Produced by the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, Inc. (SJHOF), Jumper Classic Series classes are held at only the most prestigious shows that meet particular standards and class specifications set forth by the SJHOF. The series, which is held throughout the year, is composed of both Junior and Amateur-Owner Classics. Standings are kept for two conferences, the East and West, with points accrued throughout the year to determine the year-end champion for each conference. The year-end champions are calculated before the National Horse Show, and a presentation is held at the show to honor the East and West coast champions.
The SHJOF Championship Finals at the National Horse Show invites the top riders from the Eastern and Western standings to compete together and face-off for the Championship Finals' victory.
The Show Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum, a non-profit organization, opened in 1989 and was created to help promote the sport of show jumping and to "immortalize the legends of the men, women and horses who have made great contributions to the sport." The organization took over an elite amateur-owner series that was held in the '80s called the "Insilco Series" and named it the SJHOF Jumper Classic Series.
The SJHOF Jumper Classic Series soon joined the National Horse Show, and classes were held at Madison Square Garden and later at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. After the National Horse Show relocated to Wellington, the series created the Eastern and Western standings.
In 2006, Cara Cheska took home the SJHOF Amateur-Owner Series win for the Eastern Conference with her mare My Fair Lady. She sits at the top of the rankings this year as well, this time with Game Twist.
"I think the Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series is a really nice program," commented Cheska. "There are always big banners at the shows with updated standings. You can't walk by the show ring without seeing who is ranked. It's a big deal because everyone knows about it; it's at all of the in-gates. The series gets a lot of publicity, and they really make an effort to make it a valuable class. It's a really nice honor to win it," she smiled. "And, they give you a nice Tiffany bowl and a big ribbon."
At the 124th National Horse Show, the $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Series Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper National Finals will be held on Sunday, December 9, in the Internationale Arena. Starting at 8 a.m., the very best amateur-owner riders will compete for championship honors, with the junior classic following. Additionally, the overall Eastern Conference Junior and Amateur-Owner winners will be awarded their respective SJHOF Series Trophies.
To learn more about the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, please visit their website at