USHJA E-Update

In this issue:

*Derby Fever Continues in 2009

*Deadline for Emerging Athletes Program Level I Training Session

*First Emerging Athletes Program Training Sessions Set to Start

*Upcoming USHJA Outreach Competitions

*Member's Choice Awards

*Zone News & Deadlines

*Clinics Calendar

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2008/2009 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby

2008/2009 Schedule, Results and Standings 

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USHJA SPONSORS

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USHJA In Stride

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In Stride Sales Barn

Have a Derby horse or hosting a Derby?

The June issue of In Stride will be dedicated to the Hunter Derby. Discounted ads (sale, congrats, thank you, etc.) for all things Hunter Derby are being offered.

Deadline for ads - April 29th.

Your ad includes:
~Color Photo
~HEADLINE
~40 word description
~Bold type
~6 months online at
ushja.equine.com

USHJA Member Pricing:
$200 per issue

Add Practical Horseman (65,000 circulation)
$300 per issue

For more information or to get your horse listed contact:
Hunter Messineo hunter.messineo@Equinetwork.com

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Derby Fever Continues in 2009

The popularity of the ASG/USHJA International Hunter Derby Series continues to grow as the 2009 show season gets underway. This past weekend at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy won the prestigious class to claim the richest payout in Derby history, while Peter Pletcher and Argentum put in a stylish performance to ride to victory in the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show’s Derby.

Read about Jennifer Alfano and Jersey Boy’s win here.

Read about Peter Pletcher and Argentum’s win here.

The 18-month-series will culminate in August 2009 at the Kentucky Horse Park where the top 75 horses will be invited to compete in the inaugural $100,000 2008/2009 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals. All 75 horses will compete in a classic round vying for a top 25 placing. The top 25 horses will be invited to negotiate a handy course. From those horses, 12 will be chosen to compete head to head for the prestigious title of the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Champion.

For up-to-date Derby Final standings, visit the USHJA website. Points will close June 1, 2009. Information on entries, stall reservations and event schedule will be mailed in June.

Schedule of upcoming Derbies:

Questions concerning the Derby may be directed to Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org.

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Deadline Approaching for Emerging Athletes Program Level I Training Session in Zones 7, 5, 8 & 2

Thursday, April 23, 2009 marks the application deadline for Zones 7, 5, 8 and 2 Emerging Athletes Level I Training Sessions.

Fill out an application to apply to participate in the Level I Training Sessions. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on April 23 in order to be considered.

The Emerging Athletes Program provides young riders the opportunity to learn from top riders and trainers in the industry while developing their career as a professional. With the creation of a national program, the USHJA hopes to transition young athletes to international competition. At each Training Session, riders will receive guidance and feedback from top professionals in the industry and be evaluated on their horsemanship skills, overall knowledge and riding ability.

All junior and amateur USHJA members 21 years of age and under are eligible to apply to the program. Interested athletes 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 three fence height sections: 3’0, 3’6 and 4’0. A maximum of eight riders will be accepted per height section.

Information on the Emerging Athletes Program as well as the application process can be found on the USHJA website.

For more information on the Emerging Athletes Program, please contact Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org or 859.225.6960.

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First Emerging Athletes Training Sessions Set to Start -

Auditors Welcome

The Emerging Athletes Program is set to hold its first two training sessions. This weekend, April 4-5, Fox Chase Farm in Middleburg, VA will host Zone 3's Level I Training Session. The following week, the Westbrook Hunt Club will open its facility for the Zone 1 training session. Both training sessions will be taught by clinician and Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor who will work with participants in three different sections divided by height – 3’0, 3’6 and 4’0. More than 40 young riders will take part in the two-day training sessions that will evaluate their horsemanship and riding skills. A select number of talented horsemen from each section will be invited to attend the Level Two Training Session.

Spectators are welcome to attend all EAP Training Sessions and watch as the clinician works with students. For auditing information please contact each host facility – Zone 1 Maureen Hanley and Zone 3 Jane Dow-Butt.

The USHJA congratulates all riders from Zones 1 and 3 who were chosen to participate in the Level 1 Training Session, and would like to thank Fox Chase Farm and Westbrook Hunt Club for the use of their facilities.

For more information regarding the Emerging Athletes Program, please contact Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org.

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Upcoming USHJA Outreach Competitions

The USHJA Outreach Competition and Medal Program for affiliate organizations is designed to encourage increased participation from hunter/jumper groups of every level across the United States. Created by the USHJA’s B/C/Local Task Force and the Affiliates Committee, the new program will set a minimum standard for local competitions that want the right to refer to the USEF rulebook for governance without the USEF or USHJA having any regulatory function regarding their association or horse show. Included in the Outreach Programs will be four Outreach Medal Classes that are designed to give riders who compete at un-rated or schooling shows the ability to achieve national recognition.

Upcoming Shows:

April 18-19 American National Riding Commission in Laurinburg, NC. Contact Peggy McElveen at mcelveen@sapc.edu. Visit the website at www.anrc.org.

April 30-May 5 Interscholastic Equestrian Association in Painesville, OH. Contact Roxane Lawrence at rlawrence@andrewsosborne.org. Visit the website site at www.rideiea.com.

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USHJA Member's Choice Awards

The Member's Choice Awards Program, developed by the Show Standards Committee, gives horse show exhibitors and participants the opportunity to award excellence at USEF Licensed Hunter Jumper competitions through their feedback relating to the competition, the facility where it took place, footing, show personnel and hospitality.

The goal of the Member's Choice Awards Program is to promote exhibitor friendly competitions and reward excellence based on the amenities and qualities exhibitors value. Competitions winning the Best Overall Competition awards will receive a USHJA banner, recognizing their accomplishment. Additionally, they will receive free publicity through USHJA’s In Stride magazine, in our E-News Updates and on our website. Click here to vote today!

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Zone News & Deadlines

Zone 5:
An Open Forum will be held Friday, May 8, 2009 during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show to discuss upcoming events and opportunities for Zone 5 USHJA members. The floor will be opened for suggestions and questions. Please plan to attend for a chance to be heard. The forum will take place at 5:00 PM ET in the Pavilion between the Hunter Rings at the Kentucky Horse Park. For more information contact hunter committee chair Mindy Darst at mindy@lochmoorstables.com or 513.932.7332.

Zone 6:
The affiliate associations of Zone 6 will be holding open meetings to review the 2009 Zone Specifications and recommendations for 2010. Please refer to the USHJA Zone 6 website for meeting dates.

Zone Deadlines:
National Pony Jumper Championship criteria changes are due May 1, 2009.

North American Junior Young Rider Championship criteria changes are due 60 days prior to the Zone's qualifying period.

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Practical Horseman/USHJA Clinics Program Schedule

The USHJA Clinics Program is dedicated to providing clinics throughout the country to the members of USHJA. For a complete listing of clinics check the USHJA Clinics Calendar.

Upcoming Clinics

APRIL

3-5 Anna Jane White-Mullen will be conducting a clinic at the 2009 Hoosier Horse Fair in Indianapolis, IN. For additional information, please contact Ingrid Schoenlein at schoenle@purdue.edu or 765.586.1952.

3-5 Kim Walnes will be conducting a clinic at the 2009 Hoosier Horse Fair in Indianapolis, IN. For additional information, please contact Ingrid Schoenlein at schoenle@purdue.edu or 765.586.1952.

3-5 Commandant Derek McConnell will be conducting a clinic at North Run Farm in Delano, MN. For additional information, please contact Jacquelyn Danielson at northrunfarm@aol.com or 763.972.3820.

4-5 Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta will be conducting a clinic at Harmony Farm in Hillsobrough, NC. For more information, please contact Tamara Jones at tnjhf96@gmail.com or 919.414.8700.

5-6 Diane Carney will be conducting a clinic at Wrenwood Farm in Naples, FL. For additional information, please contact Kelli MacDonald at kelliwren@aol.com or 239.633.1949.

13 Joe Fargis will be conducting a clinic at Journey Back Stables in Greensboro, NC. For additional information, please contact Joan Boyce at journyback@aol.com or 336.299.5067.

17-19 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic at Clermont Equestrian in Woodside, CA. For more information, please contact Craig Clermont at craig@clermontequestrian.com or 650.851.2230.

21-23 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic at Woodmyst Farms in Gilroy, CA. For more information, please contact Hollie Wilent at hollie@woodmystfarms.com or 408.782.0311.

25-26 Frank Madden will be conducting a clinic at Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, MD. For more information, please contact Cindy Bacon at cindybacon@gfs.org or 410.559.3450.

25-26 Hank Bloom will be conducting a clinic at Star Ridge Stables in Hardeeville, SC. For more information, please contact Stella Prescott at stella@starridgestables.com or 843.784.7845.

25-26 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic in Watsonville, CA. For more information, please contact Paige Pierce at pep73164@charter.net or 831.840.7572.

25-26 Jeff Cook will be conducting a clinic at Ridgefield in Wildwood, MO. For more information, please contact Tracey Gentry Ryan at tgryan@ridgefieldarena.com or 636.527.3624.

28-29 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic at Woodmyst Farms in Gilroy, CA. For more information, please contact Hollie Wilent at hollie@woodmystfarms.com or 408.782.0311.

MAY

2-3 Jeff Cook will be conducting a clinic at Lochmoor Stables in Lebanon, OH. For additional information, please contact Mindy Darst at 513.836.0500.

2-3 Scott Hofstetter will be conducting a clinic at Copley Place in Ocala, FL. For additional information, please contact Scott Hofstetter at msh110868@aol.com or 352.804.7906.

9-10 Scott Hofstetter will be conducting a clinic at Alpine Ridge Farm in Sparta, MI. For more information, please contact Rebecca Bradley at rbrad10172@msn.com or 616.887.1419.

16-17 Michael Page will be conducting a clinic at The Cutter Farm in Dracut, MA. For more information, please contact Marina Burliss at info@cutterfarm.com or 978.697.7858.

JUNE

26-28 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Beach Lake Stables in Sacramento, CA. For more information, please contact Karen Colston at karencolston@att.net or 916.485.0483.

12-14 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic at the Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills, MD. For more information, please contact Cindy Bacon at cindybacon@gfs.org or 410.559.3450.

19-21 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Miwok Stables in Mill Valley, CA. For more information, please contact Linda Rubio at miwokoffice@aol.com or 415.389.9414.

30-July 2 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Spring Down Equestrian Center in Portola Valley, CA. For more information, please contact Diane Allison at sdecenter@aol.com or 650.851.1114.

JULY

10-12 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Riverside Equestrian in Petaluma, CA. For more information, please contact Marian Nelson at mnelson196@aol.com or 415.710.1116.

AUSGUST

7-9 Greg Best will be conducting a clinic at D & J Equestrian Center in Owings Mills, MD. For more information, please contact Miriam Schulman at miriamschulman@gfs.org or 410.559.3481.

SEPTEMBER

19 Dan Keen will be conducting a clinic at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX. For more information, please contact the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show at pinoakwendy@aol.com or 713.621.6290.

OCTOBER

6-8 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Spring Down Equestrian Center in Portola Valley, CA. For more information, please contact Diane Allison at sdecenter@aol.com or 650.851.1114.

10-12 George Morris will be conducting a clinic at Blackjack Farms in Birmingham, AL. For more information, please contact J. Michael Halbleib at JMichaelH1@aol.com or 205.283.3082.

NOVEMBER

9-10 Frank Madden will be conducting a clinic at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, TX. For more information, please contact the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show at pinoakwendy@aol.com or 713.621.6290.

14-15 Frank Madden will be conducting a clinic at Outlaw Stable in New Bloomfield, PA. For more information, please contact Tara Dawn Hazen at outlawstable@pa.net or 717.582.8221.

JANUARY

2-3 Frank Madden will be conducting a clinic at Lehman Farms in Pitsford, NY. For more information, please contact Craig Brown at cmbrown@rochester.rr.com or 585.657.4528.

For more information on holding a clinic in your area, please contact Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org or 859.225.6960. Be sure to check the USHJA website daily as the clinic schedule grows throughout the year.

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ENDS

For more information, please contact Whitney Allen, Director of Marketing and Communications at wallen@ushja.org or 859.225.6967.

Contact us: P: 859.225.2055, F: 859.258.9033, Website:  www.ushja.org. 

USHJA is located at 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511.

Mission Statement:
The USHJA is committed to advancing and representing the hunter and jumper disciplines by fostering an educated community of equestrians that promotes the welfare of the horse and fairness in competition.

USHJA Resources

EAP Date Changes

Zone 2: June 29-30, 2009 at Buffalo Therapeutic Riding in Buffalo, NY.

Application deadline: April 23

Zone 8: June 22-23, 2009 at Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO.

Application deadline: April 23

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Stay Informed

USHJA Events Calendar

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Program Quick Links

FarmVet Equine Retirement Facilities Directory is an informational listing of retirement facilities for horses complied by the USHJA.

USHJA Merchandise offers closeout deals on select items and the latest USHJA fashion and apparel. Merchandise includes hats, polos, vests, bags, trinkets and videos.

Jr. Career Development Program gives members the opportunity to apprentice with a competition official for a day.

Trainer Certification Program is a comprehensive education and certification program for all levels of professional trainers that will debut in June.

Trainer Symposiums offer attendees the opportunity to participate in practical training sessions and round table discussions with top professionals in the industry. Register today for the next Symposium on May 1-3, 2009 at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA.

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USHJA Awards

Nominations Open for Amateur Sportsmanship Award

Do you know an amateur who exhibits excellence and integrity by supporting fellow competitors and volunteering their resources to the industry? If so, throughout the 2009 competition year, USHJA's Amateurs Committee asks that you keep the Amateur Sportsmanship Award in mind. In its third year, the award was created by the Amateur Committee to honor an amateur for their contributions to the sport. Nominations for the award may come from exhibitors, trainers, colleagues or peers. For more information on the award and nomination forms, please visit www.ushja.org.

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