The Essex Classics/United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Hunterdon Equitation Cup Classic will be held July 28 in Saugerties, NY, in conjunction with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) East Coast Junior Hunter Finals. In its fifth year, the prestigious class combines the precision of equitation and the handiness of hunters to test the horsemanship skills of some of the most talented young riders in the country.

The class consists of three rounds with the highest scores going to those who demonstrate style and smoothness. Riders will first be asked to ride a classic hunter course with fence heights set at 3’6. The top 10 riders will then be invited to compete in a second handy round. From there, the top four riders will be called back for a third and final work-off where they will be asked to switch horses and ride all or part of the previous courses.

The Hunterdon Equitation Cup Classic is open to any active USHJA junior member who has won a USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay, USEF Show Jumping Talent Search or WIHS Classic class through July 1, 2009. Past winners of the class include: Lexy Reed, Addison Phillips, Maggie McAlary and Katherine Newman. Once a rider has won the class, they will not be invited to compete in it again.

Information about the Essex Classics/USHJA Hunter Equitation Cup Classic can be found at www.ushja.org/awards/hunterdon.shtml. Questions concerning the class may be directed to Kristyn Kay, USHJA’s Awards and Task Force Senior Coordinator, at [email protected].