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Equitation Qualifying
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Equitation Qualifying
For every medal class, riders must adhere to specific rules and qualification procedures. Most require that riders earn a certain number of points which are won at qualifying classes across the country. For example, a rider showing in the BET/USET West class will win 15 points for placing second at a horse show in a qualifying class. That rider will need to win another 15 points to qualify by placing in more classes and earning more points.
With so many equitation classes to choose from, keeping track of all of the class rules and qualifying procedures can be daunting. So we've gone ahead and collected all the important information on qualifying for the national medal finals created thus far: USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay, BET/USET East, BET/USET West, WIHS Eq Classic, North American Junior Equitation Championship, HBO Junior Medal, Show Circuit Magazine National Children's Medal, Charles Owen Children's Medal, Charles Owen Children's Pony Medal, Ariat National Adult Medal, Charles Owen Adult Medal, North American Amateur Equitation Championship, USEF Adult Medal, USEF Pony Medal, and the WIHS Pony Equitation Classic.
This page contains the following references, click to jump to each section.
*Note: We are not responsible for changed or outdated information. Please refer to rules and regulations as found on USEF or other medal class websites for official information.
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Medal Classes - Quick Reference |
| JUNIOR MEDALS |
AGE
LIMIT |
FENCE
HEIGHT |
#ENTRIES
REQUIRED |
REQUIRED
TESTS |
REQUIRED
MEMBERSHIPS
|
QUALIFYING
PERIOD |
QUALIFYING
PROCESS |
| USEF Medal |
17&U |
3'6" |
6 |
Top 4
USEF 1-19 |
USEF |
OCT 2-
OCT 1 |
Points. Varies
Regionally |
| ASPCA Maclay |
17&U |
3'6" |
6 |
Flat top 12
USEF 1-19 |
USEF
ASPCA |
SEPT 1-
AUG 31 |
Points. Varies
Regionally |
| USEF TALENT SEARCH EAST |
21&U |
3'9" |
6 |
Flat top 20 or
50%, 1-19 |
USEF |
SEPT 1-
AUG 31 |
30 Points, 1 win req. |
| USEF TALENT SEARCH WEST |
21&U |
3'9" |
6 |
Flat top 20 or
50%, 1-19 |
USEF |
SEPT 1-
AUG 31 |
30 Points |
| WIHS Equitation Classic |
17&U |
3'6" |
3 |
Optional |
USEF
WIHS Eq |
SEPT 1-
AUG 31 |
Point Accumulation,
Top 30 |
| North American Equitation (Jr) |
17&U |
3'6" |
- |
Top 4 |
USEF |
none |
none |
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| CHILDREN'S MEDALS |
AGE
LIMIT |
FENCE
HEIGHT |
#ENTRIES
REQUIRED |
REQUIRED
TESTS |
REQUIRED
MEMBERSHIPS
|
QUALIFYING
PERIOD |
QUALIFYING
PROCESS |
| National Children's Medal |
17&U |
3'0" |
1 |
Top 4,
USEF 1-19 |
USEF |
AUG 21-
AUG 20 |
Point Accumulation,
Top 30 |
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| AMATEUR MEDALS |
AGE
LIMIT |
FENCE
HEIGHT |
#ENTRIES
REQUIRED |
REQUIRED
TESTS |
REQUIRED
MEMBERSHIPS
|
QUALIFYING
PERIOD |
QUALIFYING
PROCESS |
| National Adult Medal |
18+ |
3'0" |
1 |
Top 4, USEF 1-19 |
USEF |
AUG 21-
AUG 20 |
Point Accumulation
Top 30 |
| North American Equitation (AA) |
18+ |
3'3" |
- |
Top 4 |
USEF |
- |
- |
| USEF Adult Medal |
18+ |
3'3" |
6 |
Top 4, USEF 1-19 |
USEF |
DEC 1-
NOV 30 |
Point Accumulation |
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| PONY MEDALS |
AGE
LIMIT |
FENCE
HEIGHT |
#ENTRIES
REQUIRED |
REQUIRED
TESTS |
REQUIRED
MEMBERSHIPS
|
QUALIFYING
PERIOD |
QUALIFYING
PROCESS |
| USEF Pony Medal |
17&U |
2'3" S
2'6" M
3'0" L |
6 |
USEF 1-9
in 1st rnd |
USEF |
JULY 1-
JUN 30 |
30 Points |
| WIHS Pony Eq Classic |
17&U |
2'3" S
2'6" M
3'0" L |
3 |
Optional |
USEF
WIHS Eq |
SEPT 1-
AUG 31 |
Point Accumulation
Top 25 |
| *Note: Compiled Oct 2008. We are not responsible for changed or outdated information. Please refer to rules and regulations as found on USEF websites for official information. |
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Point Requirements |
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JUNIOR MEDALS
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USEF MEDAL POINTS
| # of entries |
6-8 |
9-15 |
16-25 |
26-35 |
36+ |
| 1st |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
| 2nd |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
18 |
| 3rd |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
12 |
4th
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2
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3
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4 |
5 |
6 |
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USEF MEDAL GEOGRAPHIC POINT REQUIREMENTS
| POINTS |
GROUP |
| 16 |
GROUP 1
AL, ARK, CANADA, DC, HI, ID, KS, ME, MT, NV, NM, ND, PR, SD, UT, WV, WI, WY |
| 32 |
GROUP 2
AZ, CO, GA, IN, IA, KY, LA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NC, OK, OR, SC, TN, TX, VT, WA |
| 48 |
GROUP 3
CA, DE, IL, NH, OH, PA, VA |
| 64 |
GROUP 4
FL, MD |
| 80 |
GROUP 5
CT, MA, NJ, NY, RI |
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ASPCA MACLAY POINTS
| # of entries |
6-15 |
16-30 |
30+ |
| 1st |
10 |
20 |
30 |
| 2nd |
6 |
12 |
18 |
| 3rd |
4 |
8 |
12 |
| 4th |
2 |
4 |
6 |
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ASPCA MACLAY GEOGRAPHIC POINT REQUIREMENTS
| POINTS |
STATE |
| 60 pts |
CT, NJ, NY |
| 38 pts |
FL, MA, PA, RI |
| 25 pts |
AL, CA, DE, GA, IA, IL, MD, MN, NC, NE, ND, NV, OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, VA, WI |
| 13 pts |
ALL OTHER STATES, CANADA, PUERTO RICO |
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USEF TALENT SEARCH EAST POINTS
| 1st |
30 |
| 2nd |
15 |
| 3rd |
10 |
| 4th |
5 |
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USEF TALENT SEARCH EAST POINT REQUIREMENT
90 points in any zone (must include a minimum of one first place) within the qualifying period.
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USEF TALENT SEARCH WEST POINTS
| 1st |
30 |
| 2nd |
15 |
| 3rd |
10 |
| 4th |
5 |
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USEF TALENT SEARCH WEST POINT REQUIREMENT
30 points in any zone within the qualifying period
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WIHS EQ POINTS
| 1st |
10 |
x # of riders in class |
| 2nd |
6 |
x # of riders in class |
| 3rd |
4 |
x # of riders in class |
| 4th |
2 |
x # of riders in class |
| 5th |
1 |
x # of riders in class |
| 6th |
1/2 |
x # of riders in class |
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WIHS EQ CLASSIC POINT REQUIREMENT
The top 30 point-accumulating riders in the WIHS Equitation Standings will be invited to participate in the final.
*Only the overall results of a two-phase WIHS equitation qualifier will be tabulated for the standings. A multiplying factor of 2 will be applied to these classes only
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NORTH AMERICAN EQUITATION CHAMPIONSHIP
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Open Final. No points. Final is open to all eligible junior members of USEF who enter.
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CHILDREN'S MEDALS
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NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MEDAL POINTS
| 1st |
10 |
x # of riders in class |
| 2nd |
6 |
x # of riders in class |
| 3rd |
4 |
x # of riders in class |
| 4th |
2 |
x # of riders in class |
| 5th |
1 |
x # of riders in class |
| 6th |
1/2 |
x # of riders in class |
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NCM POINT REQUIREMENT
The rider accumulating the most points in each USEF Zone and Canada will each receive an invitation to the finals. Approximately thirty riders will be invited to compete; the high point rider in each zone, along with additional riders working from the top down on the National Standings list for the qualifying period. Any unfilled slots will be chosen by continuing down the National Standings list.
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AMATEUR MEDALS
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NATIONAL ADULT MEDAL
| 1st |
10 |
x # of riders in class |
| 2nd |
6 |
x # of riders in class |
| 3rd |
4 |
x # of riders in class |
| 4th |
2 |
x # of riders in class |
| 5th |
1 |
x # of riders in class |
| 6th |
1/2 |
x # of riders in class |
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NATIONAL ADULT MEDAL POINT REQUIREMENT
The rider accumulating the most points in each USEF Zone and Canada will each receive an invitation to the finals. Approximately thirty riders will be invited to compete; the high point rider in each zone, along with additional riders working from the top down on the National Standings list for the qualifying period. Any unfilled slots will be chosen by continuing down the National Standings list.
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NORTH AMERICAN AMATEUR EQ
No points required.
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NORTH AMERICAN AMATEUR EQ POINT REQUIREMENT
None. Final is open to all eligible amateur members of USEF who enter.
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USEF ADULT MEDAL
| 1st |
7 |
| 2nd |
5 |
| 3rd |
4 |
| 4th |
3 |
| 5th |
2 |
| 6th |
1 |
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USEF ADULT MEDAL POINT REQUIREMENT
No final held. Points will count toward the annual USEF National High Point Adult Equitation Rider Award
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PONY MEDALS
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USEF PONY MEDAL POINT REQUIREMENT
A rider who accumulates 30 pts. will receive a silver medal from the Federation and will qualify for the Finals
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WIHS PONY EQ POINTS
| 1st |
10 |
x # of riders in class |
| 2nd |
6 |
x # of riders in class |
| 3rd |
4 |
x # of riders in class |
| 4th |
2 |
x # of riders in class |
| 5th |
1 |
x # of riders in class |
| 6th |
1/2 |
x # of riders in class |
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WIHS PONY EQ CLASSIC POINT REQUIREMENT
The top 25 point-accumulating riders in the WIHS Equitation Standings will be invited to participate in the final.
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| *Note: Compiled Oct 2008. We are not responsible for changed or outdated information. Please refer to rules and regulations as found on USEF websites for official information. |
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USEF TESTS 1-19
| 1. Halt (4 to 6 seconds) and/or back |
| 2. Hand gallop |
| 3. Figure eight at trot, demonstrating change of diagonals. At left diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when left front leg is on the ground; at right diagonal, rider should be sitting the saddle when right front leg is on the ground; when circling clockwise at a trot, rider should be on left diagonal; when circling counterclockwise, rider should be on the right diagonal. |
4. Figure eight at canter on correct lead, demonstrating simple change of lead. This is a change whereby the horse is brought back into a walk or trot and restarted into a canter on the opposite lead. Figures to be commenced in center of two circles so that one change of lead is shown.
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5. Work collectively at a walk, trot or canter.
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6. Jump low obstacles at a trot as well as at a canter. The maximum height and spread for a trot jump is 3’ for horses, 2’ for ponies.
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7. Jump obstacles on figure eight course.
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8. Question(s) regarding basic horsemanship, tack and equipment and conformation.
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9. Ride without stirrups, riders must be allowed option to cross stirrups.
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10. Jump low obstacles at a walk as well as at a canter. The maximum height and spread for a walk jump is 2’.
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11. Dismount and mount. Individually.
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12. Turn on the forehand.
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13. Figure eight at canter on correct lead demonstrating flying change of lead.
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14. Execute serpentine at a trot and/or canter on correct lead demonstrating simple or flying changes of lead.
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15. Change leads on a line demonstrating a simple or flying change of lead.
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16. Change horses. (Note: this test is the equivalent of two tests.)
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17. Canter on counter lead. (Note: no more than twelve horses may counter canter at one time.)
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18. Turn on the haunches from the walk.
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19. Demonstration ride of approximately one minute. Rider must advise judge beforehand what ride he plans to demonstrate.
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- Tests may be performed either collectively or individually but no other tests may be used.
- Instructions must be publicly announced.
- NOTE: In Hunter Seat Medal classes, any exhibitor who does not participate in the testing is placed last of those competitors called back to test. Should more than one exhibitor fail to return for testing they will be placed at the judge’sdiscretion. (Note: Judges should refer to the Dressage division rules for the correct definitions).
- If exhibitors are called back collectively to test, they must remain in the ring until all exhibitors have completed the test.
- Equitation tests must not have exhibitors trotting orcantering through in gate or out gate.
- EQ114 A pre-described flat-work ride may be offered as part of a competition upon application and approval from the Hunter Seat Equitation Committee.
*Note: Compiled Oct 2008. We are not responsible for changed or outdated information. Please refer to rules and regulations as found on USEF websites for official information.
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MEDAL CLASSES - EXPANDED REFERENCE
United States Equestrian Federation
2009 USEF Rulebook
2009 Equitation Rulebook |
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Hunter Seat Equitation Classes
Listed are equitation classes offered nationwide for junior (17 & under), and amateur (18+) riders. |
Basic class information
Complete class rules, regulations, and descriptions can be found on official websites for each class. |
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JUNIOR MEDALS
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USEF Hunter Seat Medal (3’6” fences, ages 17&U)
Final Location: Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Harrisburgh, PA.
- Qualifying Process: Points
- Membership Required: USEF Website
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To be shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles at 3’6” which must include one combination including an oxer and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first obstacle. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. Tests 1-19. Any exhibitor who does not participate in the testing is placed last of those exhibitors called back to test. Should more than one exhibitor fail to return for testing they will be placed at the judge’s discretion. Only one rider per horse. To fill a class six competitors must complete the course (five in Zones 8, 11 and 12) |
ASPCA Maclay (3’6” fences, ages 17&U)
Final Location: The National Horse Show, hosted by the Syracuse Invitational Sport Horse Tournament, Syracuse, NY.
- Qualifying process: Points, to qualify for maclay regional final. The top placing riders at each of these regional competitions are invited to the actual final in New York.
- ASPCA Maclay Website
- Membership Required: USEF, ASPCA
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All contestants are required to perform over at least eight fences at 3’6” with or without wings. A minimum of twelve riders, if available, are required to show at a walk, trot and canter. To be judged on seat, hands, guidance and control of horse. The Under Saddle performance of those riders selected to show under saddle shall count 50%. Only one rider per horse. USEF Tests 1-19. To fill a class six (6) competitors must complete the course (five in Alaska and Hawaii)... Classes held after August 31 will count toward the next year’s finals. Any rider who will not be eligible to compete in the next year as a junior should not compete in qualifying classes after August 31. |
USEF Talent Search (3’9” fences, ages 21&U)
Final Location East Coast: United States Equestrian Team Headquarters, Gladstone, NJ.
Final Location West Coast: Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Burbank, CA.
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Competitors must use the same horse in both phases. Competitors may ride stallions. The jumping phase of the class shall be over a course of at least ten fences from 3’6” to 3’9” in height with spreads to five feet. Each course must contain no fewer than three fences set at 3’9” in height. The course must include a double and a triple combination, or 3 doubles. Additional spread fences are required elsewhere on the course and an obstacle with water is recommended (required in Zones 7-12 and obligatory in the Finals). ...To be judged on style and execution. Time and jumping faults should be taken into consideration in the judge’s evaluation of the rider.
In the flat phase, not more than 30 riders at one time will show as a group at the working walk, the working trot sitting, the working trot rising, as well as showing a lengthening of stride; the working canter, and the working canter showing a lengthening of stride. All riders being considered for an award shall be required to show the working canter on the counter lead for at least one full revolution of the arena in both directions, but not more than 12 shall counter canter at one time. Judges may require any additional tests. To be judged on rider’s position and seat and the correctness and effect of the aids.
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I. Hunter Phase - To be shown over a minimum of 8 jumps at 3'6". It is recommended that the course be a straightforward hunter course consisting of natural jumps, including a combination, hunter lines, and a long approach to a single jump. A numerical score will be given for the first round only. Further testing will be optional; USEF tests 1-19.
II. Jumper Phase The course should be of the type used in a Junior or Preliminary Jumper competition. To be shown over a minimum of 10 jumps at Level 3. A minimum of two double or one triple combination are required. There must be at least two changes of direction after the first fence. In addition, at least two of the following are required and more are recommended: vertical - no ground lines, liverpool, narrow jump - minimum width 8', one or more of the following - triple bar, swedish oxer, fan jump. A Time Allowed will be used based on a speed of 360 yards per minute. The judge will give a numerical score for each competitor's round. The announcer will announce the judge's numerical score and then deduct time faults as follows: one point for each commenced second over the Time Allowed. Management may elect to hold the Jumper Phase as a Table II, 1.2c (Power & Speed) competition, in which case the Time Allowed will apply only in the “speed” phase and must be computed at 382 yards per minute. Further testing will be optional; USEF tests 1-19. |
North American Equitation Championship (3’6” fences, ages 17&U)
Final Location: Capital Challenge Horse Show, Upper Marlboro, MD.
- Qualifying process: none, final is open to all who enter.
- Membership Required: USEF
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Open to junior riders. To be shown over a course of at least 10 fences at 3’6”, including two combinations. The class will be scored under the open numerical system by a panel of five judges with the scores averaged. A tie breaking judge will be designated prior to the class. The top twenty will return for a second round over a shortened course. The score from the first and second round will be totaled to determine the top four riders overall. Final round: Additional testing of the top four riders may be required. Scores from the final round will be added to the total from rounds one and two, each phase counting equally. Scores from the additional testing will be announced during the awards presentation only. |
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CHILDREN'S MEDALS
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National Children’s Medal (3’0” fences, ages 17&U)
Finals Location: Capital Challenge Horse Show, Upper Marlboro, MD.
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Open to all Junior members of the USEF and CEF who have never competed in a National Equitation Final with fences at 3'6" (i.e.; Pessoa/USEF Medal; ASPCA Maclay; USET; CET or CEF Finals; WIHS Capital Cup). To be shown over a minimum of eight fences 2'9" to 3' in height, spread not to exceed fence height. The course may be either a Jumper or Hunter type course and must include at least two changes of direction and a combination. Water obstacles (i.e.; water jump, liverpool) are not permitted. The top four riders are required to perform at least two individual tests from USEF Tests 1-19. An Open Numerical Scoring System must be used in the first round, with each rider's score announced at the completion of their round. There is no minimum requirement to fill the class. |
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AMATEUR MEDALS
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National Adult Medal (3’0” fences, ages 18+)
Finals Location: Capital Challenge Horse Show, Upper Marlboro, MD.
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To be shown over a minimum of eight fences not to exceed 3' in height, spread not to exceed fence height. The course may be either a Jumper or Hunter type course and must include at least two changes of direction and a combination. Water obstacles (i.e.; water jump, liverpool) are not permitted. The top four riders are required to perform at least two individual tests from USEF Tests 1-19. An Open Numerical Scoring System must be used in the first round, with each rider's score announced at the completion of their round. There is no minimum requirement to fill the class. |
North American Amateur Equitation Championship (3’3” fences, ages 18+)
Finals Location: Finals Location: Capital Challenge Horse Show, Upper Marlboro, MD.
- Qualifying process: none, final is open to all who enter.
- Membership Required: USEF
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Open to amateur riders. To be shown over a course of at least 10 fences 3’ to 3’3”, including two combinations. The class will be scored under the open numerical scoring system by a panel of five judges with the scores averaged. A tie breaking judge will be designated prior to the class. The top twenty riders will return for a second round over a shortened course. The score from the first and second round will be totaled to determine the top four riders overall. Final round: Additional testing of the top four riders may be required. Scores from the final round will be added to the total from rounds on and teo, each phase counting equally. Scores from the additional testing will be announced during the awards presentation only. |
USEF Adult Equitation (3’3” fences, ages 18+)
Finals Location: none
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USEF ADULT EQUITATION CLASS. Open to Amateur Senior Members of the Federation. Only one rider per horse. To be shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles at 3’3”. The course must include one combination which includes an oxer and two changes of direction after the first obstacle. Two or more tests of the top four competitors are required. Tests 1-19. To fill a class six competitors must complete the course (five in Zones 8, 11 and 12).
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PONY MEDALS
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USEF Pony Medal (2’3”-3’0” fences, ages 17&U)
Finals Location: USEF National Pony Finals, Lexington, KY.
- Qualifying process: Points.
- Membership Required: USEF
- Website
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USEF PONYMEDALCLASS. Open to Junior Active Members of the Federation who have not yet reached their 18th birthday, on ponies 14.2 hands and under. No Junior over 12 years of age may compete on a small pony. No Junior over 14 years of age may compete on a medium pony. Application for membership can be made directly to the Federation, or the exhibitor can join prior to the class through the Federation steward. Riders entered in this class cannot cross enter into a USEF Medal Class at the same competition. Suitability of a pony to rider will be emphasized.
To be shown over a course of not less than six obstacles 2’3” for ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands; 2’6” for ponies over 12.2 hands and not exceeding 13.2 hands; and 3’ for ponies over 13.2 hands. If an in and out is used, the suggested distance for small ponies is 20’; for medium ponies 22’; and for large ponies 24’. The distance must be altered for each height division. Two tests (1-9) are required during the first round. Only one rider per pony. To fill a class six competitors must complete the course (five in Zones 8, 11, and 12).
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Washington International Horse Show Pony Equitation Classic
Final Location: Washington International Horse Show, Landover, MD.
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To be shown over a course of not less than 6 obstacles. Fence heights: 2’3” for ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands; 2’6” for ponies over 12.2 hands and not exceeding 13.2 hands; and 3’ for ponies over 13.2 hands and not exceeding 14.2 hands. If an in and out is used, the suggested distance for small ponies is 20’, for medium ponies is 22’, and for large ponies is 24’. The distance must be altered for each height division. A maximum of 20 riders may be asked to return to show at the walk, trot and canter and to perform any additional tests at the judges’ discretion. Conventional tack per USEF rules, Article 2209.2. |
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| *Note: Compiled Mar 2009. We are not responsible for changed or outdated information. Please refer to rules and regulations as found on USEF websites for official information. |
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