Awards

Stirrup Cup Awards

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In 2007, the USHJA announced the creation of the USHJA Foundation Awards. At the 2009 USHJA Annual Meeting the Board of Directors voted to change the name to the Stirrup Cup Awards; feeling that the new name better suited the awards program.

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 Stirrup Cup 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 Stirrup Cup Awards are governed by the general and division rules as outlined in the USEF rule book.

USHJA Individual Membership

USHJA Horse Registration

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 Zone specs to see if your zone offers these divisions.

Please check below for exceptions to the competition year.

Membership Requirements:
In order to qualify for an USHJA Stirrup Cup award, a horse’s owner and rider 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 USEF annual or life recording which is active on or before the first day of the competition. In addition, all horses are required to have a USHJA horse registration in order to receive Stirrup Cup Awards points.

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. 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.

Competition Year:
Points will be earned from September 16th through September 15th of the current competition year. Points may be contested up to October 10th of each competition year, thereafter, points will not be changed.

The competition year for 1st Year Green Hunter, 2nd Year Green Hunter and Green Pony Hunter will be December 1st through September 15th of the current competition year.  

The competition year for Hunter Breeding and Pony Hunter Breeding will be January 1st through September 15th of the current competition year.

Amateur Owner 18-35 Hunter and Adult Amateur 18-35 Hunter are 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 Stirrup Cup 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.

Awards:
Awards will be given to the top eight (8) in each division in each Zone.

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 Stirrup Cup 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 whose horse is registered with the USHJA and recorded with USEF.

For more information on the Stirrup Cup Awards Program please contact Kristyn Kay at 859-225-6708.