The nomination period for the USHJA Zone Committee member elections is open in each of the 12 USHJA Zones until March 1.

Senior Active or Senior Associate members in good standing are eligible to participate in the nomination and election process for USHJA Zone Committee members in their zone.

To nominate someone, click here.

Amanda Steege piloted Lafitte de Muze to the pair’s first $50,000 World Championship Hunter Rider Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular victory on Saturday, February 20, at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival.

Steege and the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding, owned by Cheryl Olsten, jumped to a first-round average score of 88.91, coming back in the third spot, and they sealed the deal with an average score of 88.83 in round two for a 177.74 total.

Second place with a two-round total of 177.66 went to Liza Towell Boyd and Walk-Off, owned by Gigi Manigault. Boyd came into round two in 10th place on a first round score of 86.66, but her high score of 91 in the second round shot her into the lead, to be beaten by only Steege later in the class. Following Boyd in third was Geoffrey Hesslink and Bond, owned by Shadowfax Equestrian, LLC, on a total score of 176.49, putting the top three finishers all within just two points of one another. Read more.

New in 2021, the USHJA Hunter Team Challenge offers a unique team experience for riders competing in the 2’-2’6” Children’s Pony Hunters, 2’6” Low Child/Adult Hunters and 3’ Children’s/Adult Amateur Hunter divisions.

Riders also have an opportunity to earn bonus Zone Horse of the Year Points in their respective divisions.

There are three challenges in 2021 including:

Hunter Team Challenge - Central

Showplace Summertime III

Lamplight Equestrian Center

Wayne, Ill.

Click here to view the other dates and locations.

The U.S. Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce that applications are open for zone grants and scholarships including Emerging Athletes Program Grants to assist members with attending an EAP Regional Training Session.

Congratulations to our 2020 Horse of the Year and Stirrup Cup Champions!

This year's HOTY Roster, which lists members who earned ribbons through the year-end awards program, is available digitally here.

To learn more about HOTY and to view standings, click here.

Congratulations to 2020 Stirrup Cup Champions!

Ribbons and awards are currently being mailed to recipients for both HOTY and Stirrup Cup.

Registration is open for the 2021 USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge and USHJA Adult HQC.

With the aim of encouraging education and recognizing equestrians who have exceptional horsemanship knowledge, both HQC and Adult HQC allow equestrians of all ages to put their horsemanship expertise to the test.

Applications for the 2021 USHJA Emerging Athletes Program will close April 1. Click here to read more and see all sessions.

Sessions in Zone 4 include:

We heard from Jamie Bice to learn more about Jaid Stables, a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy in Canton, Georgia.

Jaid Stables works very hard offer accessible participation in equestrian sport to riders of all ages and levels. Starting from the littlest of littles to our adult amateurs, we seek to instill correct basics and outstanding horsemanship in all riders. In addition to a competitive show program open to all riders, we also cater to riders with special needs and have qualified trainers to suit those needs.

Becoming a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy validates our efforts to create and operate a quality program promoting safety, good horsemanship, correct riding, and a positive learning environment.

It's so hard to choose just one star, because all the lesson horses are so amazing! But leading by the snip on his nose is Super Mario. "Mario" is sweet, friendly, and kind... and adorable, too! He's perfect for riders just starting out, those needing a confidence boost, and those returning to riding after a hiatus. This awesome guy also never leaves a show without a BLUE ribbon.

Do you have questions about horse health, tack and equipment or nutrition?

Let experts in the sport answer your questions!

Submit questions here for a chance to have your question answered by an expert and featured in a future zone news update.

Parlanti International is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Parlanti Ocala storefront at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala. The new and exciting brick-and-mortar shopping experience is now open and conveniently located just steps away from Arena 3 on the show grounds.

As the second storefront for Parlanti International, Parlanti Ocala has one of the largest selections of boots and accessories in The United States. Ensure the best fit for your boots by shopping in person to get measured for custom boots, find your perfect ready-to-wear size and style, or drop off your boots for repair! Open year-round, stop in the first shop by Arena 3 to browse the newest Parlanti boots and accessories.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming USHJA Webinars:

March 1, 7 p.m. ET

The start of a new webinar series that gives an overview of jobs that are in the equestrian community, Katie Benson will lead the discussion about the opportunities at horse shows.

April 26, 7 p.m. ET

Returning speaker Holly Frenzel, from the Equine Business Basic webinar, comes back to explain how to make QuickBooks work for your equine business.

USHJA supports local competitive and educational opportunities for hunter/jumper equestrians through its zone structure and Affiliate organization members.

Learn more about your Zone 4 Affiliates:

Learn more about National Affiliates:

With the 2021 competition year well underway, don't forget to check your standings for Zone Horse of the Year! Click here to check standings. Please direct any questions or inquiries to USEF, attention Sport Data Department customercare@usef.org.

Special thanks to these members who serve our zone! For more information about the committee and contact information, click here.