Applications Open for 2025 Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships

Lexington, Ky.—July 29, 2025—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association invites members to apply for a chance to qualify for the seventh annual Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships. The unforgettable week of competition returns to the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, from November 10-16, with Desert International Horse Park once again serving as host.

Applications for all sections are now available online through August 29. All prospective competitors must apply and pay the application fee in order to be eligible to qualify. After the application period closes, qualifying lists will be published, followed by entry instructions.

Rated competition will feature more than 25 Hunter, Jumper, and Equitation National Championship titles with $300,000 in prize money. Featured classes include $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derbies for Open and Junior/Amateur riders and the IHSA/USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal Final - West.

Qualifying requirements vary based on the section and are largely based on Zone Horse of the Year points or Zone events between December 1, 2024, and August 29, 2025. All riders aiming to qualify must complete the application by August 29.

Riders aiming to compete in the Hunter Seat Medal Final must earn 10 or more points between August 2, 2024, and September 1, 2025, to qualify. Those competing only in the Medal Final do not need to apply and will receive entry information in their qualifying letter. However, those planning to enter any additional classes at the Championships must complete the full application by August 29.

The Affiliate Championships return with 16 sections in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation for nominated members of USHJA Affiliate Organizations and Outreach Golden Backstage Pass recipients. Each Affiliate Organization may nominate up to three horse-and-rider combinations per section by August 1. Once nominations are received, a link to the application will be shared with nominated riders, who must complete their application by August 29.

Outreach members who earn the Outreach Golden Backstage Pass are also eligible to compete in the Affiliate Championships. Passes are awarded based on cumulative points as of August 1, and winners will be notified directly. In addition to competition, Pass recipients receive priority access to free educational opportunities offered during the Championships. Recipients will receive an email with the application link and must complete it by August 29.

This one-of-a-kind championship experience is held entirely within the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa's Arena & Equestrian Center, where competition arenas, stabling, and hotel accommodations are under one roof. Riders and horses enjoy a seamless show environment, while exhibitors can take advantage of South Point’s entertainment options, including dining, spa, casino, bowling alley, and more. Hotel group codes will be shared alongside stall assignments once final entries are submitted.

USHJA extends its thanks to the sponsors who make the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships possible, including Desert International Horse Park; Title Sponsor Marshall+Sterling; USHJA Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and USHJA Championship Sponsors Charles Owen, Exhibitor’s, SmartPak, Human Touch, Prize Possessions, RingSide Pro, and Essex Classics. 

For more information about the Marshall+Sterling/USHJA National Championships, visit ushja.org/NationalChampionships.

Photos: Terisé Cole/USHJA