The Hunter Development Incentive Fund (HDIF) was created by the United States Hunter Jumper Association's (USHJA) Breeders Committee to recognize and reward breeders and owners of American-bred hunters. The program is currently open for nominations and is offering special limited-time discounts for stallion and horse owners.

The HDIF will work from a points-based system to award financial bonuses to those who breed and show American-born hunters. Each point earned at a USHJA-approved event by a HDIF-nominated horse will be worth money.

Enrolled horses will also be able to earn prize money at HDIF special-member events. Only the top five HDIF Special Member Event individual class points will count towards ribbons, points or any year-end payout and awards. HDIF-nominated horses will not be eligible to compete in more than 10 HDIF Special Member Events.

USHJA members have three opportunities to participate in the HDIF program: as stallion owners, the nominators of foals or the owners of competing horses. Owners of nominated stallions will earn 10% of a foal’s HDIF lifetime monies. The annual fee paid by stallion owners will be based on the number of mares listed on the previous season’s breeding report. To nominate your stallion today please visit the HDIF website at www.ushja.org/content/programs/hdifstallion.aspx. Foal/horse nominators will earn 10% of the nominated foal or horse’s lifetime HDIF monies. To nominate your foal/horse please visit www.ushja.org/content/programs/hdifhorse.aspx. In order to be eligible, the horse must be included on the stallion’s breeding report. Competing horse owners will earn 80% of the horse’s lifetime HDIF monies.

Applications Open to Host a USHJA Hunter Development Incentive Fund Event
USHJA is looking for managers to host 50 events for the 2010 competition year. To apply to host a show, please visit the HDIF website and download an application at www.ushja.org/content/programs/hdifmanager.aspx. Completed applications must be received by the USHJA office by November 18, 2009. On January 15, 2010 all applicants will be notified of the approved calendar of the inaugural Member Event Series.

Please visit the USHJA HDIF website at www.ushja.org/content/programs/hdif.aspx for complete specifications, stallion/horse nomination forms and show manager applications. Questions concerning the program may be directed to Sterling Berry at [email protected].