USHJA Press Release
The West Coast’s USHJA Amateur Festival gets underway this week during National Sunshine Series 1. Amateur hunter and equitation entries from across the region are set to compete in a week of top competition.
Friday kicks off with the inaugural USHJA Amateur Hunter Championships – West. With divisions for 2’6” Low Adult Amateur, 3’ Adult Amateur, 3’3” Amateur Owner, and 3’6” Amateur Owner Hunters, riders will compete under saddle and over fences for a chance at four overall titles and $27,500 in prize money. The Championships will also recognize the highest-scoring riders in each section’s age groups, celebrating the top amateur hunters from across the West.
Friday will also feature the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic for Amateurs – West. This three-round class challenges riders over a 3’ course, beginning with a Hunter Style Equitation Round, continuing with a Handy Hunter Round for the top 20, and concluding with a Final Round for the top 4 to 6 riders. The format tests riders’ precision and versatility, combining the style of Equitation with the practical handiness of Hunters.
Equitation competition continues Saturday and Sunday with the USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Final – West.This three-phase class allows Adult Amateur riders to demonstrate skill in Flat, Gymnastics, and Jumping phases, combining technical accuracy with Jumper-style challenges.
In addition to the Festival, the Markel/USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships – West will take place Thursday through Sunday. Riders will compete for team and individual titles at 1.30m and 1.40m, adding another layer of excitement to the week.
The USHJA extends special thanks to the entire Desert International Horse Park team for hosting the Festival; to Official Sponsors Herm Sprenger, Nutrena, and Parlanti; and Supporting Sponsor Essex Classics.
Spectators and participants can stream the competition live at deserthorsepark.com/watch-live and view the schedule and results online here. For more information about USHJA’s competitive programs, visit ushja.org/Competition.