April 2020
In this month's eNews, catch up on important notices regarding COVID-19, find date changes for the competition season and more.
Notices Regarding COVID-19
In an effort to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the USHJA has extended the suspension of all USHJA competitions and events until May 3, 2020. US Equestrian has also suspended recognized competition through that date.

The USHJA will continue to follow recommendations from the CDC, as well as state and federal government officials, and will monitor the situation closely and reassess its position before the conclusion of the suspension period.
Don't Miss Mary's Virtual Town Hall!
Tune in to the Virtual Town Hall with Mary Babick this Wednesday, April 15, at 6 p.m. ET. Register in advance here to make sure you don't miss the event and receive the call in information. The first 100 members to register will also receive video access.
Important Date Changes and Upcoming Deadlines
Deadline Changes


The late fee for USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships and USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships has been waived. Apply up to 45 days prior to your 2020 championship with a non-refundable fee of $75 per horse.

The deadline to apply for the $25,000 Hamel Family Scholarship for Further Education has been extended to June 15.
Upcoming Deadlines

April 16 - Membership nomination period opens for USHJA Presidential Election


May 1 - Deadline to apply for Zone Academic Scholarships

May 1 - Membership nominations close for USHJA Presidential Election

May 15 - Membership nomination period opens for National Vice Presidential/Director At-Large Election
Looking for things to do while at home? USHJA has plenty of at-home opportunities!
Introducing the USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge!

The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is officially open to all ages for 2020. The expanded program, the USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, allows adult amateurs aged 21 and older to now register, access the study guide, take the various quizzes, and have the chance to compete to attend Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals to be held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on September 25-27, 2020. Learn more.
Education Spotlight: Test Your Horsemanship Knowledge
Arena footing is as important while longeing as it is while riding.
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USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant Applications Open
Applications are now open for the USHJA J.T. Tallon Memorial Equitation Grant. Now in its third year, the grant provides $1,000 to one junior rider who has qualified for a select national equitation championship at a fence height of 3’ or higher. Through this grant, juniors with limited financial means who have qualified for one of the select national equitation finals are provided the support they need to attend.

Completed applications must be received by August 1, 2020 to be considered.
Nomination Period Open for USHJA Presidential Election
The USHJA invites Senior Active or Senior Associate members in good standing to nominate individuals for the office of President. The USHJA Board of Directors will conduct the presidential election at the scheduled board meeting on September 14, 2020.

Nominations will also open for the National Vice President and four Director-At-Large positions on May 15, closing August 14

The full timeline for 2020 USHJA elections can be found here.
Encourage Your Favorite Competition to Host a USHJA Event!
The USHJA is now accepting online applications from competition managers wishing to offer USHJA championships, special classes and other competitive programs at the zone and national levels in the 2021 competition year. Applications for facilities looking to host 2021 Emerging Athletes Program Training Sessions and Gold Star Clinics are also open. Host applications for all programs will close June 1, 2020.

Learn more and encourage your favorite competition venue to host a USHJA event!
Sport History Spotlight: Gem Twist’s Early Career

Until the advent of the various Young Jumper programs in the U.S., most horses started their horse show career over fences in the Hunter division. This was the case for Show Jumping Hall of Famer Gem Twist, winner of Olympic and Pan Am medals with Greg Best. 

A Thoroughbred, Gem Twist was sired by Frank Chapot’s champion international jumper Good Twist and trained by Chapot. Gem gained some of his first show mileage as a 3-year-old in the Hunters with Linda Murat (Sheridan). 
 
Among his many later awards, Gem Twist was named “Best Horse” at the 1990 World Equestrian Games, won three American Grand Prix Association Horse of the Year titles, and was the only horse to win the American Grand Prix Association Championship with three different riders: Best, Chapot and Leslie Howard.

Photo: Three-year-old Gem Twist in a Hunter class from Winning with Frank Chapot.
USHJA Young Jumper Championships to Debut in 2021
The USHJA is pleased to announce the USHJA Young Jumper Championships, set to debut in 2021. This new competition will serve as the national championship for young Jumpers in the the United States, allowing talented prospects to be showcased by owners, breeders and riders and shown at the national level.

The competition will offer separate Championships for 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-year-old horses. Four-year-olds will compete in a Style and Jumping Championship, which includes a First Qualifier and Final set at .90m. Five- through 8-year-olds will compete over a three-round format featuring First and Second Qualifiers and a Final set from 1.15-1.40m based on each age section. A Consolation Classic will also be held for horses that have not qualified for the Final round.
Nominations Open for 2020 USHJA Annual Awards

The USHJA is now accepting nominations for 2020 Annual Awards. Based on member nominations, these awards recognize the significant accomplishments of USHJA members in varying aspects of the sport.
For more information about USHJA awards, including nomination-based awards, visit ushja.org/awards. Awards are presented at the USHJA Annual Meeting, Evening of Equestrians Dinner on December 8, 2020.
Last Chance! USEF Rule Change Proposal Member Comment Period

It's your last chance to comment on proposed rule changes for the 2021 competition year before they are voted on by the USEF Board or Directors! The comment period closes April 15. To view active rule change proposals, go to usef.org/compete/resources-forms/rules-regulations/rule-changes and select a category. Members must be active and logged in to their USEF account to provide comment.
Photos: Terisé Cole, Louise Taylor, Rachel Sowinski, Tori Bilas
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USHJA Official Sponsors
USHJA Sponsors & Partners
U.S. Hunter Jumper Association | Phone: (859) 225-6700 | membership@ushja.org