FEI World Cup Finals Omaha Wrap Up
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The
Longines FEI World Cup Final was held in Omaha, Nebraska, March 29-April 2, and U.S. rider McLain Ward took home the title after five clear rounds on HH Azur!
A number of USHJA Zone 6 members attended the event, and we want to thank those who had a role in the Finals.
Dan Urban acted as the FEI Stable Manager, and
Patrice Urban was in charge of awards and award ceremonies as well as acted as a liaison between the Omaha Equestrian Foundation Organizing Committee and most of the FEI and USEF officials.
In addition to the enjoying the exciting competition, Zone 6 members participated in a special forum on Sunday featuring top professionals in the industry. The panel was made up of former World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist
Nick Skelton, FEI Director of Jumping John Madden, and former World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Melanie Smith Taylor, who moderated the discussion.
"The Zone 6 opportunity was wonderful, and I want to say how awesome the FEI World Cup Omaha was," Zone 6 Committee Member
Elizabeth Conyers said.
Conyers said there were many interesting questions for the panelists.
"A question that was asked by a mother of a child rider was how can parents be more involved in the sport even if they don't ride," Conyers said. "Nick and John don't have children, however, they suggested to learn how to braid and groom the horse/pony, learn to clean stalls, get involved and support their child outside of paying bills."
Jim Urban, former Zone 6 Committee member, also attended the forum, and he noted, "
Nick, John, and Melanie were all delightful, informative, fun and sometimes quite humorous."
"John Madden discussed the history and tradition of the WC Finals as well as the scoring," Urban said. "
He emphasized that we must all remember the this sport is based upon the deep love and respect of, and compassion for the horse. He also stressed the importance of having FUN and enjoying the horse and the sport. As an example he pointed out himself as someone who was never able to ride at all well, but has always loved horses and now is Director of Jumping at the FEI. He said that there is a niche for everyone in the sport."
Urban said that all of the panelists felt it was important for the country's top riders to want to represent their individual countries in competitions such as the World Cup Finals, the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games.
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May 1 Deadline to Apply for
Zone Jumper Team Championships
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The USHJA Zones 5 & 6 Jumper Team Championships will be August 11-13 at Showplace End of Summer in Crete, Ill., at the new Balmoral Park!
Check to see if you're on the qualifying list:
Mark your calendars, review the specifications, and make sure to get your rider applications in by
May 1! Earn a minimum of 20 points ($20 money-won) by
June 1 to be eligible to qualify for the championships.
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Do You Know These Answers?
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1. About how many gallons of water does a healthy horse drink each day?
2. Which of the following is NOT a type of martingale?
a. Bib
b. Irish
c. Spanish
d. Running
3. True or false? Tetanus is a disease that affects the nervous system.
HQC is a fun online quiz members 21 and younger can take for a chance to attend HQC Nationals and win prizes.
Register here.
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Zone 6 Handy Hunter Challenges Are FREE!
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Mark your calendars for the first three Zone 6 Handy Hunter Challenges! The Handy Hunter Challenges were designed to test the handiness of horse and rider in a fun series of classes at your local horse shows.
Entry is free for Zone 6 members!
Click here for more info.
Date |
Show |
City/State |
May 3-7 |
Mid States Spring |
Mason City, Iowa |
May 12 |
Maffitt Lake Spring Gathering I |
Cumming, Iowa |
May 17-21 |
Maffitt Lake Spring Gathering II |
Cumming, Iowa |
May 18-22 |
MHJA Horse Show |
Hugo, Minn. |
May 31-June 4 |
Springtime Sunshine at Quail Run |
Elkhorn, Neb. |
Click here for the full list of Zone 6 Handy Hunter Challenges!
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Is Your Name on the Qualifying List?
Last Chance to Apply!
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Is your name on one of these qualifying lists?
If so, CLICK HERE to apply by May 1 to have your points count toward qualifying for the USHJA Children's and Adult Amateur Hunter Regional Championships, presented by SmartPak.
The championships for the Central Region will be July 12-16 at GO Show in Oklahoma City.
Visit
www.ushja.org/chaahunter
for more information.
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Jumper Team and Jumping Seat Equitation Championships At a Glance
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Are you working your way up in the Jumpers/Jumping Seat Equitation or looking for a new goal in the Jumper arena?
We've created a quick cheat sheet for Jumper riders to help you find the Team and Jumping Seat Equitation Championships that will help you get there! From the USHJA to USEF and FEI programs, Jumper riders have some great Championships available!
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Share Your Feedback and Enter to Win a $250 ShopUSHJA Shopping Spree!
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We invite you to take this short survey by May 1, and in return you will be entered into a drawing for a $250 shopping spree at ShopUSHJA!
USHJA relies on the support of sponsors to help us serve our members. The information you will provide will help USHJA target prospective sponsors that will be the best fit for USHJA and its members. Thank you advance for your participation!
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Congratulations Zone HOTY Champions!
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Click below to view The Chronicle of the Horse's special Zone Champions issue:
For more information about how to earn Zone HOTY points
click here.
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Important Dates and Deadlines
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Don't miss out on exciting upcoming USHJA programs, events and opportunities:
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Have an interesting story to share? Know a member who deserves to be recognized? Email stories
here for possible inclusion in a future Zone eNews Update!
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1. Twelve gallons
2. Spanish
3. True
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STAY CONNECTED WITH USHJA
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