Whitehedge Farm Joins Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare as Presenting Sponsors of the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships

Lexington, Ky.—April 29, 2026—The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to welcome Whitehedge Farm as a presenting sponsor of the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, joining longtime presenting sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare, of EMO Stables, LLC, who have renewed their support of the championship.

“We are excited to welcome Whitehedge Farm as a presenting sponsor of the Hunter Breeding National Championships,” said Whitney Allen, USHJA Executive Director. “Their support, alongside the ongoing generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Oare, reinforces the significance of this championship and our collective commitment to advancing the future of Hunter breeding.”

The Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships provide breeders, owners, and handlers the opportunity to showcase yearlings, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds on a national level. Held annually in the East and Central regions, the competition highlights the qualities that define successful hunters, and many alumni have gone on to accomplished careers in a range of divisions across the country.

"The future of our sport begins with young horses, and we are proud to support an event that celebrates their development from the very start,” said Anne Hedge, owner of Whitehedge Farm. 

Competition includes in-hand classes, an Amateur/Junior Handler class, Three- and Four-Year-Old Hunter Under Saddle and Hunter Hack classes, and Four-Year-Old Conformation Over Fences classes. Best Young Horse titles will be awarded at each championship, with the East competition held during the Virginia Young Horse Festival on August 22, 2026, at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia, and the Central event held during the Southwest Showdown on September 17, 2026, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas.

"Betty and I originated the Hunter Breeding National Championships to honor our great friend, Sallie Wheeler. We are honored each year to renew our support as presenting sponsors of the event," said Ernest Oare. "The competition this year will again be held in two locations, Virginia and Texas, and we look forward to the amazing events each year."

Learn more about the Sallie B. Wheeler/USEF/USHJA Hunter Breeding National Championships, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Oare and Whitehedge Farm at ushja.org/SallieB.