2026 Enrollment and Applications Open for Select USHJA Competition and Education Programs

Lexington, Ky.—Feb. 3, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that enrollment and applications are now open for a range of competition and educational programs for 2026. Members are encouraged to log in to their USHJA member accounts at my.ushja.org/login, select “My Programs,” and enroll in or apply for the programs in which they wish to participate.

USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Program
Open to horses of any age that are eligible to compete as a Green Hunter under USEF rules, the Green Hunter Incentive Program features standings, stake classes, six Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Regional Championships, and the annual Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship. Horses must be registered with the USHJA, recorded with USEF, and enrolled in the program prior to competing.

Annual enrollment fees are $350 through February 1, $550 from February 2 through June 1, and $750 from June 2 through November 30. Horses must be enrolled in the appropriate height section, either 3'–3'3 or 3'6–3'9, for results to count toward standings.

Supporters may also purchase Reserved Slots at the current rate and assign a specific horse later in the year through their USHJA member account. Only results earned after a horse is assigned to a slot will count toward program standings.

USHJA International Hunter Derby Program
The USHJA International Hunter Derby Program features a national series, five Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Regional Championships, and the annual Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. 

The program is open to all horses registered with USHJA and recorded with USEF.

Horses must be enrolled in the program or pay a non-enrolled horse fee to compete. Annual enrollment is $450, and only enrolled horses are eligible for inclusion on money-won tracking lists and to participate in Regional and Annual Championships. Money earned prior to enrollment is not retroactive

USHJA World Championship Hunter Rider Program
The World Championship Hunter Rider program includes a series of events, National and Regional awards, and the annual WCHR Finals. To be eligible, riders and horse owners must be enrolled in the WCHR Program, with enrollment required by the final licensed day of a competition for points from that competition to count. Enrollment is $70 and is valid through end of competition year.

At enrollment, participants must select one category: Professional, Developing Professional, Amateur Owner 3'3" or 3'6", Adult Amateur, Low Adult Amateur, Junior 3'3" or 3'6", Children’s, Low Children’s, Pony, Farm/Business Owner, Owner, or Trainer. Participants may change their category once during the competition year by July 1.

Participants must also declare one of nine regions at the time of enrollment. New for 2026, Florida has been designated as its own region.

USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships
Now held regionally, the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships consist of team and individual competition for 1.00m Jumper athletes. For a chance to qualify, riders must complete an application and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective section(s) at USEF-licensed competitions by their region’s deadline:

• Northeast (Zones 1 and 2): May 17
• South (Zones 3, 4, and 7): May 23
• North Central (Zones 5 and 6): August 9
• West (Zones 8, 9, and 10): August 23

The standard application fee is $75 per horse, with late applications accepted for $150 per horse up to 24 hours before horse inspection.

Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships
The Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships are held regionally and feature 1.10/1.15m and 1.20/1.25m Junior and Amateur Jumper riders competing as teams and individuals. Riders must submit an application and accumulate a minimum of 20 points at USEF-licensed competitions with corresponding fence heights by their region's deadline:

• Northeast (Zones 1 and 2): May 17
• South (Zones 3, 4, and 7): May 30
• North Central (Zones 5 and 6): August 9
• West (Zones 8, 9, and 10): August 23

The standard application fee is $75 per horse, with late applications accepted for $150 per horse up to 24 hours before horse inspection.

Those interested in attending are also encouraged to apply for the Antevy Family/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Grant. Each year, one recipient will be awarded the full $5,000 for expenses related to competing at the Markel/USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships. Applications are currently open and close May 15.

Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships
Also held regionally, the Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships feature team and individual competition for Junior, Amateur, and Professional Jumper riders competing at 1.30/1.35m and 1.40/1.45m. Riders qualify for the Championships by earning a minimum of $250 and submitting an application by their region's deadline:

• Northeast (Zones 1 and 2): May 17
• South (Zones 3, 4, and 7): May 30
• North Central (Zones 5 and 6): August 9
• West (Zones 8, 9, and 10): September 13

The standard application fee is $75 per horse, with late applications accepted for $150 per horse up to 24 hours before horse inspection.

USHJA Young Jumper Championships
The USHJA Young Jumper Championships allow 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-year-old Jumpers to be showcased at the national level. To be eligible for the Championships, horses must be enrolled. Three enrollment periods are offered, beginning February 1:

• 4-Year-Olds
  • February 1 until 24 hours before each respective Championship’s horse inspection - $100
• 5-, 6-, 7-, and 8-Year-Olds
  • Early Enrollment: February 1 until June 30 - $150
  • Middle Enrollment: July 1 until seven days prior to the horse inspection at their respective Championship - $300
  • Late Enrollment: Late enrollments will be accepted for a fee of $750 per horse beginning seven days prior to the horse inspection for each respective Championship and closing 24 hours before that Championship’s horse inspection

For breeders and owners enrolling more than three horses, a Breeder and Owner Enrollment Incentive offers a discount. Additionally, breeders and owners enrolling the same horse in a consecutive year will receive a $50 discount.

MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program
The MZ Farms/USHJA Emerging Athletes Program provides opportunities for riders to advance their horsemanship education and riding skills across 10 Regional Training Sessions. Sixteen riders will be selected, based on the recommendations of the riding and stable management clinicians, to participate in the EAP National Training Session for four days of training alongside several of the country's top clinicians.

Beginning February 1, those wishing to apply as a riding participant or a non-riding participant must meet the eligibility requirements, submit an application and $50 application fee, have three individuals complete the Recommendation Form, and complete the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Level One Quiz with a score of 80% or higher. Applications close April 1.

Need-based grant funding is available for those seeking financial assistance to attend a Regional Training Session, with applications open February 1 through May 15.

USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge
The USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge allow participants to test their knowledge in a series of online quizzes. The top 24 individuals in each challenge will be invited to their respective Nationals for a final round in competition. Registration opens in early February and closes September 1. The Challenge is free to participate in for those with a Collegiate, Education, or Competing USHJA membership. 

Need-based grant funding is available for those seeking financial assistance to attend the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, with applications open September 1 through October 15.

USHJA Instructor Credential
The USHJA Instructor Credential offers a comprehensive education program for riding instructors. Participants complete online coursework covering athlete wellness and safety, sports psychology, stable management, riding theory, and teaching methodologies, then attend a live workshop and examination to demonstrate teaching skills and earn USHJA Credentialed Instructor status. Registration for the 2026 live sessions can be found here, on a first-come, first serve basis. 

Individuals who meet the prerequisites must register and submit a $50 fee to be recognized as an Instructor Credential candidate and gain access to program materials. Grant funding is available for those seeking financial assistance to attend an in-person live workshop and examination, with applications open April 1 through October 15.

USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program
The USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Program acknowledges lesson programs that emphasize horsemanship and sportsmanship, promote safety, and offer introductory Hunter/Jumper lessons. Recognized Riding Academies receive national recognition through a listing in the USHJA online directory, supported by marketing and educational resources, student and horse recognition opportunities, exclusive discounts, and more. 

Interested applicants must meet all requirements and submit a completed application with a $125 application fee. Applications and renewals are accepted year-round, with memberships expiring on November 30.

Find more information about all of USHJA's competitive programs, including dates and locations for the year's championships, at ushja.org/competition. Visit ushja.org/education for information on all of USHJA's education programs.

Photos: Dashing Paws Photography, Julia B Photography, Avery Fletcher Photography