USHJA Introduces New National Championships for Hunter and Jumper Riders in 2018

The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the 2018 Aon/USHJA National Championships will be held Nov. 13-18, 2018, at The Las Vegas National, CSI4*-W in Las Vegas, Nev.

“We are thrilled to bring our members a top-notch end-of-year national championship event that celebrates everything they’ve worked for all year,” said Mary Babick, president of the USHJA. “We envision the Aon/USHJA National Championships will move venues throughout the country over the years providing access to members nationwide. Las Vegas is an incredible first stop, and Blenheim EquiSports is a fantastic host for the inaugural event.”
The Aon/USHJA National Championships will feature National Hunter Championships for Amateur Owner Hunters, Junior Hunters, Pony Hunters, Green Hunters, Adult Amateur Hunters and Children’s Hunters. They will also include the USEF/USHJA National Jumper Championships with eight sections of Jumper competition from 1.10m to 1.40m for Junior, Amateur and Open Jumper competitors.

The Championships will feature the first of its kind USHJA Affiliate Championships at fence heights of 2′ and 2’6″, and the Championships will offer the USHJA National Equitation Championships for riders 14 and under and those 15-17. Riders will compete for national titles and have an opportunity to earn Horse of the Year points in their sections.

“USEF is pleased that the USHJA has stepped up to host these USEF/USHJA National Jumper Championships,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney.  “This partnership demonstrates the combined commitment of USEF and USHJA to human and equine athlete development and the necessity to recognize the achievements of our professional, amateur and junior riders. I am confident that the organizer of The Las Vegas National Horse Show and the USHJA will make this inaugural championship a resounding success.”

The Championships will take place during The Las Vegas National, CSI4*-W, which is held at the South Point Hotel, Casino, & Spa’s unique Arena & Equestrian Center. The Center offers an exceptional experience where riders and horses stay under one roof and exhibitors can also enjoy the spa, tables and slots, 64 bowling lanes, and nine dining establishments offered at the venue.

“The focus of this event is two-fold: first, we want to create an event that is the pinnacle of our members’ show season, and second, we want to make it a really great celebration of our sport,” continued Babick. “Our VIP area will be open to all competitors; we have activities planned throughout the event; and most of all the venue is just really special as our members are competing for a national title adjacent to the world’s best Show Jumping competitors.”

Members interested in qualifying must submit entries for the Championships by Sept. 14 with a non-refundable $50 application fee which will be credited to the entry fee should the applicant qualify. Points earned from competitions with a start date from Dec. 1, 2017, to Sept. 14, 2018, will count toward qualifying. Specific qualifying procedures for each section are available on the website at www.ushja.org/NationalChampionships. USHJA Affiliates are invited to send their best 2′ and 2’6 horse and rider combinations to compete in the Affiliate Championships.

“We are honored to host the first annual Aon/USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas,” said Melissa Brandes, VP of Marketing for Blenheim EquiSports. “Our history of working with the South Point spans more than a decade and each year we find ways to add compelling reasons for competitors to come experience this unique venue and facility. We look forward to welcoming all the invited horses and riders, as well as their trainers, owners and families to The 2018 Las Vegas National.”

The Championships will also include free VIP access for all competitors and their families, fun activities throughout the week, and an experience to remember. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this exciting opportunity. Contact Whitney Allen at wallen@ushja.org for more information about sponsorship.

USHJA extends sincere thanks to Blenheim EquiSports for hosting the 2018 Aon/USHJA National Championships during The Las Vegas National, CSI4*-W, as well as the many USHJA volunteers who are making this Championship possible. USHJA is currently accepting host applications for the 2019 and 2020 USHJA National Championships.

As the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services, Aon is the title sponsor for the USHJA National Championships for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

“Aon Private Risk Management is one of the world’s most respected insurance names, and we are delighted to have them as the title sponsor of the inaugural USHJA National Championships. Their involvement elevates the entire event, and with a three year commitment, their support allows the committee planning the event to concentrate on the production of this exciting new championship event for our members,” said Babick. “With Joe Norick leading their involvement, we are confident that their sponsorship will not only bring value to the Aon brand but also to our members.”

For more information about the Championships and how to qualify, visit www.ushja.org/NationalChampionships.