USHJA E-Update

January 22, 2009

In this issue:

*USHJA Announces SmartPak as Title Sponsor of the 2009/2010 Trainer Symposiums

*Award Mailings

*Affiliate News & Updates

*Zone News & Deadlines

*Upcoming Zone Banquets

*Clinics Calendar

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Quick Links

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USHJA Classifieds
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Looking for the perfect place to advertise? Want to reach over 37,000 hunter/jumper enthusiasts?

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NOW AVAILABLE!

"More Than Just Ribbons"

A great resource for schools, parents, and potential sponsors, this video will provide a brief introduction into the world of horse showing for junior equestrians.

While focusing on the bond between child and horse, it delves into the challenges of balancing school, riding, and horse care.

Click here to purchase.

"Get Connected"

The Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association, USHJA and USEF are pleased to announce Get Connected, an educational DVD featuring USEF Tests 1-19, with Debbie McDonald (World Cup Champion and U.S. Olympian in Dressage), Cynthia Hankins (USEF “R” Judge, USEF Medal Final winner) and Michael Moran (USEF Judge, most recognized horse show announcer). Get Connected serves as a visual reference guide for riders, trainers and judges, and will be one of the main educational tools used in USEF Judge’s clinics.

Those who have previewed Get Connected agree that it is the highest quality educational DVD made to date. Bill Moroney, President of the United States Hunter and Jumper Association, commented that this DVD “is truly a comprehensive educational tool for the 21st Century”.

Click here to watch a preview and purchase.

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2008/2009 ASG Software Solutions/USHJA International Hunter Derby
presented by Dietrich Insurance, featuring Walsh Harness & Saddlery

Major Sponsors:

Charles Owen & Co

Dover Saddlery

Award Sponsor:

Essex Classics

2008/2009 Schedule, Results and Standings 

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USHJA SPONSORS

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Having trouble viewing this page? Click here

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USHJA Announces SmartPak as Title Sponsor of 2009/2010 Trainer Symposiums

Leading equestrian company SmartPak™ has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2009 and 2010 USHJA Trainer Symposiums. Founded in 1999, SmartPak is best known for simplifying the administration of nutritional supplements and medications to horses with their patented daily dose SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The company’s focus on equestrian health coincides nicely with the USHJA’s horse welfare mission.

USHJA President, Bill Moroney, was pleased with SmartPak’s agreement to sponsor the symposiums. “All of us at the USHJA would like to extend a warm welcome to SmartPak and thank them for sponsoring this educational series. SmartPak’s commitment to the horse’s wellbeing compliments the USHJA’s focus on horse welfare. Our organization prides itself on continuously implementing and improving programs to educate our members and SmartPak supports that vision.”

USHJA first introduced the Trainer Symposiums in the fall of 2006 as a means to better educate its members at all levels of the sport. The events give members the opportunity to participate in practical training sessions and round table discussions with top professionals in the industry. The schedule offers three days of hunters, equitation and jumpers, with topics ranging from training exercises to business practices. While the Trainer Symposiums are a required part of the USHJA Trainer Certification Program curriculum, they are open to all who wish to attend.

Colby Balazs, VP of Marketing at SmartPak, is happy to be involved. “SmartPak is delighted to sign on as the title sponsor of the 2009/2010 USHJA Trainer Symposiums. We believe the importance of continuing education is paramount in the equine industry and are proud to support the Symposiums. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for professionals and members to share ideas on training, horse care, business practices and more.”

As the title sponsor for each symposium, SmartPak will provide gift certificates to the USHJA to award to participating members. Those who attend the Trainer Symposiums will be eligible for a drawing to win several $150 SmartPak gift certificates. SmartPak offers a broad line of horse health and riders’ items, dog supplies and equine and canine pharmacy items sold through the company’s catalog and website. For more information about SmartPak or to view its products, visit www.SmartPakequine.com.

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USHJA Member 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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Award Mailings

For honorees who were unable to attend the Evening of Equestrians and collect their award, the USHJA office will be sending the awards out starting at the beginning of this month. Foundation Awards are mailing now thru mid-February. Rider Recognition plaques and Committee Excellence awards will be mailed out of the office by the end of January.

Congratulations again to all of our award winners!

Questions concerning awards can be directed to USHJA Awards and Task Force Senior Coordinator, Kristyn Kay, at kkay@ushja.org or 859.225.2054.

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Affiliate News: Important Dates and Spec Changes

The deadline for Affiliate Associations to apply and participate in the Affiliate Sportsmanship Awards, as well as the Affiliate Medal Program is February 1, 2009. To learn how to apply and to download an application, click on the links above.

The Affiliate Committee made a change to the specs for the 2009 competition year listed below.

Participation through Medal Finals:
Medal Finals horse shows which are hosted by USHJA Affiliate Organizations offer Finals for Adults, Children, and/or Ponies. The specifications for these classes are completely under the jurisdiction of the Affiliate Organization and should reflect the needs of its membership.

For participating horse shows, the USHJA will provide a "keepsake" for each Medal Finals qualifier who is a USHJA Outreach Level Member (to be presented at each Association's Medal Finals) and will provide an award for each Medal Finals winner. A photo of each Medal Finals winner who is a USHJA Outreach Level Member will be included in the Affiliates Award Yearbook that the USHJA publishes annually.

Questions concerning either the Affiliate Sportsmanship Awards or the Affiliate Medal Program can be directed to USHJA Competition and Membership Coordinator, Christine Kennedy, at ckennedy@ushja.org or 859.825.6009.

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Zone News: Call for Information and Deadlines

Help Us, Help You
In order to better promote zone events and programs, the USHJA asks that each zone provide a complete list of all programs, scholarships, fundraisers, forums, etc. that are offered through your zone. Having the information available will help USHJA staff in promoting zone events through the website and fielding phone calls coming into the office. We’re happy to help promote your events, as long as we know about them in advance.

Please submit a list of your zone activities by March 15th to Zone Coordinator Claudia Meeks.

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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Upcoming Zone Banquets

If you do not see your banquet listed please check your Zone page as we continue to update the banquet schedule. Please contact your Zone Chairman or USHJA Zone Coordinator, Claudia Meeks, for more information.

Zone 1
New England Horseman's Council Banquet
Saturday, January 31, 2009 Crowne Royal Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough, MA.

Zone 6
Iowa Nebraska Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, January 24, 2009, Embassy Suites, La Vista, NE. The Annual Meeting and first 2009 Board Meeting will be the same day.

Zone 7
Oklahoma Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, February 28, 2009 6:00 PM at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Tulsa, OK. For more information please contact Bill Whisenant at 580.695.5986 or billwhiz@lawton.net.

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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

JANUARY

31- Feb. 1 Michael Page will be conducting a clinic at Rose Hill Equestrian Center in Bluffton, SC. For more information, please contact Kate Maple at katemaple@aol.com or 843.757.7721.

MARCH

6-7 Tonya Johnston will be conducting a clinic at R. North Star Ranch in Reno, NV. For more information, please contact Wendy Brownlee at wendy.brownlee@gmail.com or 775.997.9221

19-21 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Fox Pointe Farm in Quinton, Va. For additional information, please contact Colleen Seely at foxpointefarm@yahoo.com or 804.932.8710.

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.

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.

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.