In this issue:

*Requesting Your Feedback: USHJA Competition Working Group Proposals

*Rule Change Alerts -
Effective 4/1/2010

*Important Announcement Regarding the use of NSAIDs - Effective 4/1/2010

*Emerging Athlete Program Specification Changes

*2010 Cavalor/USHJA Clinics Program

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2009/2010 The Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby
Class Results

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USHJA SPONSORS

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In an effort to grow the sport and create a new competition structure as well as introduce a new recognition and awards structure, the USHJA Competition Working Group held the first of two retreats in Dallas, Texas, in early February. During the two days of discussion, the competition rule changes were amended and are attached for your review. The tracking numbers of the amended drafts are 607-09. 608-09, 609-09, 610-09, and 611-09.

The goals of the Competitions Committee are to develop the finest sport at all levels; increase access, enjoyment, recognition opportunities for all participants; create a consistent, definable and meaningful system of standards to grow the sport. This would provide consumers with more informed choices, knowing what to expect when they go to a competition.

Please review attached draft proposals and provide any feedback you wish to be considered at the March 1-2, 2010 USHJA Competitions Working Group retreat. You can find these proposals along with other rule notifications and updates by visiting the new USHJA rule website. Comments should be submitted in writing to Christine Kennedy at ckennedy@ushja.org no later than February 26, 2010, so that all comments can be forwarded to the working group for consideration.

Listed below is a summary of rules that go into effect April 1, 2010 affecting hunters, jumpers, and hunter seat equitation. These were approved during USEF's 2010 Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

You can find these rule change proposals along with other rule notifications and updates by visiting the new USHJA rule website.

USHJA would like to ensure that our members are aware of the recently approved rule changes regarding drugs and medications. Beginning December 1, 2011, exhibitors may give only one NSAID, rather than two, to horses in competition due to the harmful effects overuse of these substances can have on the animal's health and well-being (GR410.1).

PLEASE NOTE: In preparation for this change, the Federation Board of Directors approved an interim rule (GR410.4), which will be in effect from April 1, 2010 through November 30, 2011. Members will be permitted to give two NSAIDs in accordance with current rules regarding the administration of NSAIDs, provided an NSAID Declaration Form is filed with the show office prior to the horse competing.

The complete rule change reads as follows:

GR410 Equine Drugs and Medications, The Therapeutic Substance Provisions.

[Chapter 4. Drugs and Medications] Effective 4/1/10:
4. Restrictions concerning the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are as follows:

Effective April 1, 2010 and through November 30, 2011, at which time only one of the substances listed in (a) through (f) above will be permitted, a maximum of two substances listed in (a) through (f) above are permitted to be present in the same plasma or urine sample, only if both substances are reported on a Federation NSAID Disclosure Form and filed with the competition prior to the horse competing (GR411 does not apply).

Click here to read the rule change as it appears on USEF's website.

Under the current USEF rules, no more than two of the seven approved and quantitatively restricted NSAIDs are permitted in a horse while competing at a Federation licensed competition. The one exception to this rule is that currently phenylbutazone (bute) and flunixin (Banamine) are a forbidden combination, and are never permitted together in the horse at the time of a competition.

Please click here for a complete listing of all rule changes from the 2010 USEF Annual Meeting. You can also visit the new USHJA rule website.

USHJA thanks all the members who have supplied feedback regarding the 2010 Emerging Athletes Program. The popularity and success of the inaugural year of the Emerging Athletes Program along with member recommendations has led USHJA to make modifications to the 2010 EAP specifications. The new specifications are as follows:

· Riders may apply to participate at a Level I Training Session outside of their home Zone.

· Applicants must not have reached their 21st birthday according to Federation rules.

· Applicants may have competed in classes up to 1.35m in height, but no higher.

· Riders who have competed in FEI Championships for Jumping held above 1.35m in height are not eligible to apply.

Participants in the 2010 EAP Level I Training Sessions will be selected based on the information provided in the application, including but not limited to merit, competition record and recommendations.

Selection for the 2010 EAP Level II Training Sessions and the Level III National Training Camp will be based on riding skills, general impression of potential, overall horsemanship and written test scores as determined during their evaluations.

For more information visit the EAP website or contact Melanie Fransen, USHJA Director of Programs and Education.

MARCH

4 Janet McCarroll will be conducting a Lunging clinic at Harrison County Fairgrounds in Gulfport, MS. For more information, please contact Janet McCarroll or 228.669.2687.

6-7 Tonya Johnston will be conducting a Sports Psychology clinic at Sundance Springs Ranch in Shingle Springs, CA. For more information, please contact Pam Cross or 530.957.3335

19-21 Bernie Traurig will be conducting a clinic at Donida Training Center in Auburn, WA. For more information please contact Lynda Case or 206.304.0454.

20-21 Linda Allen will be conducting a clinic at Brookfield Corner Farm in Brookfield, NH. For more information please contact Janet Murfey at janet.murfey@brookfieldcornerfarm.com.

20-21 Juliana Zunde will be conducting a clinic at Signature West Farm in Spanaway, WA. For more information, please contact Shannon Hendrickson at signwest@aol.com or 253.297.6469.

27-28 Tonya Johnston will be conducting a Sports Psychology clinic at Bandalero Ranch in Tucson, AZ. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Buscema at bigdogs4ever@aol.com or 520.548.4179.

27-28 Brenda Mueller will be conducting a clinic at Wild Winds Ranch in West Salem, WI. For more information, please contact Melissa Plemmons at gattarideem@hotmail.com or 608.797.3600.

APRIL

3-5 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Garret Mountain Equestrian Center in W. Patterson, NJ. For more information, please contact Penny Kinnally at pkinnally@aol.com or 201.233.7410.

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

17-18 Leo Conroy will be conducting a clinic at Springfield Stables in Mettawa, IL. For more information, please contact Jennifer Tirrell or 847.648.8264.

24-25 Frank Madden will be conducting a clinic at Blackjack Farms in Birmingham, AL. For more information, please contact J. Michael Halbleib or 205.283.3082.

MAY

1-2 Kyle Carter will be conducting a clinic at Blackjack Farms in Birmingham, AL. For more information, please contact Kelly Vaughan-Hanby or 205.902.8307.

15-16 Anna Jane White-Mullin will be conducting a clinic at Alpine Ridge Farms in Sparta, MI. For more information, please contact Rebecca Bradley or 616.887.1419.

21-22 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Koss Farm in Hailey, ID. For more information, please contact Mia Edsall at mia@svskylan.net or 208.720.4414.

JUNE

5-6 Jeff Cook will be conducting a clinic at Lindsay Yinger Show Stables in Blacklick, OH. For more information, please contact Lindsay Yinger at lnyinger@aol.com or 614.348.5915.

11-13 Nick Karazissis will be conducting a clinic at Miwok Stables in Mill Valley, CA. For more information, please contact Linda Rubio or 415.389.9414.

For more information on holding a clinic in your area, please contact Melanie Fransen at mfransen@ushja.org or 859.225.6717. Be sure to check the USHJA Calendar 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 859.225.6707.

Contact us: Mainline: 859.225.6700, Fax: 859.258.9033, Website:  www.ushja.org. 

USHJA has moved to 3870 Cigar Lane, 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.

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FarmVet Equine Retirement Facilities Directory is an informational listing of retirement facilities for horses compiled 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.

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Trainer Symposiums offer attendees the opportunity to participate in practical training sessions and round table discussions with top professionals in the industry.

Member's Choice Awards Program gives horse show exhibitors and participants the opportunity to reward 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.

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.