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California Riding Magazine • February, 2009 USHJA Annual Meeting by Jackie McFarland |
We all expect interesting changes due to the economic climate. However our industry is hot to trot—attendance didn’t appear to be light at this year’s USHJA Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. The interaction at the rule change forum, in committee meetings and regarding program implementation was lively and positive. USHJA is taking big strides for our discipline and participating members are playing a big role. Held in Nashville in December, the meeting covered a wide range of topics over a four-day period. The following is a brief overview of a handful of the impressive developments Hard Work for HJ The staff, board members and committee members of USHJA are working diligently on behalf of the hunter/jumper discipline, from the grassroots to the high performance level. It takes an incredible amount of effort to build a brand new organization for a discipline steeped in tradition that wants to evolve to new levels. That said, even the traditionalists are opening their minds and participating in some very forward thinking. Unruly Ruling Rule changes are a key element of these annual meetings. Seemingly mundane, these sessions can get quite animated as various individuals speak their mind on details that are important to their passion and potentially their livelihood. Covering topics from measuring ponies to splitting an Equitation class to heights of Low Junior Jumper Classics, these minute details are important to hunter/jumper exhibitors at all levels. High Performance Hunters 2008 was the inaugural year of the High Performance Hunter. In the form of the USHJA Hunter Derbies, chosen A-rated horse shows hosted these special hunter derbies throughout the country. Not only did hunter, jumper and equitation horses step up to compete for the money, the points and the fun, spectators gathered in droves as well: to watch hunters! The program returns in 2009 and will culminate in the first final in Kentucky this August. The top 75 horses on the money-qualifying list will be invited to a unique two-day competition, offering fabulous prize money and awards to grooms, riders, trainers and most importantly owners. The West Coast’s first International Hunter Derby of this year will take place during Week III of HITS-Thermal with another during the Championship Week. Winter circuit derbies will be held in Ocala, Gulfport and Wellington. For the full schedule and all the details go to http://ushja.org/ihd/index.shtml. Emerging Athletes Program New! Although the details of the program may change as it evolves, the Emerging Athletes Program offers an unprecedented opportunity for young riders at various levels to learn from some of our nation’s top show jumpers. As Committee Co-Chairman Melanie Smith stated, “This program will provide a stepladder for young talent to reach their goals of riding on a team representing the United States someday.” An applicant needs to be ambitious and assertive, however they do not need to have competed in ‘A’ horse shows or have a high level horse. So, spread the news! Riders who show talent on horses with limited abilities, young horses and difficult horses, as well as Pony Jumper riders, are all encouraged to apply. Almost 300 chosen applicants, 24 from each zone, will participate in their zone’s two-day clinic: eight riders at 3’, eight at 3’6” and eight at 4’. Some of our nation’s top riders and trainers will run the clinics. Participants will do all their own work from horse care to course setting, learning about the skills of riding well from the ground up. A group of 12 from each of the 12 zone clinics will then be selected to participate in one of four regional clinics, narrowing it down to 48 riders. The next 12 chosen from the regional clinics will participate in a week-long intensive session, culminating in a Nations Cup-type competition. And the top two from this session will be invited to train for 30 days with an experienced trainer. EAP offers education for hundreds of riders who might not otherwise have had access to such high-level coaching. And our country’s best horsemen get a look at talented riders who might not otherwise have appeared on their radar screens. Auditors and volunteers are welcome: check with the clinic host for details. This program is just spreading its wings, so watch the USHJA web site for the specifics and for application information. Trainers Certification Program Calling all trainers or those who aspire to be trainers: Now there is a certification program brought to you and endorsed by some of the nation’s best trainers. It is a voluntary program, intended to enhance trainer credibility and offer ongoing education. The time for this concept to become a reality is way overdue. In 2005, the USHJA formed the Trainer Certification Program Committee in response to overwhelming interest from membership. Now that it’s coming to fruition, many have expressed skepticism regarding this new program. The question is why? Are the critics afraid of revealing how much they know or don’t know? This group has spent countless volunteer hours over the last three years arguing, developing, changing, discussing, meeting and finally agreeing to create this program. Were they not thinking about what is best for the industry? For the horses and riders and, ultimately, for the trainers? Hopefully all will step up to the plate and participate. Yes, there are hundreds of trainers who should be “grandfathered in” without having to pass Level 1, but as George Morris expressed, why should they want to? For many trainers, Level 1 should be easy to pass. So stay tuned: The USHJA Trainers Certification Program will begin this June, with applications and enrollment procedures made available in May. Capital Campaign Amongst all the other happenings, including creating the USHJA Foundation, USHJA’s staff has grown at an alarming rate. In order to make the transition as well as develop a nationally recognized headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park, USHJA seeks to raise $6.5 million in the next 24 months. As we know, raising capital is a challenge these days. Consider this an investment in your discipline’s future. They’ve developed creative ways to give, for example buying a brick or a bench for the garden. Contact USHJA for details or see more at www.ushja.org/capitalcampaign/index.php. Sponsors Although I could write more, I am going to conclude with thanking the sponsors and donors without whom we would not have High Performance Hunter Derbies or a new Courtyard and Gardens for USHJA. Rather than risk forgetting one, we won’t name them all here. Suffice to say from A (ASG Software) to almost Z (World Equestrian Brands), thank you!
Author Jackie McFarland owns the equestrian marketing firm, EquestriSol. |
