The United States Hunter Jumper Association today, August 4, announced the cancellation of the 2020 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships and the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, scheduled for August 11-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, and the AON/USHJA National Championships scheduled for November 16-22 in Las Vegas.
Photo by Shawn McMillen.
“The health and safety of our members, staff, volunteers and their families is our priority, and the decision was made by our Board of Directors to cancel these USHJA Championships,” said Mary Babick, USHJA President. “We feel strongly that we must take the necessary steps to help minimize risk and exposure of the COVID-19 virus to ensure our sport can continue in the future. Canceling was a difficult decision, but the Board believes that it was the correct, safe and socially responsible choice.”
The announcement comes on the heels of the cancellation of the USHJA Pony Hunter Derby Championship-East on August 2 during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, as well as the cancellation of USEF Pony Finals, due to the presence of COVID-19 among several people at the Kentucky Horse Park during the week of July 27 – August 2.
The USHJA Board of Directors met Monday evening, August 3, and voted to cancel after considering national health recommendations and the recommendation to cancel the championships put forth by USHJA International Hunter Derby and Green Hunter Incentive Taskforce. The Board, after further discussion, also made the proactive decision to cancel the AON/USHJA National Championships scheduled for later in the year.
“We continue to encourage members to wear a mask, wash their hands, practice social distancing, keep your social bubble small and follow the USEF COVID Action Plan requirements and CDC guidelines,” continued Babick. “We are a strong, supportive and resilient community, and we hope by mitigating the spread and exposure to the virus our sport will return to a strong competition year in 2021.”