March Zone 5 Update
Thank you for being a Zone 5 member! Get important information about COVID-19, apply for grants and scholarships, learn about the upcoming USHJA Presidential Election and more.
Important Information about COVID-19 and our Sport
In an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association has suspended all USHJA competitions and events until May 3, 2020. This action is in alignment with US Equestrian.

Competitions that choose to run during this time period may not include the USHJA name with any class or property, and will do so without USHJA recognition. Competitors attending those events will not be able to accumulate or earn points, scores, money won, qualifications or rankings during this period for USEF or USHJA awards programs, Championships and events. Similarly, USHJA Outreach classes are suspended. 



Deadline to Apply for EAP Regional Training Session Extended to April 22
The deadline to apply to participate in the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program has been extended to April 22!

Sessions in Zone 5 are:
  • July 6-10, Ledges Sporting Horses and Show Grounds, Roscoe, Ill., led by Cynthia Hankins and stable manager Julia Hogan
  • July 27-31, University of Findlay, Findlay, Ohio, led by Jim Wofford and stable manager Anne Thornbury

You can also apply for an EAP Grant to assist in attending a regional training session.
Test Your Knowledge with the HQC Quick Quiz
The conformation of a horse can have a direct impact on his...
Soundness
Demeanor
Coat condition
Tell Us Something Good!
We want to hear your good news or uplifting story!

Who inspires you?

What positive impact has the sport or your horse had on you?

Are you doing something special to help others in our sport?

Email krover@ushja.org for a chance to be featured in Zone eNews or on Facebook.
Nominations Opening Soon for USHJA President, Vice President and Four Directors at Large
USHJA invites members to nominate individuals for the office of President beginning April 16. The USHJA Board of Directors will conduct the presidential election at the scheduled board meeting on September 14, 2020. Nominations will also open later this year for the National Vice President and four Director-At-Large positions. Read more. 

All USHJA Senior Active or Senior Associate members in good standing are invited to participate in the nomination process. Upcoming dates to remember: 

  • April 16: Membership nomination period open for President 
  • May 1: Membership nominations close for President; nominees for President receive questionnaire that must be submitted to USHJA Executive Director by May 15
  • May 15: Nomination period opens for National Vice Presidential/Director At-Large Election
  • May 15: Presidential nominee questionnaires due to USHJA Executive Director; interview process begins following review of questionnaires

Click here for the complete timeline. 
USHJA Affiliate Member Organization News
USHJA supports local competitive and educational opportunities for hunter/jumper equestrians through its zone structure and affiliate organization members.

Here are the current Affiliates in our Zone: 


Want to become a USHJA Affiliate? Click here to learn more. 
Sport History: Fun Facts from the USHJA Wheeler Museum!
Show Jumping’s Minimum Weight Rule

Before 1996, international jumpers were required to carry 165 pounds, so many riders needed to use lead weight pads under the saddle, as are still used in racing. Some lighter women who needed to add a lot of lead had to get creative: Michele (McEvoy) Grubb had special attachments filled with buckshot made for Sundancer’s breastplate in addition to having weight pads under her saddle and on the girth. With all that extra equipment, they won the American Invitational twice and international classes at the National Horse Show and all over Europe in the early 1970s. 

Show Jumping Hall of Famers Mary Chapot had a girth sewn with pockets for the lead to distribute the weight, and Kathy Kusner rode in a saddle with mercury inserts—which worked well until one of the inserts broke open!

Photo credit: Bob Foster
Know Your Zone 5 Committee Members
  • Pat Boyle, Chair
  • George Thornbury, Vice Chair
  • Sara Ballinger
  • Otis Brown
  • Joleen Dewitt
  • Lisa Goldman-Smolen
  • Myron Leff
  • Heather Pinnick
  • Patricia Rogers
  • Ryan Sassmannshausen
  • Elaine Schott
Special thanks to these members who serve our zone! For more information about the committee and contact information, click here.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
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Photos: EQ Media, Tricia Booker, Jump Media, Rachel Sowinski.
United States Hunter Jumper Association | (859) 225-6700 | ushja.org