In addition to the discipline-specific opportunities listed below, USPC also offers opportunities and contests that are open to those interested in any discipline. Learn more!

USEF Pony Jumper Finals

USEF Pony Jumper Championships takes place each summer at the Kentucky Horse Park in conjunction with the United States Pony Finals.  The competition is run by USEF and includes a Team Championship and an Individual Championships.  Each Zone within USEF is represented and USEF has graciously allowed USPC to send a team each year.  The dates of this year's competition and other information about the competition and qualification process can be found on the USEF website, and here.  

USPC's team will include the top three or four pony/rider combinations. To declare your intent to represent USPC, members must submit a declaration form by March 10.  Riders must be current members in good standing with USPC, have a minimum D-3 certification, and declare their intent to compete for USPC by March 10. Riders must also be members of USEF and ponies must be recorded with USEF at the time of declaring their intent to compete for Pony Club. 

USPC Declaration: To declare your intent to qualify for the USPC team, please complete the declaration form. Submit the form to the Activities Director at the USPC National Office by March 10. A reminder that USPC declared riders will no longer be eligible to compete for their home Zone for that year's Pony Jumper Championship qualifying period.

Team Selection Notification: The USPC Committee will notify in writing the top four pony/riders and alternates by June 15. If for any reason a pony/rider combination is not able to compete the next available pony/rider combination will be invited to compete. If USPC is not able to field a team after inviting the specified pony/rider combinations from the qualifying shows than the top two individuals will represent USPC. Once chosen to be a member of the team, or as an alternate, competitors are required to notify the USPC Activities Director of any change in the status of the pony or rider that may prohibit them from competing in the Pony Jumper Championship.

Financial Terms: Riders are responsible for their own expenses for travel, entry fees, stabling, etc. to the Pony Jumper Championship. However, in the past years, sponsorships and team fundraising have covered some of the team expenses. All team members are encouraged to raise money for this opportunity. For fundraising guidelines, contact Marian Wahlgren at the USPC National Office. 859-254-7669.

Required Documents: Once a team is selected each pony/rider must fill out a USEF entry blank and are then subject to the rules of the Pony Jumper Championship and USPC.

How to contact USPC:

United States Pony Clubs, Inc.; Attn: Pony Jumper Committee
4041 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511

Phone: 859-254-7669  •  Email:  Activities Director

USEF Questions?:  Contact Jennifer Haydon, USEF Director of Show Jumping, National Programs (859) 225-6911

USHJA Emerging Athlete Program

USHJA and the Emerging Athletes Task Force would like to invite riders to participate in the Emerging Athletes Program (EAP). The EAP was created specifically to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community. The EAP Task Force is searching for dedicated and knowledgeable young riders who demonstrate the enthusiasm, work ethic, and aptitude necessary for success as horsemen, and to whom they can provide support and assistance in achieving their full potential.

USHJA applauds the importance that the USPC places on horsemanship and education, and the success its members have experienced as a result. The EAP provides additional opportunities for riders to benefit from the knowledge and experience of top hunter/jumper clinicians and stable managers during intensive four-day regional clinics. The program includes flat work, gymnastics, course work, and a comprehensive stable management curriculum. From the Regional Clinics, 16 riders will be selected to advance to the National Training Session and compete for the title of the EAP National Champion and a $3,000 grant for advanced training.

To be eligible for the Emerging Athletes Program, riders must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a current member of USHJA and in good standing.
• Must not have reached their 21st birthday before December 1 of the current competition year according to USEF rules.
• May not have competed in classes over 1.35m in height at the time of application.
• May not have competed in FEI Championships for jumping, such as Young Riders or Children’s International Jumping Competition.

Complete details and requirements of the application process, including the application deadlines and fees involved, are outlined on the USHJA website.

Several EAP alumni have gone on to great accomplishments in the hunter/jumper sport; e.g., being selected to participate in the USEF Young Rider Show Jumping Tour, winning International Grand Prix, National Medal Finals, college equestrian national championships, and participating in the NAJYRC.  USHJA and USPC share the common goal of developing educated, thoughtful, and compassionate people who apply those principles to every aspect of their lives. 

If you have any questions regarding the Emerging Athletes Program or the EAP application process, please contact Katie Patrick, (859) 225-6725.