Lexington, KY—-March 10, 2016—-The United States Hunter Jumper Association has opened registration for the 2016 USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, presented by The Plaid Horse, at www.ushja.org/HQC. Additionally, the organization has updated the program’s specifications to increase competition among individuals and eliminate team competition.
In 2016, the 24 individuals who score the highest in their zone on the Level Two Quiz will be invited to compete in the HQC Nationals where they can win a variety of prizes including a $1,000 grant for training and education, provided by the USHJA Foundation, as well as a Charles Owen helmet. The 2016 HQC Nationals will only host individual competition, eliminating the team competition portion.
“We are excited to offer greater competition at the individual level, which means more individuals have the opportunity to qualify for Nationals,” said Kevin Price, executive director of the USHJA.
The Plaid Horse continues as the presenting sponsor for this program, aimed at encouraging excellence in horsemanship among the sport’s youth.
Price continued, “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with The Plaid Horse and look forward to bringing the power of horsemanship to more young equestrians through this program.”
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The HQC is open to any USHJA member who was not 21 years old prior to December 1 of the current competition year. Young equestrians are encouraged to test their horsemanship knowledge by completing the online practice quiz and the Level One and Level Two Quizzes. Participants must score an 80 percent or above on the Level One Quiz to advance to the Level Two Quiz. Those who score 90 percent or above on the Level Two Quiz will be eligible for selection to compete at the 2016 HQC Nationals.
“The Plaid Horse was thrilled with the excitement and growth in the 2015 Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, and we look forward to an even bigger year this year,” said Plaid Horse owner Piper Klemm. “Highlighting the importance of horsemanship and knowledge of the sport fuels greater success for riders in all rings.”
Resources are available to encourage and assist participants in preparing for the online quizzes including a practice quiz and a study guide. The official study guide covers topics that include horse identification, anatomy, nutrition, riding theory and welfare, and it is available to everyone interested in expanding their equine knowledge, not just HQC participants.
The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is supported in part by generous grants from the United States Equestrian Federation and the USHJA Foundation. For a complete list of 2016 HQC specifications including eligibility, requirements, and qualifying procedures for HQC Nationals, visit www.ushja.org/HQC.
