Based on the popularity of the USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal over the last two years, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association has announced the series will include finals on both the East and West Coasts for the 2017 competition year. The Capital Challenge Horse Show (Md.) and International Jumping Festival at Blenheim (Calif.) will host the respective finals.
The USHJA plans to use this year’s finals as a test to determine members’ interest in a 3’3″ equitation final that aims to help riders gain experience in a format similar to that of the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program.
In the program’s first year in 2015, more than 700 members participated in USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal classes across the country. In 2016, that number increased by nearly 20 percent to more than 840 participants. In 2016, USHJA launched Eastern and Western leagues, which will form the framework for the finals qualifying process.
“We have watched with excitement as this program has grown over the last two years,” said Robin Rost, chair of the USHJA Joint Equitation Task Force. “It’s clear that members value the jumping seat equitation experience at the 3’3” fence height, and we hope that by offering these finals we give riders a preview of what to expect in the Talent Search. Encouraging great equitation at every level is so important, no matter what you hope to accomplish in this sport.”
Riders qualify for the USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal Finals when they have accumulated a minimum of 10 points in a USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal class from Dec. 1 of the current competition year to 60 days prior to the finals. Riders may not cross-enter into the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals. Qualified riders may choose to compete on either coast.
ADVERTISEMENT
The finals consist of three phases: Phase I (Flat Phase), Phase II (Gymnastics Phase) and Phase III (Jumping Phase) that will be held over two days.
The Capital Challenge Horse Show will host the USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal Finals-East Sept. 29-30 at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. The International Jumping Festival at Blenheim will host the USHJA 3’3″ Jumping Seat Medal Finals-West Sept. 23-24 at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
“We very much appreciate Capital Challenge and Blenheim EquiSports stepping up to host this test year, so we can evaluate the needs of our membership,” said Rost. “These two venues provide the perfect atmosphere to showcase this exciting opportunity.”
For more information, including the full specifications, visit www.ushja.org/jumpseatmedal.