Introduction | How to Apply | Level I | Level II | National Level III

How to Apply to the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program

USHJA reserves all rights to determine the specifications, requirements and application procedures for the Emerging Athletes Level I Training Sessions and the selection and designation of host sites and athletes remains the sole discretion of USHJA.

All interested riders must complete and submit the Level I Training Session Application and return the application and application fee to the USHJA within the posted deadlines for each training session. Please mail or fax completed applications to: USHJA Attn: Melanie Fransen, Director of Programs & Education 3870 Cigar Lane, Lexington, KY 40511 Ph: 859.225.6717 | Fax: 859.258.9033

Photo by Erin True

2010 Level I Application

(Adobe Reader is required to open document - visit get. Adobe.com/reader)

Procedures & Deadlines

The application deadlines must be received by the USHJA Office by the posted dates.
Deadlines are based on training session dates.
Click Level I for application deadlines and training session locations.

• Applications must be submitted on the official USHJA form and accompanied by the application fee in order to be considered complete. Only completed applications will be considered. All applications will be date stamped upon arrival in the USHJA office.
• Riders will be notified a minimum of 30 days before the scheduled training session if they have been accepted into the program. A waiting list will be created for each training session. Should a rider not be able to attend, the next available rider on the waiting list will be contacted.
• Once accepted riders must return their acknowledgment of acceptance with payment of the program fee within fourteen (14) days of notification of acceptance. If payment is not received within the 14 days, USHJA will invite the next eligible athlete to participate in the training session.
• Riders may only participate in one (1) Level I Training Session per each EAP qualifying year.
• Riders may apply to ride at a Level I Training Session outside their zone home zone.
• All horses must have proof of current vaccinations and a valid Coggins as specified by their state of origin.
• Riders are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation with application. One of the letters must be from your current trainer, or a trainer who has knowledge of your riding abilities, outlining your experience and capabilities. Each letter must be written by the individual and must include contact information which may be used for verification purposes. Form letters are NOT acceptable.
• Riders are encouraged to submit results and/or documentation outlining their achievements in jumper classes related to the fence height for which they are applying. Please do not send photos, DVD’s or videos.
• All riders that applied to the 2009 Emerging Athletes Program are encouraged to apply in 2010.

Eligibility

Athletes interested in applying to participate in the Level I Training Session must be able to display proficiency in completing jumper style courses over the respective fence height for which they are applying.

• Each training session will be divided into sections by fence height:

           - Two (2) sections will be offered at 1.10m
           - One (1) at 1.20m

• A maximum of eight (8) riders will be accepted per height section.
• Applicants must not have reached their 21st birthday according to Federation Rules.
• Applicants may have competed in classes up to 1.35m in height, but no higher.
• Riders that have competed in FEI Championships for Jumping held above 1.35m in height are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be a current member of USHJA in good standing.

Rider Responsibilities

Once accepted into the program, if a horse or rider is unable to participate in the training session, they must provide written notification to USHJA. Upon written notification, a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the start of the training session, riders unable to participate will receive a 50% refund of the Program Fee less the Application Fee. Any rider unable to participate a minimum of three (3) days prior to the start of the training session will not be not be eligible for a refund of either the Program Fee or Application Fees.

Level I Application Fee: $50

Fees are to be paid directly to USHJA and must accompany the Application in order to be considered for the program.

Level I Program Fee: $250

* The Program Fee must be paid to USHJA within fourteen (14) days of acceptance into the program.

Zone 12 Application and Procedures

Those applying for the EAP program from Zone 12 please follow the Zone 12 Specifications and use the Zone 12 Application.