Even though the show season looks a little different this fall, we are proud of our Zone 10 members who have been competing in year-end championships like the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final and the World Championship Hunter Rider Finals. From home in California and Nevada to all around the country, our riders have been getting great ribbons in all levels of competition. Thank you again to all horse show management staff, who have been working hard to adhere to and enforce all COVID-19 protocols to ensure competition remains safe. We hope everyone is continuing to stay healthy, and we look forward to seeing how our Zone 10 riders finish out the show year.
Kathy Hobstetter and Ned Glynn.
Co-Chairs of the Zone 10 Committee
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Zone 10 Shines in Neue Schule/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships |
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Congratulations to our Zone 10 riders who took home medals in the 2020 Neue Schule/USEF Junior Jumper National Championships!
For the second year in a row, a Zone 10 rider earned the gold medal in the individual championship. This year Violet Lindemann Barnett topped the podium after three intense rounds of competition. Violet and Picobello Choppin PC (Lindemann Barnett Sporthorses, owner) were stellar in the ring, putting down three consecutive clear rounds and ending on just 5.5 penalties from Phase I. It was Violet’s first time competing in these championships, and she made it one to remember with double medals, also earning the bronze medal in the team competition as part of the Zone 10 team.
The Zone 10 team proved their grit in the Prix des States. With Michael Endicott as the Chef d’Equipe, members Trent McGee, Delaney Batter, Elisa Broz, and Violet were initially tied for third with Zone 5, with both teams at 12 faults. Each team sent one rider to the jump-off to determine who would earn the medal. Trent and his Boucherom stayed cool under pressure, and led the team to the bronze medal with a clear and jump-off round, narrowly edging out Zone 5’s Hailey Royce by just 0.251 seconds.
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Zone 10 Horse of the Year Championship
*LOCATION CHANGE
Nov. 19-22
Autumn Jubilee
Earl Warren Showgrounds
Santa Barbara, Calif.
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Registration is Open for 2020 USHJA Virtual Annual Meeting |
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Jumper Judge's Perspective Webinar is Coming Up |
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The USHJA continues to plan educational webinars for members! Mark your calendar:
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Jumper Judge's Perspective: It’s not just a matter of counting rails and faults; learn all about the job and responsibilities of a jumper judge from 2020 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Inductee and USHJA National Vice President David Distler. Tune in November 9 at 7 p.m. ET.
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Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships - West Coast Held |
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FIF Bondalu (Bliss MF x Footloose), a 2017 Oldenburg stallion bred, owned, and handled by Rachel Benson was shown in the Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding class and named this year's Overall Reserve Grand Champion in the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare.
Congratulations to other West Coast Champions:
Yearling Colt/Gelding – Cazador WH (Cabalito x N Athletica), a 2019 Oldenburg gelding bred by Anne Hedge, owned by Cyndi Fletcher, and handled by Paige Perla
Yearling Filly – Lucente (Shine x Clara K), a 2019 Oldenburg filly bred by Vicki Hunton/Olde Oaks Farm, owned by Kristina Novak, and handled by Kira Plymire
Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding – Teleme (Toronto x Coast to Coast), a 2018 Westfalen stallion bred by Genevieve Ghilotte, owned by Kirsten Strain, and handled by Donelle Laughlin
Two-Year-Old Filly – Phoenix (Parcival x Bellisima), a 2018 KWPN filly bred by Robbi Scott, owned by Carol Schwanz, and handled by Valerie Williams
Three-Year-Old Filly – Cambria (Riverman x Capella), a 2017 Holsteiner filly bred and owned by Amy Chondra and handled by Carleton Brooks
Three-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Luminous (Shine x Clara K), a 2017 Oldenburg filly bred by Vicki Hunton/Olde Oaks Farm, owned by Kristina Novak, and handled by Kira Plymire
Three-Year-Old Hunter Hack – Coraberry (Cunningham x Paulie), a 2017 Holsteiner filly bred and owned by Breanna Lombardo-Jacklin and ridden by Kathy Spano
Four-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle – Viatorius (Vitalis x Stutbuch 1 Paula), a 2016 Oldenburg gelding bred by Wilhelm Meiners, owned by Nancy Mynott, and ridden by Lara Ware Reed
Four-Year-Old Conformation Over Fences – High Society (Coronet D'Honneur x Airway FMB), a 2016 Deutches Sportpferd mare bred by Melanie Boucher, owned by Rachel Hohmeyer, and ridden by Robert Leckie
Amateur/Junior Handler – Cyndi Fletcher handling Cazador WH (Cabalito x N Athletica), a 2019 Oldenburg gelding bred by Anne Hedge and owned by Cyndi Fletcher
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Learn More About Your Zone 10 Committee Members |
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Stephanie Lightner – VP of Operations at Blenheim EquiSports and Competition Management Committee Member for USEF and USHJA
Q: What is your main area of interest/job in the sport?
A: I have been a show manager for Showpark/Blenheim EquiSports for the past 27 years. My main area of interest has and always will be a sincere and deep love of horses.
Q: What do you see as one or two key issues for our industry, especially in Zone 10?
A: As far as I can tell, there seem to be just as many people attending horse shows as ever. That tells me that there are a lot of people interested in participating in our sport, which is a good sign. On the other hand, in recent years I have noticed that young professionals are not well trained in basic horsemanship anymore. The time and effort, as well as the patience and understanding of the basic training of horses and riders, is often sacrificed for quick results and a few blue ribbons.
Q: If you could accomplish one thing as a Zone 10 Committee Member, what would it be?
A: I would like to continue encouraging programs such as the North American Young Rider Trials. I feel it is important for young riders to learn both sides of competition – they are encouraged to compete against each other for positions on the team, and then they have to turn around and compete with each other as teammates working towards a common goal.
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Gry McFarlane – Owner and Trainer, Windfall Farm
Q: What is your main area of interest/job in the sport?
A: I’m a professional horseman and trainer, and I’ve been doing this for 45 years. I enjoy matching riders and horses and helping them move up through the divisions, from the 1.00M level all the way to the grand prix level.
Q: What do you see as one or two key issues for our industry, especially in Zone 10?
A: I’m on the committee to help improve Zone 10 in any way that I can and to be a voice for professional horsemen. My focus is to try and make shows more affordable. Unfortunately, it’s getting so expensive that many riders can’t compete because of the cost. We’ve gotten to a point where horse show managers have to pay so many fees, and then that cost is passed on to the riders. We need to find a way to bring the cost and fees down and still have quality horse shows. They’re doing it in Europe and other places in the world, but we’re still struggling to find a solution here.
Q: If you could accomplish one thing as a Zone 10 Committee Member, what would it be?
A: As I mentioned, I would love to bring horse show costs down so more riders have access to affordable, quality shows.
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Denise Finch – Owner and Trainer, Hunter’s Edge
Q: What is your main area of interest/job in the sport?
A: I am the owner and head trainer at Hunter’s Edge, which is a hunter, jumper, and equitation show barn in Las Vegas.
Q: What do you see as one or two key issues for our industry, especially in Zone 10?
A: I think we need to increase the diversity of horse shows. There needs to be some changes made to better serve the people attending the horse shows, especially in our area. I feel like in southern California, the way it’s geographically laid out, it’s easy for certain locations to have a monopoly on horse shows. I believe if you loosened that up a bit, it would help create more competition and raise the standard of our horse shows, giving consumers a better product in return.
Q: If you could accomplish one thing as a Zone 10 Committee Member, what would it be?
A: I want to be a voice for riders of all levels. I think it’s important that the people attending horse shows have a voice, and I hope that I can provide that.
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USHJA Affiliate Member Organization News |
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Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association |
Did you know that you can use your knowledge about horses and horsemanship to earn a college scholarship? The Los Angeles Hunter Jumper Association (LAHJA) encourages members up to age 21 to participate in its $5,000 LAHJA Horsemastership Scholarship Competition. Every year, LAHJA awards $5,000 to the top three overall winners in the LAHJA Horsemastership Scholarship.
We have a two-level competition program:
Horsemastership Level 1 is for those who want to "try" the program. Participants will still compete in all three phases, but the materials will be less rigorous. The Written Phase is USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Level 1 and the Stable Management Phase will focus on basic to intermediate skills. Participants will compete for overall awards and prizes but will not be eligible for the scholarship funds.
Horsemastership Level 2 is for those wishing to compete for the $5,000 scholarship. The Written Phase consists of USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Level 2 and the Stable Management Phase will test participants on comprehensive knowledge and skills.
This month, the 2020 LAHJA Horsemastership Scholarship participants put their skills to the test with the hands-on phase held at Hansen Dam Riding School. Stay tuned to find out who our overall winners will be!
Visit lahja.org to learn more about the LAHJA Horsemastership Scholarship Competition. If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Robson at info@lahja.org. |
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The LEGIS League is moving its finals to an all-new location! Mark your calendars for the Coachella Valley Classic (Feb. 18-21, 2021) at the Desert International Horse Park.
LEGIS League offers opportunities for riders of many levels from beginners through 3’6’’ hunters and 1.10m jumpers. We have worked with the Desert Horse Park to create an affordable option for riders planning to compete at the LEGIS League Finals. It will be a fantastic experience at a beautiful location. Don't miss out on the fun! We can’t wait to wait to #seeyouinthedesert.
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Congratulations to Members Who Competed at WCHR Finals |
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Congratulations to our members who competed in the World Championship Hunter Rider Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show held this year at World Equestrian Center in Ohio.
Check out coverage from the finals:
To view the Daily Updates with additional coverage and results from the show, click here.
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The 2020 competition year is coming to a close. Click the links below to see where you stand in the Zone Horse of the Year and Stirrup Cup Awards Programs. Reminder: All points corrections must be received by customercare@usef.org by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 15. |
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COVID-19 Resources and Updates |
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The show season continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While showing has resumed in many areas, horse shows also continue to be canceled or relocated.
Find the most up-to-date information relate to COVID-19:
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There's Still Time to Participate in the USHJA Puissance Challenge Fundraiser |
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Host your own puissance challenge, where riders of all levels can compete in divisions from ground poles to over 4'. The deadline to participate is November 30.
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Sport History: Fun Facts from the USHJA Wheeler Museum |
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The Puissance Has Always Been a Challenge
The Puissance was once a highly competitive class at every show on the fall indoor circuit—the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International, the National, and the Royal Winter Fair. It was featured along with a Speed class, the Grand Prix, and various classes such as Gambler’s Choice and Fault-and-Out in determining both national and international Open Jumper championships.
In 1967 at the National Horse Show, Dear Brutus with Show Jumping Hall of Famer J. Russell Stewart (left) set a record of 7’3” in the national Puissance class and then the very next night Hall of Famers Bold Minstrel and Bill Steinkraus (right) tied that record in the international class.
You and your barn can ramp up your competitive spirit all through November in the USHJA Puissance Challenge Fundraiser for the Equestrian Helmet Safety Initiative and earn a spot on the Puissance Challenge Leaderboard. Learn more at ushja.org/foundation/puissance-challenge! Photo: Gloria Axt
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Know Your Zone 10 Committee Members |
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- Kathy Hobstetter, Co-Chair
- Ned Glynn, Co-Chair
- Denise Finch
- Kay Altheuser
- Michael Curtis
- Ellen Gates
- Sally Hudson
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- Melissa Kalember
- Robert Leckie
- Stephanie Lightner
- Gry McFarlane
- Lynn Mullins
- James Waldman
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Special thanks to these members who serve our zone! For more information about the committee and contact information, click here. |
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Upcoming Events and Deadlines |
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USHJA Sponsors & Partners |
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Photos by: Tricia Booker, Shawn McMillen Photography, Taylor Pence, Kaitlyn Karssen, Jump Media, McCool Photography and Rachel Sowinski. |
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United States Hunter Jumper Association | (859) 225-6700 | ushja.org |
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