Members can submit comments to zones@ushja.org. Please include your zone. To learn more about specifications, and view the current 2021 specs, click here.

The USHJA is pleased to announce USHJA Equitation Championships for 2021. The following will be happening on the East Coast:

October 1-3

Capital Challenge Horse Show, Upper Marlboro, Md.

October 23

New England Equitation Championships, Eastern States Exposition Center in West Springfield, Mass.

July 12

Devon Showgrounds in Devon, Pa.

There are several USHJA Town Halls with USHJA President Mary Knowlton, formerly Babick, coming up that you can participate in!

We heard from Emily Andrews with MCF Equestrian Center, a Recognized Riding Academy in Whigham, Georgia.

We serve a small rural community in south west Georgia! Our program is based strongly on horsemanship skills, and true riding ability. For the last four years Grady County 4-H Horse Club has called our barn home, we have been state champion in various educational competitions. At MCF we teach western as well as hunter jumper lessons and compete in both worlds!

We love the standards that RRA holds each barn and trainers to. There wasn't very many programs like this before. The benefits and educational side helps everyone in all walks of life, inclusive! No barn left behind, as long as they have the standard of safety.

Wow, I have to pick? We LOVE them all! Currently our best school horse is on stall rest for a leg injury. Smurfette is a grey, large pony - teaches everyone new their first lesson, first canter, first jump. Best co-worker. We can't wait for her to get back into the program. She might not be able to do as much as before, but we will make her feel like her job is important as ever!

June 23-27

Blenheim June Classic III at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park

San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

July 28- August 1

Equifest I at Lamplight Equestrian Center

Wayne, Ill.

August 29

Virginia Young Horse Festival at the Virginia Horse Center

Lexington, Va.

Also for pony riders, free educational horsemanship clinics will return during the 2021 USEF Pony Finals, presented by Honor Hill Farms, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Though not exclusively for ponies, those under 14.2 can also participate in the new USHJA Hunter Team Challenge, a unique team experience for riders competing in the 2’-2’6” Children’s Pony Hunters, 2’6” Low Child/Adult Hunters and 3’ Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter divisions.

The USHJA invites trainers, riding facilities, clubs, or other associations to host a Mini EAP clinic for your students.

Mini EAP provides an introduction to the Emerging Athletes Program's goal of “opening eyes and opening doors” for developing riders, ensuring that all levels of equestrian athletes have access to a strong educational foundation both in the saddle and in the barn.

Payton Ryan, of Newnan, Georgia, was Champion in the 2020 USHJA Equitation 2'6".

I love the USHJA Outreach Program because I believe it is a great way for young riders like me to earn national recognition.

I have grown up around horses and in this sport. My mom is a USDF bronze and silver medalist and I’m wanting to follow in her footsteps. I’m lucky enough to have parents that support my passion and dreams.

The purchase of both of my horses are times I will never forget. They are both so very special to me since they help me through the lows and are my highest highs.

I am hoping to achieve my USDF bronze medal along with my gold medal at 3ft. for the USHJA Outreach program.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming USHJA Webinars:

May 25, 7 p.m. ET

Stand out in the Hunter Breeding ring, Equitation ring and everywhere in between with bridle fit tips from Hunter/Equitation Judge and Hunter Breeding Official Sue Lightner.

June 22, 7 p.m. ET

With the ever-increasing use of safety vests throughout the Hunter/Jumper industry, the USHJA Safety Committee would like to open a discussion with members like you to determine the interest in further researching and promoting this potentially life-saving equipment.

Special thanks to these members who serve our zone! For more information about the committee and contact information, click here.