April Zone 10 Update
We hope you are all staying safe as we work through these unprecedented times together. With USEF and USHJA having suspended competition until at least May 31, 2020, we know it is a difficult time for our entire community. We are working with show managers as the equestrian community strives for re-opening the sport in a safe, healthy, and timely manner. We welcome your phone calls, emails, and texts offering your input and opinions. Feel free to contact us regarding our Zone.

If you missed it, be sure to watch USHJA President Mary Babick’s Town Hall for a discussion of the current situation. If you are looking for something fun and educational, the USHJA website has fun activities like coloring pages, the USHJA Wheeler Museum Scavenger Hunt, and the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Study Guide. As we have seen during other difficult times, our Zone 10 members continue to support each other with acts of generosity, kindness, and compassion. We are grateful for our equestrian community and we look forward to seeing you back in the show ring once it is safe to do so.

Stay safe and healthy!

Kathy Hobstetter and Ned Glynn.
Co-Chairs of the Zone 10 Committee
Updates and Information about COVID-19
As COVID-19 continues to impact the world, leaders in our sport are continuing to adjust plans and work toward solutions that will best serve horses and riders as we move forward.

Last week, USEF announced the extension of the suspension of all USEF owned and named events through May 31. As such, USHJA is continuing suspension of all USHJA programs and events through May 31.

The USHJA Board of Directors also made the decision to cancel the USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships and USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships for 2020. The Board felt it was unlikely that horses would be fit and ready to compete and qualify by the time of the Championships. They will return in 2021.

Additional resources and information about COVID-19:





We Need Your Feedback
Member comments can be sent to zones@ushja.org. Read more about the member comment period.
The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge- Virtual Horsemanship
The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge (HQC) is an online competition that encourages education and recognizes equestrians who have exceptional equine knowledge. This year, the HQC program has expanded to include adults as well. It covers topics that include horse identification, anatomy, nutrition, riding theory and welfare. The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Study Guide is available to everyone interested in expanding his or her equine knowledge. It’s a wonderful opportunity for riders to get involved and learn more about horsemanship.

Even though getting together in person to study is not currently an option, several barns have moved to virtual horsemanship. Hansen Dam Riding School, last year’s 2019 Zone 10 USHJA Horsemanship Stable Challenge winner, has started hosting HQC study sessions over Zoom. In addition, Zone 10’s own Toni Anderson, who won the overall gold medal at HQC Finals in 2018, has been creating horsemanship videos covering topics from grooming tools to bridle cleaning and more. To watch Toni’s videos, visit her YouTube channel “Toni’s Tack Tips.” To learn more about Hansen Dam Riding School’s study sessions, check out their Facebook page to learn more.

 “The HQC program gave me the incentive and the opportunity to learn and practice horsemanship on a whole new level,” Toni explained. “The chance to compete and collaborate with equine experts and fellow finalists has challenged me to become a better rider and horsewoman. This experience has also opened the door to other opportunities including clinics, internships, and working student positions!”

With HQC’s expansion to include adults, we encourage all of our Zone 10 members to use this opportunity to start their own study groups and further their horsemanship knowledge. USHJA also held a free virtual HQC Study Hall on April 22 with HQC Committee Chair Terri Young. To view the study hall, click here. For more information on the HQC program, click here.

Photo: HQC gold medalist, Toni Anderson, provides horsemanship videos on her YouTube page “Toni’s Tack Tips.”
Check Out the USHJA Best Practices Page!
The USHJA Best Practices page is a collection of educational resources, downloads and videos for members.

The Owners Awareness Checklist, to help owners become more engaged and promote horse welfare, is new to the page!

You can also find educational articles like " Tips for the New or Longtime Horse Owner," " Indicators of Horse Health," and " Employer Resources."

Have an educational topic you'd like to see? Email us your idea.
Educational videos like this one, "Longeing-Basic Technique," are also on the best practices page.
Zone 10 Member Q&A: Sami Milo
Q: What is the name of your barn and where are you located?
A: My barn Cavallo Stables is located in Newcastle, Calif.

Q: How are you adapting barn life during these difficult times?
A: We have mandatory protocols set in place for barn safety which consists of many new rules and procedures.

Q: Have you come up with any new innovations or projects to keep connected with clients?
A: We are sending our clients a lot more photos and videos these days. We are also having contests for free lessons to help spread some joy while giving give people something to look forward to.

Q: What are you doing to maintain your mental health and wellness?
A: At the barn, we are doing more out of the arena work. We have the most beautiful olive orchard with a great riding track, and it’s been amazing to relax, trot the track, and enjoy the horses. Horse show life is often very busy, jumping from one show to the next, so it’s nice to just breathe and not be in such a hurry. At home with the family, we are cooking and getting out as much as possible whether it’s walking, biking, or fishing out on the boat. All in all, we are staying pretty busy and the entire house is cleaned and organized, so that’s a plus!

Q: Tell us something positive or funny that has happened this month:
A: I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by animals, so I’ve been bringing the barn animals to my suburban home so I can spend more time with them. Our hen at the barn had eleven chicks, so I surprised my husband and brought some home for a few weeks…he was thrilled! We have a bunny also, so we did an Easter photoshoot with the bunny and chicks. Now the chicks are back at the barn and I brought our mini horse, Hugs, home. It was her 27th birthday and the kids and I wanted to celebrate. Luckily, my husband knows how much happiness animals bring me so he’s going with the flow and my kids, of course, love it!

Photo: Trainer Sami Milo brought her mini horse, Hugs, home to celebrate her 27th birthday with the family! Sami’s non-human family includes Mr. Hops, the bunny, and several new baby chicks.
Application Deadline Extended for Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education
The deadline for the 2020 USHJA Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education has been extended to June 15.

The scholarship, made possible through a generous donation from the Kristen and James Hamel Family Foundation, awards up to $25,000 to one USHJA member to be used for college, graduate, trade or professional school.

USHJA Webinar and Virtual Town Hall Coming Up
Farrier Tools of the Trade Webinar
May 6, 4 p.m. ET
Join us for a webinar with Travis Burns, Associate Professor of Practice and Chief of Farrier Services at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, to learn about different types of shoes and farrier tools most commonly used in shoeing horses.  Click here for more information. Click here to join.

Virtual Town Hall with USHJA President Mary Babick
May 6, 6 p.m. ET
Register to participate in a virtual town hall with USHJA President Mary Babick. Click here for more information and to register.
USHJA Affiliate Member Organization News
LA Hunter Jumper Association

The LA Hunter Jumper Association (LAHJA) is excited to announce that we have added an additional membership category for Introductory Members. This new category costs only $35, allows for participation in our $5,000 LAHJA Horsemastership Scholarship Competition, and includes a subscription to our monthly e-newsletter. Introductory Members are not eligible to earn points toward year-end awards nor participate in the LAHJA medal classes. Introductory Members may choose to upgrade their membership at any time by paying the difference. We will also be offering a reduced annual membership fee of $50 after August 1, 2020. To learn more, visit lahja.org or click here to join online.
Due to the challenges surrounding the horse show schedule this year, our board has revised the qualifications for the 2020 LAHJA medal finals. The following is subject to change as the situation evolves.
There are two ways riders can qualify for the various LAHJA medal finals:
  • Riders who qualified for a 2019 final will be automatically qualified for the same 2020 final providing that rider is still eligible (age, fence height restrictions). The exception is that junior riders who became amateurs in 2020, will be qualified for the LAHJA Senior Medal Final as opposed to the LAHJA Junior Medal Final. Click here for 2019 qualifiers
  • In 2020, riders qualify for any final for which they are eligible by entering and competing in any corresponding qualifying class. The “last chance” qualifier at the host show may only be used if fewer than sixty (60) days have passed since horse showing has resumed and the social distancing measures have been lifted.

For all medal finals, riders must meet eligibility requirements listed here on the LAHJA website.

  • LAHJA Stirrup Cup Medal 
  • LAHJA Mary Jane Watson Horsemanship Medal
  • LAHJA Pony Medal Presented by Elvenstar
  • LAHJA Betsy Wood Horsemanship Medal Presented by SmartPak 
  • LAHJA Rosewood Medal Presented by SmartPak
  • LAHJA Junior Medal sponsored by LEGISequine.com -Any 2019 qualified junior who has aged out as of the 2020 season will be qualified for the LAHJA Senior medal final.
  • LAHJA Senior Medal Presented by Hansen Dam Horse Park 

Should the competition suspension continue we will make adjustments as necessary. Stay safe, wash your hands, and we look forward to you back in the show ring once it is safe for us all to gather once again!
LEGIS League

The LEGIS League is bringing its members an all-new finals event at the Desert International Horse Park’s Coachella Valley Classic (Feb. 18-21, 2021). This change marks a new date and location for the LEGIS League Finals, which in the past have been held in the fall.

“Moving the LEGIS League Finals to the beginning of the year allows riders to kick-off the year with a special ‘circle the calendar’ event,” commented LEGIS Managing Director Marnye Langer. “This will also be a great opportunity for riders who do not normally show in the desert to see what a great venue the Desert International Horse Park is and to participate in a competition ideal for them.”

The LEGIS League offers incentives for riders competing in a variety of levels from beginners all the way through 3’6’’ and 1.10m jumpers. The champion, reserve champion, and top ten riders in each final will receive awards ribbons and special prizes. Plus, LEGIS League medal final winners also earn special winner packages for unique experiences, such as clinics, river rafting, and vacation packages.

To learn more, visit legisleague.com or click here to join online. For questions or more information, contact LEGIS League Coordinator Terra Wallace at terra@langershows.com.
Sport History: Fun Facts from the USHJA Wheeler Museum
Betty Oare and Navy Commander

Chances are you’ve heard of Betty Oare as a consistent winner in the amateur-owner Hunters for decades and the winner of awards including the 2019 USHJA Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award, the 2013 USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2005 USEF Pegasus Medal of Honor.

Did you know that Oare and her famous thoroughbred partner Navy Commander, with whom she won multiple Hunter championships and induction in the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, also competed in the 1965 Cleveland Grand Prix, the first of its kind in North America? Their style was as impeccable on a Jumper course as it was in the Hunter ring.

Photo: Betty Oare and Navy Commander in the Inaugural Cleveland Grand Prix 
Photo credit: Marshall Hawkins
More Recent News
Know Your Zone 10 Committee Members
  • Kathy Hobstetter, Co-Chair
  • Ned Glynn, Co-Chair
  • Denise Finch
  • Kay Altheuser
  • Michael Curtis
  • Ellen Gates 
  • Sally Hudson
  • Melissa Kalember
  • Robert Leckie
  • Stephanie Lightner
  • Gry McFarlane
  • Lynn Mullins
  • James Waldman
Special thanks to these members who serve our zone! For more information about the committee and contact information, click here.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
May

June
Check the Calendar for Upcoming Outreach Competitions
Numerous USHJA Outreach Competitions are coming up in Zone 10! Be sure to see what's coming up by clicking the calendar below!
USHJA Official Sponsors
USHJA Sponsors & Partners
Photos by: Tricia Booker, Kaitlyn Karssen, Jump Media
United States Hunter Jumper Association | (859) 225-6700 | ushja.org