December Zone 5 Update
Thank you for being a Zone 5 member! Read about the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by Equicore, see who won Annual Awards, Know Before You Show and more.
News from the USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by Equicore
The 2021 USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by Equicore, was held virtually December 4-10 and featured board and committee meetings, a State of the Association presentation from President Mary Knowlton, the Evening of Equestrians Awards, educational sessions and more. Click the links below to read more:



Congratulations to USHJA Annual Award Recipients
The 2021 USHJA Annual Meeting, presented by Equicore, featured the Evening of Equestrians on Saturday, December 4.

Nine President's Distinguished Service Awards were presented by Knowlton this year, acknowledging the outgoing Chairs of the Zone Committees and thanking them for their service including Zone 5's Patrick Boyle.

The Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award was presented to Samuel "Alex" Boone, of Lexington, Kentucky.

Nancy Whitehead, of Richmond, Illinois, is this year's recipient of the Jane Marshall Dillon Award.

The Vital Horse Show Staff Award honors the sport's support staff. This year's East Coast award recipient was Daniel McCarthy, of Clayton, Michigan.
Know Before You Show!
The USHJA is helping members Know Before You Show with a simple guide of rule changes taking effect for the new competition year. Click here for a comprehensive list of rule changes that were approved in 2021 for the 2022 competition year and here for the complete 2022 USEF Rulebook.

Click here to view important rule changes effective December 1, 2021, for the 2022 competition year that affect Hunter/Jumper competition.
Learn More About the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program
The USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program acknowledges lesson programs, riding facilities, equestrian schools, and other types of educational equestrian programs that emphasize horsemanship and sportsmanship, promote safety, and offer introductory hunter/jumper lessons. Learn more.

Interested in joining the program? Applications are coming soon.

Are you new to the sport and looking for a reliable facility that focuses on horsemanship and safety with a written curriculum? Click here to view the listing of USHJA Recognized Riding Academies.
Pictured are Stonehaven campers from USHJA Zone 5. Photo provided.
Inaugural Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships Conclude
The first year of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships wrapped up after five championships were held across the country. North, North Central, South, South Central and Southwest regions saw champions crowned throughout the year.

The North Central Championship kicked off the Regional Championships at the Split Rock Hunter Jumper Classic I CSI3* on held June 9-13 in Lexington, Kentucky, with Havens Schatt, of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Ken and Amy Wexler LLC's Cascartini taking the top prize. Greg Crolick of Clarkston, Michigan, finished reserve aboard Handwritten, owned by Jon Cotton.
2021 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships Wrap Up
Twelve new champions were honored as the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships expanded from five to six competitions in 2021.

At the North Central Championship, Kelley Farmer, of Wellington, Florida, and Larry Glefke and Fairfield Lane’s Knowingly took the top prize in the 3’0”/3’3” section. Erica Quinn, of Wellington, Florida, and Glefke and Andrea Sandman’s Intangible took reserve. In the 3’6”/3’9” section, Chris Payne, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Still Water Farm LLC’s Gratitude were crowned champions, while Greg Crolick, of Clarkston, Michigan, and Jon Cotton’s Testify took reserve.
Upcoming USHJA Webinars
Financial Planning with Equitable
Jan. 25, 7 p.m. ET
Join Carrie & Jenna of Equitable Advisors to learn about the types of financial benefits that are available to equestrians, self-employed individuals, and business owners.
Did You Know Zone 5 has a Facebook Page?
The USHJA Zone 5 Facebook page features important information, photos, upcoming events, news articles and more for our members.

USHJA Affiliate Organization News
The ANRC National Equitation Championships are an invitational team competition for
college, junior, adult amateur, and ANRC alumni teams that join ANRC.

No need to qualify! Everyone is welcome to join ANRC now through 2022.

New this year, organizations may enter multiple teams in each division. Learn more.
USHJA Zone 5 Committee
Thanks to the members serving on the Zone 5 Committee representing our zone:
  • George Thornbury, Chair
  • Elaine Schott, Vice Chair
  • Sara Ballinger
  • John Berkos
  • Abigail Blankenship
  • Patrick Boyle
  • Joleen DeWitt (IHSA Zone 7)
  • Roxane Durant (IEA)
  • Gregory Franklin
  • Lisa Goldman-Smolen
  • Lexi Jacober (Illinois Hunter Jumper Association)
  • Alice Kitson
  • Ashleen Lee
  • Heather Pinnick (IHSA Zone 6)
USHJA Official Sponsors
USHJA Sponsors & Partners
Photos: Winslow Photography, Shawn McMillen Photography, Phelps Media Group, Andrew Ryback Photography, Tricia Booker, SAS Equine Photography, Phelps Media Group, Terisé Cole, Jump Media, ESI Photography and Rachel Sowinski.
United States Hunter Jumper Association | (859) 225-6700 | ushja.org