Cashman, IHSA executive director. “We have such amazing members and teams and their stories and successes deserve to be shared with the equestrian industry.”

The special issue of In Stride celebrates IHSA regional champions after the cancellation of the postseason due to the COVID-19 pandemic and honors this year’s academic and athletic award and scholarship winners.

The issue shares heartfelt letters from IHSA members to the board of directors about the impact membership has had on their lives and features members giving back after tragedies such as the fire at Muddy Brook Farm in November 2019 and the tornadoes that ravaged central Tennessee earlier this year.

READ NOW

For more information, go to IHSAinc.com or contact media@IHSAinc.com.

Jennifer Hannan and Mindful Win $15k USHJA International Hunter Derby “Hunt and Go”

Jennifer Hannan and Mindful. Photo © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 30, 2018 – The final week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued with a full day of hunter derby competition on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on Friday, March 30. Jennifer Hannan and Mindful were victorious in the $15,000 International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go.

Thirty-nine competitors took to the field in the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Hunt & Go to compete for the blue over Kenny Krome’s 14-fence course. Jennifer Hannan and Mindful, owned by Kensel, LLC, took the lead after earning 355 points with a daring performance around the derby track.

Jennifer Bliss and Daisy Farish Take Blue Ribbons in $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

Jennifer Bliss, aboard Sugarman, and Daisy Farish, riding Cinemagic, showed their winning ways at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s (PBIEC) Equestrian Village on Friday in their respective sections of the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Bliss piloted her mount of four years, Sugarman, owned by Harris Hill Farm, LLC, to an 84 in the first round and returned to capture the highest score of the handy with a 92, for a combined total of 176 to win the open section of the class. The pair took all four high options in their second round to achieve their top score, with an additional point added for each.

The Junior/Amateur section awarded the blue to Daisy Farish and Cinemagic, owned by Meralex Farm, Inc., who led both cards with an 88 and a 93 to a total of 181, which included eight additional points from all high options.

Brazil and Ireland Pocket Wins on Friday during Final Week of 2018 WEF

Wellington, FL – March 30, 2018 – The final week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) continued with a victory for Brazil’s Francisco Jose Mesquita Musa (BRA) riding Sharapova Imperio Egipicio in the $35,000 Douglas Elliman 1.45m CSI5* and a win for Irish rider Jordan Coyle aboard Eristov in the $35,000 Wanderers Club 1.45m CSI2* at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Musa mastered fellow Brazilian course designer Guilherme Jorge’s speed track and secured the top spot by more than two seconds. Stopping the clock in 58.08 seconds, he and Sharapova Imperio Egipicio, a 15-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse mare (Baloubet du Rouet x Welton Ambassador) topped the 49-horse field. Yet another Brazilian, Eduardo Menezes, took second riding Caruschka 2 in 60.97 seconds for owner E2 Stables, while Alexandra Paillot (FRA) was third aboard Uelem Croze, owned by Paillot Equine Consulting, Inc., with a time of 61.82 seconds.

Later in the day, Coyle ended his circuit in just the same way it began after a win in the $35,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup Round 1 during the first week of the season. Both top placings came aboard Eristov, a nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Cicero Z Van Paemel x Concorde) owned by Elan Farm.

Returning third in Friday’s 1.45m, Coyle was one of 11 riders to advance to Jorge’s jump-off track from an original field of 63. His time of 33.06 seconds held on for the win, dropping Matthew Metell (USA) to second in 33.46 seconds riding Donchalant for owner Wolver Hollow. Javier Fernandez (MEX) rounded out the top three in 34.06 seconds aboard End Good All Good, owned by Miguel Madero.

Equestrian Sport Productions | 561-793-JUMP | news@equestriansport.com | www.PBIEC.com

Hunter Derby Opportunities in Final Week of 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival

Photo ©Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2017 – During week 12 of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), hunter exhibitors have the opportunity to show on the picturesque grass derby field at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds).

The twelfth week of WEF features CSI 4* and USEF Premier “AA” competition at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on March 29 – April 2, 2017. Feature hunter events include the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby.

Attention Exhibitors: The USHJA International Hunter Derby has a 24-hour check-in at Equestrian Village (AGDF show grounds) on Friday, March 31 between 12 noon – 1pm in front of the Dressage office. After check in, all horses must remain on the Equestrian Village show grounds until their Derby completion.

Schedule of Hunter Derbies:

  • Friday, March 31, 8:30 a.m.: $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
  • Saturday, April 1, 12 p.m.: $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Round 1
  • Sunday, April 2, 1 p.m.: $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby Round 2

Exhibitor Information:

Thursday, March 30, 3-5 p.m. – Equestrian Village – Derby Field
Derby horses – Open Flatting WITH DERBY BACK NUMBER – WALK/TROT ONLY
*Weather permitting*

Friday, March 31, 7:15-8:25 a.m. – Equestrian Village- Derby Field
National Derby hand walking

Saturday, April 1 – Equestrian Village- Derby Field
International Hunter Derby Jog – 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Riders’ Meeting – 10:45 a.m.
Course Walk – 11-11:30 a.m., Hand Walk 11:30-11:50 a.m.

Exhibitors are encouraged to sign up for these derby opportunities in the horse show office.

Spectators are welcome at Equestrian Village (13500 South Shore Blvd.) to watch these special classes!

For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

USEF Announces Moratorium on Federation-Generated Protest Measurements

Lexington, Ky. – The USHJA and the USEF have announced that there will be no Federation-generated protest measurements of equines competing in hunter and jumper divisions in the 2015 competition year. This moratorium on Federation-generated protest measurements does not preclude members from protesting other members during the 2015 competition year.

As discussed at the annual meetings, USEF and USHJA are dedicated to producing a better equine measurement system. It is our goal to develop a fair and accurate system for our members. Numerous issues have been identified and will be addressed over the 2015 competition year in order to have a new system in place for the 2016 competition year.

The action plan includes:

  • An enhanced measurement device
  • An appropriate height variance for equines identified for a Federation Measurement Verification
  • An age limit for a Federation Measurement Verification
  • A photo identification system for equine measurement linked to the equine’s file
  • A limit to Federation Measurement Verification to once in each equine’s lifetime
  • Options for owners to present their equine for a Federation Measurement Verification at either the competition where it was selected or at an Appeal Measurement
  • Educational materials for owners, trainers, riders, and officials
  • An enhanced training program for measurement officials and personnel

The USHJA and USEF encourage all owners and trainers to do their due diligence in conducting any purchase or lease transactions involving equines that require measurement to compete at USEF licensed competitions. We will keep our members current as we develop resolutions to these issues.

From the USEF Communications Department

Sponsorship Opportunities Available for Highly Anticipated Derby at Genesee Country Village & Museum

Mumford, NY – March 14, 2014 – With only three stand-alone USHJA International Hunter Derbies in the country, the opportunity to be involved in such a coveted event is a rarity. When the event is held in an area of deep equestrian heritage as Western New York the opportunity becomes exceptional.

On June 7 and 8, 2014, and leading up to the event, interested companies, individuals and organizations can reach an influential audience through sponsorship of The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. The generous sponsorship packages are carefully designed to provide meaningful marketing value.

The two-day event will feature both a $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and a $35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on the picturesque Great Meadow of the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford, NY. Situated less than an hour away from the major hubs of Rochester and Buffalo, NY, the 19th-century living history museum is the ideal location for The Derby and for sponsor promotional reach.

Proceeds from the event all go to benefit The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle. Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and brand exposure.

Available sponsorship opportunities include the following:

International Derby Day Sponsor – $35,000

  • Three Grand Champion Tent Tables (Front Row) for Saturday and Sunday
  • Sunday Champagne Brunch for 30 guests
  • Name and/or logo on t-shirts worn by Derby
  • Day Ring staff and event volunteers on both days
  • Name and/or logo on all print advertising
  • Featured in relevant press release
  • One full page inside front or back cover advertisement in Commemorative Program
  • Public announcement throughout Sunday’s event
  • Event signage throughout The Derby Tents
  • Banner signage on scoreboard
  • Presence on event website (www.thederby.us)
  • Logo on International Derby presentation cooler
  • Participation in the presentation of Sunday’s Awards
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

Great Meadow Sponsor – $20,000

  • Two Grand Champion Tent Tables (Front Row) for Saturday and Sunday
  • Sunday Champagne Brunch for 20 guests
  • Coverage in relevant press releases
  • Product placement via spectator/exhibitor tent for Saturday and Sunday
  • Name and/or logo on all print advertising
  • Full page advertisement in Commemorative Program
  • Event signage throughout The Derby Tents
  • Banner signage on scoreboard
  • Presence on event website (www.thederby.us)
  • Public announcements throughout both days
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

National Derby Day Title Sponsor – $10,000

  • One Grand Champion Tent Table (Front Row) for Saturday and Sunday
  • Sunday Champagne Brunch for 10 guests
  • Name and/or logo on all print advertising
  • Featured in relevant press release
  • One-half page advertisement in Commemorative Program
  • Public announcement throughout Saturday’s event
  • Event signage throughout The Derby Tents
  • Banner signage on scoreboard
  • Presence on event website (www.thederby.us)
  • Logo on National Derby presentation cooler participation
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

Gold Level Sponsor – $7,500

  • One Blue Ribbon Table for Saturday and Sunday
  • Event signage in high traffic area (3)
  • Logo on scoreboard
  • Champagne Brunch for 10 Guests
  • One-half page advertisement in Commemorative Program
  • Public announcement
  • Sponsor Level Recognition in Commemorative Program
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

Silver Level Sponsor – $5,000

  • One Blue Ribbon Table for Saturday and Sunday
  • Event signage in high traffic area (2)
  • Logo on scoreboard
  • Champagne Brunch for 10 Guests
  • One-quarter page advertisement in Commemorative Program
  • Sponsor Level Recognition in Commemorative Program
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

Bronze Level Sponsor – $2,500

  • One Blue Ribbon Table for Saturday and Sunday
  • Champagne Brunch for 10 Guests
  • Event signage in high traffic area (1)
  • Sponsor Level Recognition in Commemorative Program
  • Professionally written featured advertorial on The Derby’s blog
  • Presence on The Derby’s Facebook page

Click here to learn more about The Derby sponsorship opportunities or contact us here!

Stay up to date with all the latest announcements and updates from The Derby by liking the event on Facebook here!

The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Fast Facts:

What:
The Derby at the Genesee Country Village & Museum:
$5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
$35,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

Where:
The Genesee Country Village & Museum
1410 Flint Hill Road
Mumford, NY 14511

When:
June 7 & 8, 2014

Website:
www.thederby.us

Beneficiaries:
The Rochester Women’s Giving Circle

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Supporting The Derby is the perfect way to enjoy a fabulous day with friends, clients or colleagues, all while helping others and gaining valuable marketing and exposure!

To learn more about the numerous available sponsorship opportunities, click here or contact us online for more information!

The Derby Producers & Management:
Brian Brown – browndawgroger@hotmail.com
Craig Brown – cmbrown@rochester.rr.com
Liz Keller – lkeller6@rochester.rr.com

TSG Equine Events, LLC
http://www.tsgequineevents.com/

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic Returns to Wellington February 17, 2014

Wellington, FL – January 13, 2014 – Mark your calendars today! The USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic will return to the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, FL, this February 17, 2014. Traveling all the way from Reno, Nevada, Julie Winkel will fly to the sunshine state to be this year’s clinician. Spots will fill fast as riders line up this Presidents’ Day to learn from Winkel’s vast experience and knowledge.

Winkel boasts an impressive resume: along with her many wins in both the Grand Prix and hunter rings, she is an Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) talent scout and an “R” rated USEF judge. She has judged at Devon, Harrisburg, The National Horse Show, The Hampton Classic, and Wellington. Winkel has also designed courses and judged at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, and judged the 2010 USEF Medal Finals alongside George Morris.

The USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic will consist of four groups: one group at 2’6″, two groups at 3′, and one group at 3’6″. The clinic is open to any amateur who is an active USHJA Zone 4 member.

To view a video of Julie Winkel teaching students in a past clinic, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd3GABa6tkw.

USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic Fast Facts

What: USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic

Clinician: Julie Winkel

When: February 17, 2014

Time: 8 am – 5 pm

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL, 33413

Who: The clinic is open to all amateurs who are active USHJA Zone 4 members, and to auditors.

How to Register: E-mail Carrie Buxton at freezone4clinic@att.net to reserve a spot in the clinic. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a spot, which will be refunded upon arrival at the clinic on February 17. Stalls are available upon request for $30.

Title Sponsor:
Floridian Community Bank

Presenting Sponsor:
Phelps Media Group
Florida Parks & Recreation

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Julie Winkel Announced as USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinician

Wellington, FL – January 18, 2014 – The USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic is excited to welcome Julie Winkel for their 2014 clinic, to be held February 17 (Presidents Day) of this year. Amateur riders from all over the zone will put their day off of school or work to good use with Winkel, who will combine her top-notch hunter jumper industry experience with her passion for teaching in this one day, four session clinic at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

In an interview regarding this clinic, Winkel laid out her philosophy on riding and teaching horses and riders, “I feel that every problem can be solved through basics, and so the more solid people are on their basics, the better chance they have of being successful.”

Julie Winkel certainly knows what it takes to be successful. Along with her many wins in both the Grand Prix and hunter rings, Winkel is an Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) talent scout, and an “R” rated USEF judge.

She has judged at Devon, Harrisburg, The National Horse Show, The Hampton Classic, and Wellington. Winkel has also designed courses and judged at the ASPCA Maclay Finals, and judged the 2010 USEF Medal Finals with George Morris.

Zone 4 members planning on competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) following this clinic should be particularly interested in picking Winkel’s brain on all things equine, as she will be judging at WEF immediately following the clinic.

Winkel expressed the following attitude when it comes to showing: “I think that it’s really important for me to stress that the attitude about riding and competing should be what can you do for your horse, not what can your horse do for you. I think that at the end of the day that it should be for the horse. It’s a key thing for me.”

Wondering what Winkel will require of riders in her ring? It all comes back to her belief in the basics. “What we’ll do is we’ll start with the lowest group in height, and build up, and I’ll do something different with each group. What I like to do is have half the lesson on flat work that pertains directly to what we’re going to do over jumps, so they can master the basics on the flat and then use those tools with the exercises over jumps.”

Winkel also warns people not to over-face themselves when it comes to selecting one of the clinics three height sections to participate in. “I really would encourage people to jump or sign up for groups lower than what they are aspiring to,” Winkel recommended. “I think you get more out of the clinic by perfecting yourself and your horse at lower stuff. My suggestion is to be at the top of the lower group instead of the bottom of the higher group.”

Riders and auditors looking to their homework prior to attending the clinic will want to crack open a few of Winkel’s recommended reads: “I’m very passionate about conformation, and I do the column every month in Practical Horsemen about judging conformation, so I love the Conformation Handbook by Heather Smith Thomas.”

Winkel also recommends the manual for Trainer Certification Program through USHJA, a work she helped author. “I’m really proud our trainer certification manual that we put together for USHJA. Our committee worked really hard on that and I think that it encompasses a lot of basics across the board.” The manual can be ordered through USHJA.

To sign up for the USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic, e-mail Carrie Buxton at freezone4clinic@att.net. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a spot, which will be refunded upon arrival at the clinic on February 17. Stalls are available upon request for $30. The three height sections offered are 2′-2’6″, 2’9″-3′, and 3’3″-3’6″. There will be two sessions with a ten rider maximum at 2’9″-3′, and one session of ten riders at each of the other heights. This is a starting point for sections- heights may be modified to cater to the participants riding in the clinic.

The schedule for the clinic is as follows:

8:30-10:00 – 2′-2’6″ group
10:30-12:00 – 2’9″-3′ group
12:00-1:00 – LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:30 – 2’9″-3′ group
2:30-4:00 – 3’3″-3’6″ group

Winkel looks forward to meeting all the Zone 4 riders and auditors who come out, saying, “I’m thrilled and honored to have been asked to do this Zone 4 Clinic!”

USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic Fast Facts

What: USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic

Clinician: Julie Winkel

When: February 17, 2014

Time: 8 am – 5 pm

Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL, 33413

Who: The clinic is open to all amateurs who are active USHJA Zone 4 members, and to auditors.

How to Register: E-mail Carrie Buxton at freezone4clinic@att.net to reserve a spot in the clinic. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a spot, which will be refunded upon arrival at the clinic on February 17. Stalls are available upon request for $30.

Title Sponsor:
Floridian Community Bank

Presenting Sponsor:
Phelps Media Group
Florida Parks & Recreation

Media Contact:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd.
Suite 105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Application Deadline Approaching for USHJA Emerging Athletes Clinic at Colorado Horse Park

Parker, CO – April 22, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), Zone 8 Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) June 25-28, 2013.  The deadline for application is fast approaching. Young riders have until Monday, April 29, 2013 to apply.  Each year, hundreds of young riders apply to the Emerging Athletes Program in hopes of furthering their education, not only as riders, but as complete horsemen.

The EAP creates opportunities for young riders to advance their education as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community. The Colorado Horse Park will be the ideal setting and athletes will be at the facility in the midst of the amazing Colorado Horse Park “Summer Circuit”.  The place will buzz with activity!

Ten EAP Regional Clinics are offered throughout the country during the months of June, July and August, with a total of 24 riders selected for each clinic. During these four-day clinics, riders have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and stable managers. Regional Clinic attendees are instructed on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, in addition to participating in an intensive stable-management curriculum. Riders also complete a written test as part of their evaluation for the National Training Session. Sixteen riders are selected to advance to the EAP National Training Session where one rider is named the EAP Champion and receives a $3,000 grant for advanced training.

The Colorado Horse Park is pleased to have Cynthia Hankins as the Zone 8 clinician this year. Hankins was a junior equitation star, having placed in the top ten of several equitation finals before winning the USEF Medal Finals in 1975. She spent much of her professional career traveling between the U.S. and France, where she rides and trains at a top breeding farm.  Many of her students have gone on to become successful professionals within the hunter/jumper community.

Hankins holds an “R” judge’s license in both Hunter and Hunter Equitation and has judged numerous shows in the United States and France including several equitation finals and most recently the 2011 Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY.

In addition to judging and training, Hankins shares her knowledge and expertise with riders as a top clinician and in the articles she contributes to publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse and Practical Horseman.

In order to be considered for the Emerging Athletes Program, riders:

  • Must be a current member of USHJA in good standing.
  • Must not have reached their 21st birthday before December 1 of the current competition year according to USEF rules.
  • Must be able to display proficiency in completing jumper style courses set at 1.10m or higher. Riders are expected to supply the horse they ride in the Regional Clinic, and the horse should be comfortable jumping a course at 1.10m.
  • May not have competed in classes over 1.35m in height at the time of application and may not have competed in FEI Championships for jumping, such as Young Riders or Children’s International Jumping Competition.
  • Must pass the Level One USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge with a score of 80% or higher.

For application procedures, please visit: http://www.ushja.org/programs/eap/eap_apply.aspx.

For more information, contact clinic organizer Vivien Van Buren at VNIVIV@CS.com.

About the Colorado Horse Park

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Visit CHP at:  http://coloradohorsepark.com/.

The Colorado Horse Park USHJA EAP Fast Facts

About Emerging Athletes Program: The EAP was created specifically to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education, as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community, which may or may not include a career in the horse industry.

What: USHJA EAP Clinic with Cynthia Hankins

Event Dates: June 25-28, 2013

To Apply: Click here.

Application Deadline:  Monday, April 29, 2013

Directions:

Show Grounds Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134

From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway.  Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road.  Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway.  Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.

Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
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Get Ready for the Floridian Community Bank USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic Monday

Wellington, FL – February 20, 2013 – Polish those boots, prep those horses and clean that tack, to get ready for the USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic that is less than a week away. Open to all amateur riders in USHJA Zone 4, this clinic will take place on Monday, February 25, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Cynthia Hankins will be the clinician for the event.

Hankins, a Pennsylvania native, comes to the clinic with an extensive riding and showing resume. Throughout her junior career, she achieved many prestigious awards including the USEF Hunter Seat Medal and being named Best Child Rider at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

The Floridian Community Bank USHJA Zone 4 Free clinic will be broken down into four groups: a group at 2’6″, two groups at 3″, and a final group at 3’6″. The spots are filling up fast as amateur riders across Zone 4 try to reserve a spot in their group. However, there are still spaces available to amateur USHJA Zone 4 riders only by contacting dudeville@bellsouth.net.

There has been a growing interest in the clinic from professional riders; however, this clinic is only open to USHJA Zone 4 amateur riders. The professional riders that are interested in attending are more than welcome to audit the clinic for free.

To view video segments from EquestrianCoach.com featuring Cynthia Hankins, please visit: http://www.equestriancoach.com/content/form-follows-function and http://www.equestriancoach.com/content/form-follows-function-over-fences.

Floridian Community Bank USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic Fast Facts:

What: Floridian Community Bank USHJA Zone 4 Free Clinic

When: February 25, 2013

Time: 8 am – 5 pm

Where:
Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL, 33413

Who: All active USHJA Zone 4 members and auditors

Clinician: Cynthia Hankins

How to Register:

E-mail: dudeville@bellsouth.net

Kendall Bierer for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com