USEF Amends Qualifications for 2020 Junior Hunter Championships & Pony Finals
It was with much disappointment many of us opened our email from USEF last week announcing the expansion of horse show suspension through the month of May. This left many junior wondering how this will affect qualifying criteria for the two of the most anticipated show of the season.
Junior Hunter Finals in July & Pony Hunter Finals in August. Junior Hunter National Championships offers shows on both the East Coast & West Coast where junior riders compete against their peers for top honors. The championship show splits riders by fence height, rider age group & horse height for a fun weekend of competing and comradery with friends.
The USEF Pony Finals, held in August is a national competition that draws ponies & riders from all across the United States. Pony & rider combinations converge upon the famed Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Ky for this annual event. Trainers, riders, and ponies work hard all season to get qualified for this annual event held the second weekend of August each year.
To be sure there are riders who have had their equestrian goals all but suspended for the season, some of which will be aging out into the adult ranks at the end of the season. Thankfully USEF released a statement altering the qualifying methods by which one can attend this year’s Junior Hunter Championships & Pony Finals. Riders who were hoping to attend but have been unable to qualify due to show suspension may have additional ways by which to attend these very popular competitions.
If you were unable to qualify at a horse show, you may be eligible to attend through an updated qualification amendment. Junior riders may have the opportunity to attend by submitting an entry before the competition deadline. Pony riders may have the opportunity to attend based on placings at 2019 Pony Finals or by current National points. Pony Medal riders may qualify with fewer points than in years past and pony jumper riders may also be able to attend based on eligibility requirements.
Read the entire press release click HERE to see if you may be able to compete.