A BASIC Guide to Show Hunter Championships

Last week I was assisting a customer write a description for an older show hunter that is to be reluctantly marketed for sale. I had pulled the horse’s official USEF record to ensure accuracy, but to my surprise there was a discrepancy in the interpretation of the meaning of “derby” horse between the owner, trainer and assistant trainer.  Each of the parties have been actively involved with show hunters for many years and it occurred to me that if they were confused, than others must be as well. 

The reason why each party had a different perspective is because in less than a decade, the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has synergized with visionary members to innovate and energize the entire show hunter division by creating the International Hunter Derby and the Pre-Green Incentive Program Championships. Along with these newly created opportunities has come an ongoing refinement of the rules to ensure the success and perpetuation of the programs.  This is where some of us "laymen" have confusion, but the USHJA, in conjunction with the USEF Network, has done a fantastic job in providing online resources to promote the events and educate their audience.

 To better follow this weeks exciting Hunter Championships events in Lexington via the USEF Network, below are abbreviated answers to popular questions. For more detailed information, visit USHJA.org

USHJA PRE-GREEN INCENTIVE PROGRAM

EST. 2013 

OVERVIEW:

“The Pre-Green Incentive Program is an innovative program designed to encourage the development of pre-green horses.”-USHJA.org

TIME & PLACE:

Aug 12-14 at the Stonelea Ring

QUALIFYING

• Any horse enrolled in the program that has competed in a minimum of two USHJA Pre-Green Stake classes at competitions starting between December 1, 2012, and August 6, 2014, is eligible for the 2014 Championship

WHAT IS A PRE-GREEN HUNTER

• A horse of any age in his first or second year of showing over 3’ 0” or 3’3” fences that has never competed over fences of 3’6” or higher. 
• A horse may not have competed in any hunter, jumper, hunter seat equitation or jumping seat equitation classes held at Federation Licensed competitions, Equine Canada competitions and/or FEI competitions with fences set at 3’6”.
• Exception: Horses six years of age and under competing over fences of 3’6” (1.075m) or higher in jumper classes at FEI competitions will retain eligibility as Pre-Green Hunters.

2014 PRIZE MONEY

• As of August 7, 2014, the prize money total stands at $110,060, not including the entry fee add back.  Money for awards will depend on the final total number of entries.

    Bonus Awards: 

• $2,500 High Score International Hunter Futurity Bonus.
• $1,500 High Score Thoroughbred 
• $2,500 High Score 4 & 5 Year Old 
• $5,000 High Score American-Bred 
• $2,500 High Score American Quarter Horse 

BASIC FORMAT & HEIGHTS

• Rider’s choose height of 3’ and 3’3”
• Three rounds format.  All horses compete in the first two. 
• The top 30 horses with the highest combined scores from the first 2 rounds return for a third round.
• Horses start with a clean slate in the third round and it is comprised of the 30 horses with the highest combined scores from the first two rounds.

To view the Pre- Green Incentive Champtionships and for more information regarding the schedule and program details, CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW:

source: USEFNetwork.co

USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP

EST.  2009

OVERVIEW: 

“This is a very exciting type of hunter class. As in all hunter competitions, beauty, good movement, great jumping style, and consistent and even pace are to be rewarded. The difference is the difficulty of the courses and fences, coupled with all the options available to the riders to be daring and brilliant. In any round, boldness and brilliance should be rewarded.” -USHJA.org

TIME & PLACE:

August 15-16, 2014 at the The Sheila C. Johnson Ring at the outdoor Rolex Stadium 

2014 ELIGIBILITY: 

• Horses must be enrolled in the USHJA International Hunter Derby Program and earn a minimum of $500 in USHJA International Hunter Derby at competitions between June 2, 2013, and June 1, 2014
• Junior, amateur or professional riders may compete

PRIZE MONEY: 

• Guaranteed $100,000 plus added money from entries to create the total purse. 
• $10,000 in prize money to Derby Challenge

BASIC FORMAT AND HEIGHTS:  

  ~First Round:  Classic Hunter Style Round  (Every horse competes in this round)

• A minimum of 10 obstacle
• Height: Fences must be set at 3’6 to 4’0” in height, four higher height option fences set at a minimum of 4’3” in height (no maximum height). 

NOTE: A tier system is introduced after the first round based on rider rank and the classic hunter round score. For more clarification, please visit the International Derby Web Page and scroll to the CHAMPIONSHIP section. 

   ~Second Round:  Handy Hunter Round 

• A minimum of eight obstacles simulating hunt country and clever options.
• Height: 3’6” to 4’0” in height, exception option fences, options minimum 4”3” (no maximum height)

To view the USHJA Interntational Hunter Derby and for more information regarding the schedule and program details, CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW:

source: USEFNetwork.com

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