Medals Awarded in Zones 5 and 6 USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championship

Lexington, Ky.—Sept. 29, 2025—Athletes from Zones 5 and 6 contested the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships hosted during the Split Rock Fall Classic over September 26-28 in Lexington, Kentucky. Chefs d’Equipe Christopher Schenk and Dan Urban oversaw the teams as 25 horse and rider combinations jumped courses set in the Rolex Stadium.

“Riding on a team this week was so fun, I really liked the team aspect of it," exclaimed Mackowiak, a Junior team gold medalist. “I felt really nervous going in. We had to change our plan last minute, but I feel like I rode nicely with everything we planned and I’m really happy with it.”

On the Amateur gold medal team, Nicholas commented, “It was really fun. I hadn’t gotten to ride on a team before, so there was excitement in trying to perform well and also rooting for the people you’re doing this with.”

“She’s been amazing, I’ve only had her for nine months since she was imported in December," Prince said of her mount, who was the Amateur Individual champion. "Funny enough, my other horse qualified with more points, but he got injured, so she stepped in instead. I’m hoping to move up to the 1.10m, so that’s our goal for the rest of this year and into next.”

“Blue is my favorite color, so I always wear blue socks," she continued on her good luck charm and of her strategy. "My horse tends to be very clear, so my job is just to get her to a decent distance. I get very nervous, so it’s more about keeping my nerves under control and focusing on clear rounds rather than worrying about winning.”

This Championship holds a special place in Prince's heart due to the camaraderie.

“My mom is always here supporting me, and three of us from my barn qualified, so it was really cool to experience this together," Prince said. "I think it’s great championship because not everybody wants to keep moving up. Some riders are happiest at the 1.00m, that’s what they’ve worked toward, and now there’s a championship for that.”

The USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships provide riders with a competitive team experience and an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the 1.00/1.05m Junior and Amateur Jumper sections. To qualify, riders must apply and earn a minimum of 20 points in their respective Jumper sections at USEF-licensed competitions by their zone’s deadline, which is 45 days prior to the selected championship. Riders must also be current Active USEF and USHJA Junior or Amateur members in good standing.

During the championship, riders compete in a three-day competition format. Day one entails a first round of the team championship and the first individual qualifying class. Day two consists of the second round of the team championship and the second individual qualifying class. For the last competition day, the top 15 individual finalists from the qualifying classes return to jump for the individual championship title.

The 2025 USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships will wrap up at in Temecula, California, at the Temecula Valley Fall National III, October 15-19, with competition for riders from Zones 9 and 10.

The USHJA extends special thanks to the team at Split Rock Jumping Tour for hosting this Championship. The USHJA also thanks Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and Supporting Sponsor Essex Classics.

For more information about the USHJA 1.00/1.05m Junior/Amateur Zone Jumper Championships, visit ushja.org/lowzonejumper.

Photos: Winslow Photography