Awards

Foundation Awards

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USHJA is proud to announce the inaugural year of the USHJA Foundation Awards. The goal of the awards program is to recognize the accomplishments of the grassroots equestrians and to promote the B and C level competitions. This awards program is a separate program from the USEF Horse of the Year Program. The USHJA Foundations Awards are an additional and unique awards program that you are automatically enrolled in by being a member of USHJA and competing in B and C rated competitions.

Rules:
In addition to the specifications listed below the USHJA Foundation Awards are governed by the general and division rules as outlined in the USEF rule book.

Divisions Offered:

* Indicate divisions that are only offered at the zone level NOTE- not all zones offer theses divisions. Points will only be accumulated for these divisions in which the USHJA Zone offers specifications and points. Check your 2008 Zone specs to see if your zone offers these divisions.

** Indicates divisions in which a rider could change sections due to USEF age. In the event an individual changes sections during the awards year due to USEF age, all points accrued from September 15th through November 30th of each awards year shall automatically roll into the new age section on December 1st. Example: A rider's USEF age is 35 on September 15th when the USHJA Foundation awards year begins, but their USEF age changes to 36 on December 1st If this occurs, points accrued from September 15th through November 30th will roll into the 36 and older section.

Membership Requirements:
Individuals will be required to be active members of USHJA in order to participate. Members may join via mail, on line, or at the competition using the competition membership form. However, memberships must be active on or before the first day of the competition as outlined in the USEF rule book. Horses must have an annual or life recording with USEF which is active on or before the first day of the competition.

Point System:
The points will be based on the current increment system for B and C rated competitions established by USEF. Only points earned at USEF B and C rated/licensed competitions will count for this award program. 2008 points will be earned from September 16th through September 15th of the current competition year. Points can only be obtained in states within the owners home zone which is determined by the owners USEF point state. Points will not be awarded for competing in contiguous states outside of the owners home zone. Points may be contested up to October 10th of each competition year, thereafter, points will not be changed.

Affiliate Recognition:
In addition to the Foundation Award categories, USHJA will be presenting the winners of each of the respective divisions who are members of affiliate organizations a certificate of congratulations and recognition.

Awards:
Awards will be given to the top eight (8) in each division in each Zone. The champion of each division in each Zone will be invited to the USHJA Annual Meeting to receive their awards.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Why has USHJA created this awards program?
A. USHJA saw a need for an awards program that acknowledged the achievements of competitors at the B and C levels and to help foster the growth of local events.

Q. Is this awards program replacing the USEF Horse of the Year Zone Awards?
A. No. This program is an additional program that is designed to promote the B and C level horse show while providing the competitors at this level with the recognition they deserve.

Q. Why won't USHJA count points earned in contiguous states for the Foundation Awards?
A. Part of this program is to foster the growth of competitions throughout the country at the B and C level. By restricting points within the zone it provides an avenue of encouragement for more competitions to develop or move from a local event to a rated event. By providing an avenue for these growing and potential events we provide more avenues for grass root equestrians as well as established equestrians to be competitive year round in turn creating stronger competitors and better trained horses.

Q. Why don't you offer awards for divisions like short stirrup or limit hunter?
A. USHJA has developed this program to grow with the association. USHJA plans to create additional award categories over the next few years which will reach the levels of short stirrup and other previously unrated divisions.

Q. Does this awards program cost me anything?
A. No, it is free to all members.

Q. Do I have to sign up?
A. No. All members are automatically enrolled in this program upon joining.

***For more information on the Foundation Award Program please contact Whitney Allen at 859-225-6967 or wallen@ushja.org ***