2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals Review

It was no surprise that the third annual $100,000 United States Hunter Jumper Association International Hunter Derby Finals concluded with a thrilling finish. After all, the 2010-11 series finale brought many of the nation's top show hunters to the Bluegrass State, where they vied for the title tonight over a masterful course with a Kentucky Horse Farm theme.

In the end, 14-year-old Lillie Keenan and C Coast Z topped a star-studded field with 765.50 points in front of an appreciative crowd of close to 900 and thousands more from every continent (except Antarctica) who tuned in live online via the USEF Network. Scott Stewart guided Fashion Farm's Declaration to second place with 758, while Tammy Provost and Carlson claimed third with 725.50.

Click Here for more information.       Click Here for complete Hunter Derby results.

Missed the Derby Finals? Click the banner below to witness all the action!

The USHJA thanks its generous sponsors of the 2011 Derby Finals: Presenting Sponsor: Dietrich Equine Insurance. Major Sponsor: Charles Owen, Inc. Award Sponsors: The Clothes Horse, Dover Saddlery, Essex Classics, Frantisi Incorporated/Grand Prix, GR Marketing, Telluride Farm, McGuinn Farms and Ann K. Hubbard's. Hospitality Sponsors: Texas High Performance Series, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Charles Owen Inc. and Dietrich Equine Insurance. Official Media Partner: USEF Network.

Attention Professionals: WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

The USHJA needs your feedback to help make the Judges Evaluation pilot program successful. The program will continue to gather data through the fall however, right now the program does not have enough input from the professionals to create meaningful data. This program offers professionals a mechanism to CONFIDENTIALLY evaluate judges on knowledge, impartiality and professionalism.

We need each professional to take the time to send in their evaluations including both positive and negative responses. Remember ALL evaluations are 100% confidential.

It is only through your support and feedback that we can work towards improving the integrity of our sport. We believe this data will create an environment for judges to be appropriately evaluated based on their skill set and commitment to continuous improvement.

For more information contact Jennifer Kisner at 859.225.6705

USHJA Affiliate Sportsmanship Award Nominations due September 16, 2011

Looking for a way to recognize an individual who demonstrates an ongoing commitment and dedication to the USHJA and their affiliate organization? The USHJA Affiliate Sportsmanship award recognizes juniors, amateurs, professional riders and riding instructors.

USHJA Affiliated Associations participating in the USHJA Affiliate Sportsmanship Award have the opportunity to select up to four (4) award winners per year. Award winners must be current members of the USHJA at the Outreach $15 level or higher and the accolades for the candidates must be earned from December 1st - September 1st of the current competition year. Winners are required to submit an application and letter of recommendation to USHJA no later than Friday, September 16, 2011.

Affiliate winners will be eligible for the USHJA Regional Affiliate Sportsmanship Award. Regional winners receive a free USHJA membership for 2012 or 2013 and will be recognized at the USHJA Annual Meeting on Dec 5th.

For more information or for an application, contact Kim Knotek at 859.225.6709

USHJA Rewarding Youth for their Horsemanship

In addition to USHJA nominations for the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, USHJA is excited to announce the USHJA Young Horseman's Award. Both awards identify potential future leaders in the equine industry who demonstrate an ongoing commitment and dedication to USHJA by promoting the equestrian sport, exhibiting characteristics that exemplify positive sportsmanship principles and who serve as a role model for his or her peers.

Applicants for the USHJA Young Horseman's Award must be between 12-15 years of age, while USHJA nominees for the USEF Youth Sportsman's Award must be 17 years or younger. Applications for both awards are due to the USHJA office by October 1.

Click Here to apply to the USHJA Young Horseman's Award or the USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award today!

For more information contact Carrie Vaught at 859.225.6703.

Amateur Sportsmanship Award

Nominations are currently being accepted by the Amateur Committee for the Amateur Sportsmanship Award. The award was established to recognize the Amateur Owner and Adult Amateur exhibitors who show a degree of excellence and integrity by supporting their fellow competitors, volunteering their time and resources to various aspects of the industry and being a passionate and positive role model for all amateurs. Success in the show ring is a secondary factor. Candidates may be nominated by exhibitors, trainers, colleagues or peers and must be an active or associate member of the USHJA.

The nominations are due October 7, 2011 and must include a completed nomination form and a list of notable accomplishments and services. Letters of recommendation are highly suggested. The final selection of the winner is made by the Amateur Committee and is based on accolades earned from December 1st through September 7th of each competition year. The Amateur Sportsmanship Award is presented annually at the Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner during the USHJA Annual Meeting.

For more information contact Kelley Mallery at 859.225.6717

The Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award

The Mrs. A.C. Randolph Owners Legacy Award was established by the USHJA Owners Task Force in 2011 to acknowledge a past or current owner who has been, or is, a true "patron" of the hunter/jumper industry. This award honors an owner who has created a legacy of giving back to the hunter/jumper sport through continued dedication and support.

Mrs. Randolph was honored as the recipient of the Jimmy Williams Lifetime Achievement award in 1995 and was also inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame. Mrs. A. C. Randolph's legacy as a knowledgeable, involved, honest and caring owner is memorialized through the naming of this award in her honor and these attributes are the standard for each future recipient of the Owners Legacy Award.

Nominations are accepted from any member of the USHJA. Please send completed nomination forms to Kelley Mallery at USHJA no later than October 7, 2011. The Owners Task Force will review and discuss the nominees and vote by secret ballot to determine the award winner. The award will be presented during the Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner at the USHJA Annual Meeting in December.

For more information contact Kelley Mallery at 859.225.6717

NEW — Vital Support Staff Award

The USHJA is creating a new award to honor the support staff of our sport, whose current role is essential to the success of our horse shows often working behind the scenes. These announcers, starters, secretaries, technical coordinators, facility managers and their crews, ring crews and assistants of every type, who every day assist in moving our sport forward, are often overlooked and unacknowledged when awards are being distributed. Many of these individuals have worked in our discipline for decades and we want to recognize their contributions through this award.

As you consider who you might nominate, think of those individuals who have helped make your competition or educational experience a little easier and more enjoyable. Nominees do not need to be active members of the USHJA. This award is meant for those individuals who are currently not participating as a competitor, rider, owner, "A" show manager or licensee, but rather someone who provides the support that makes showing, judging and managing competitions and participating in educational events something to enjoy. Minimum qualifications are 20 years actively working in our discipline in a support role.

Each year we will honor two recipients of this award at the USHJA Annual Meeting. One honoree will be from the east and one from the west with the Mississippi River serving as the dividing line. Nominations are open to the membership and will also be solicited from the USHJA Competition Management, Officials and Stewards Committees. Please include a detailed description of the nominee's contribution to and role within our sport.

For more information contact Kristyn Kay at 859.225.6708

2011 USHJA Trainer Certification Program Clinics

The USHJA is now offering standard Trainer Certification Program Clinics (TCP Clinics) as well as Trainer's Symposiums. Attendance at a recognized USHJA Trainer Certification Program Clinic will count towards the enrollment requirements for the Trainer Certification Program.

Click Here for a complete list of TCP Clinics.

* This TCP Clinic is being held in conjunction with the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program.

USHJA 2011 Clinics Calendar

The USHJA Clinics Program is dedicated to providing clinics throughout the country to the members of USHJA. For a complete list of USHJA clinics visit the Clinics Calendar. For questions please contact Carrie Vaught.