USHJA Announces 2026 Horsemanship Quiz Stable Challenge Winners
Lexington, Ky.—July 30, 2026—Over 266 equestrians from 86 barns across nine USHJA Zones took on the 30-day USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Stable Challenge, showcasing their horsemanship knowledge. USHJA congratulates the top-scoring trainers and their barns in each Zone, who will receive prize packages in recognition of their achievement.
- Zone 1: Rachel Foster of Shady Grove Show Stables
- Zone 2: Brooke Chasin of North Shore Equestrian Center
- Zone 3: Kristy Willwerth of Picturesque Farm
- Zone 4: Mandi Callaway Powers of Copper Phoenix Equine
- Zone 5: Heather Pinnick of Miami University
- Zone 7: Cory Valenzuela of Victory Stables Equestrian Academy
- Zone 8: Sara Kirby of Creekside Equestrian
- Zone 9: Robin Bhatia of Meridian Farm
- Zone 10: Natalie Klibanow of A&O Stables
Among the winning teams, Zone 7 was led by a USHJA Credentialed Instructor and represented a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy. Zone 2 had the most stables represented, with 6 barns competing. The overall high-score winning team's trainer was Mandi Callaway Powers of Copper Phoenix Equine in Zone 4.
"I am very proud of our riders and their continued commitment to learning," remarked Callaway Powers. "To participate, much less win, for the third year in a row solidifies how important the primary focus of horsemanship is within our program. This program opens doors to resources and knowledge for our students at whatever level they may be. It helps build that team spirit and keep everyone focused on the most important asset, our horses, and on how to be the best we can be for them!"
The Stable Challenge was designed to engage a trainer's entire barn as a team. At least three students per trainer had to complete the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Practice Quiz between June 15 and July 15 to be eligible for prizes. At the end of the 30-day challenge, the three top scores under each trainer were averaged to provide an overall score. Participants who also took the Level One and Level Two Horsemanship Quiz Challenge quizzes received 10 bonus points for each level they passed.
"I am very proud of my riders for their dedication to becoming well-rounded equestrians and taking the time to test their knowledge," added Foster. "One of my students discovered the program through social media and recruited some of her fellow barn mates to join her in the challenge! I think the program is a wonderful way to encourage riders of all ages to become more well-rounded equestrians and to understand the care of the horses that goes beyond sitting in the saddle."
"My team was so thrilled when I shared the news that they had won," remembered Valenzuela. "Winning this challenge for our zone is a direct reflection of our students' hard work and passion, and I could not be more proud of their enthusiasm and dedication to horsemanship."
The highest scoring trainer in each USHJA Zone received a unique trainer-inspired award package designed to benefit the entire barn, including a free USHJA Recognized Riding Academy application, a one-year Active/Competing membership, and a Nutrena certificate. Each of the three team members received a USHJA prize package, a one-year Active/Competing membership, a Nutrena certificate, and an Exhibitor's product package.
The Stable Challenge was created to promote the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Program and get members excited about advancing their horsemanship knowledge at all ages. USHJA members can still participate in the Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and compete for a chance to go to Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals, presented by East West Equine Sports Medicine, or Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals until September 1. The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is supported in part by grants from US Equestrian and the USHJA Foundation.
For more information about the Stable Challenge, visit ushja.org/stablechallenge. For more information about the USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, visit ushja.org/HQC.
Photos: Courtesy of Mandi Callaway Powers and Rachel Milewski/USHJA
