2023 Dates and Locations Announced for USHJA Equitation Finals

Lexington, Ky.—Feb. 24, 2023—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the dates and locations for the 2023 equitation finals. Ten finals for Equitation competitors will be held on the East and West Coasts, including the new USHJA Gladstone Equitation Classic for Adult Amateurs. 

USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs

New for Adult Amateurs in 2023, the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic is a three-round class emulating that for the Juniors and set at 3’. Riders can elect to compete in the Final of their choice:

• East: September 5-9 at HITS on the Hudson VIII in Saugerties, New York
• West: July 25-30 at the Blenheim Racing Festival in San Juan Capistrano, California

To qualify, riders must have placed in the top three in a 2’9” or higher Adult Equitation class or in a 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal class, Taylor Harris Insurance Adult Medal class or Ariat National Adult Medal class within the qualifying period. Visit ushja.org/gladstone for additional information. 

USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College

Held during the East and West Coast Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships, the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College is a three-round class that combines the precision of Equitation and handiness of Hunters over a course set at 3'6". Finals will be held on both coasts and riders can compete in the Classic of their choice: 

• East: June 28 at Traverse City Horse Shows in Williamsburg, Michigan
• West: July 23 at Blenheim EquiSports in San Juan Capistrano, California

For a chance to qualify, riders must have won a USEF Hunter Seat Medal, ASPCA Maclay, USEF Show Jumping Talent Search, either phase of WIHS Equitation Classic, or an Overall WIHS Equitation Classic during the qualifying period. Visit ushja.org/gladstone for additional information. 

EMO Insurance/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal

The EMO Insurance/USHJA 3'3" Jumping Seat Medal provides Junior exhibitors with the opportunity to develop their Equitation skills over a Jumper-style course. The Finals feature three phases—a Flat Phase, Gymnastics Phase and Jumping Phase—similar to those of the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Program. Riders may elect to compete in either Final:

• East: September 27-30 at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, Maryland
• West: September 20-24 at the International Jumping Festival in San Juan Capistrano, California

To qualify, riders must earn 15 points or more in any USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal classes during the qualifying period. Visit ushja.org/jumpseatmedal for more information and a calendar of qualifying classes. 

USHJA 3'3'' Adult Jumping Seat Medal

Offered for the second year, the USHJA 3'3'' Adult Jumping Seat Medal was the first of its kind from USHJA. The Medal emulates the Junior competition, allowing Adult Amateur riders a chance to showcase their Equitation skills over a three-round Jumper-style course. Riders may elect to compete in either Final: 

• East: September 5-9 at HITS on the Hudson VIII in Saugerties, New York
• West: September 20-24 at the International Jumping Festival in San Juan Capistrano, California

This year also features expanded qualifying opportunities. To qualify, riders must have earned at least 10 points or completed three or more USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal classes during the qualifying period. New in 2023, riders cannot have competed above 1.35m within the current competition year. Visit ushja.org/jumpseatmedal for more information and a calendar of qualifying classes.

USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal

The USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal serves as a stepping stone for Equitation riders, providing an opportunity to qualify and compete in a national Equitation final at fence heights of 3’3”. Finals will be held on both coasts:

• East: October 18-22 at the New England Equitation Championships in West Springfield, Massachusetts
• West: September 20-24 at the International Jumping Festival in San Juan Capistrano, California 

For a chance to qualify, riders must earn a minimum of 10 points or more during the qualifying period. Visit ushja.org/hunterseatmedal for additional information. 

Additional opportunities for Equitation competitors include the USHJA Outreach program.  This program gives members the chance to earn points toward year-end awards and to earn the opportunity to participate in the Marshall & Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships. Outreach competitions and festivals held across the country offer Equitation classes ranging from Walk/Trot divisions to 3'. Learn more about the program, championship-level competition opportunities with Outreach Festivals and to see a calendar of this year’s events at ushja.org/outreach.

Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Marshall & Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championships brings Equitation riders of all levels under one roof to compete at the national level. The Championships feature the USHJA National Equitation Championships open to Juniors and Amateurs, a 3’3” USHJA Hunter Seat Medal class, a 3'3" EMO Insurance/USHJA Jumping Seat Medal class and a 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal class. The USHJA Affiliate Championships will include Equitation divisions ranging from 2' to 2'6''. Learn more at ushja.org/nationalchampionships.

Visit ushja.org/equitation for a list of all of USHJA's Equitation opportunities. For more information about all of USHJA's competitive programs, visit ushja.org/competition.

Photos: Rachel Milewski, Anne Gittins Photography, McCool Photography, Shawn McMillen Photography, Andrew Ryback Photography