USHJA E-Update

January 7, 2009

In this issue:

*Record Breaking Annual Meeting

*Award Mailings

*Affiliate News & Updates

*Zone News & Deadlines

*Upcoming Zone Banquets

*Clinics Calendar

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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.

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"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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Record Breaking Annual Meeting

USHJA closed 2008 with a successful Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN December 8-11 at the Hilton Downtown. The annual convention saw a record number of attendees with 250 members sitting in on rule change forums and open committee meetings. Many members, affiliate organizations and equestrian businesses donated either their time in the form of lessons or sponsored various clothing, artwork and equipment items to the silent auction that raised over $5,000 to benefit the USHJA Foundation and NARHA.

The highlight of the meeting was the Evening of Equestrians awards ceremony that recognized members and their horses for their achievements throughout the year. Jimmy and Danielle Torano as well as Candice King helped President Bill Moroney present awards to deserving members. The featured award of the program was the new Lifetime Achievement Award that was created to recognize members whose involvement in the sport has made an impact on the industry.

Several award winners from the Evening of Equestrians are featured below as well as more information on the silent auction. For full coverage of the 2008 Annual Meeting, turn to the upcoming February issue of In Stride.

Beth Miner and Alvin Topping Honored with USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award
In its inaugural year, the USHJA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to recognize members whose involvement in the sport and the USHJA itself has benefited the industry. On December 10th Beth Miner and Alvin Topping were honored with the prestigious award at the 2008 Evening of Equestrians during the USHJA Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. Both Miner and Topping have an illustrious history with the USHJA and took a prominent role in its founding.

Read the full article here.

Mindy Darst Named 2008 USHJA Volunteer of the Year
Mindy Darst of Lebanon, Ohio was named Volunteer of the Year at the USHJA Evening of Equestrians on December 10, 2008. The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who donates their time to develop and implement programs in the organization. Darst was selected from an outstanding group of volunteers by USHJA President Bill Moroney and USHJA staff to receive the award based on her contributions to the association.

Read the full article here.

Silent Auction Supports USHJA Foundation and NARHA
A silent auction held by the United States Hunter Jumper Association raised over $5,000 in proceeds to benefit the USHJA Foundation and the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). The silent auction featured a diverse range of items donated by affiliate and national organizations, USHJA members and equine companies. Donated items ranged from private lessons with Olympians to collectables for the upcoming 2010 World Games.

Read the full article here.

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Award Mailings

For honorees who were unable to attend 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 2
Sunday, January 18, 2009, 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, NJ. For more information please contact Katie Benson at 908.534.8833 or jackkate@aol.com.

Zone 3
Sunday, January 11, 2009 Marriott Dulles Airport Hotel, Dulles, VA. For more information please contact W. Gary Baker at 540.687.3455.

Zone 4
Held in conjunction with the Georgia Hunter Jumper Association Banquet, Sunday, January 18, 2009, Crown Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA. A silent auction will begin at 5:30 PM followed by a seated dinner at 7:00 PM. For more information, contact Jill Mills at 404.731.3643.

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
The Texas Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott, The Woodlands, Texas. For more information please contact, Julita Bolen at 713.416.7936 or julitabolen@yahoo.com.

The Missouri Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the National Equestrian Center, Lake St. Louis, MO. For more information please contact, Janis Collette at 636.463.1353 or jscmohjo@juno.com.

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.

Zone 8
The Arizona Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, January 17, 2009 6:00 PM, at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, Scottsdale, AZ.

The New Mexico Hunter Jumper Association
Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Albuquerque Country Club, located at 601 Laguna Blvd. SW, in downtown Albuquerque. All banquet information can be found on our website: www.nmhja.org.

Zone 9
Zone 9 Oregon
Saturday, January 10, 2009, Embassy Suites, Tigard, OR.

Zone 9 Washington
Saturday, January 17, 2009, Weston Hotel, Bellevue, WA.

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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

JANUARY

10-11 Tonya Johnston, MA will be conducting a clinic at Folly Farm in Simsbury, CT. For more information, please contact Cara Chapel at contactus@follyfarm.us or 860.658.9943.

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.

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.