On February 14 and on February 20th equestrians will be either scoring points or cheering from the sidelines at two events showcased by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF).

For the fourth annual Bowling for Equestrians on the 14th competitors will rack up dollars. This event benefits the AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) and takes place at Greenacres Bowl (6126 Lake Worth Road, Greenacres, FL) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
One week later many of those tossing bowling balls down alleys will be negotiating lines of fences for the 14th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular at the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

Since its inception in 1997, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular has been a highlight event for hunter horses and riders. Champion and reserve champion riders, who are current members of the AHJF, qualify throughout the week (February 17-20) in the various hunter divisions to compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights. Approximately $50,000 (through 12th place) is awarded with $12,000 guaranteed to the winner. Since it is an add-back competition, the final prize money is not determined until that night.

The final chance to qualify happens the week before the Hunter Classic when riders, trainers, owners and enthusiasts watch to see who is emerging to the top of the divisions. Also during that week, professional riders who are AHJF members and new to the hunters can earn points towards its new Emerging Pro series. This year riders in California will also have a chance to qualify for the Hunter Classic during Thermal week II, which takes place February 2-7.

The final list won’t be decided until that day but a number of competitors are already qualified. These include Hunt Tosh of Cummings, GA, the 2009 WCHR Professional Champion; Kelley Farmer of Keswick, VA, who was last year's AHJF Hunter Classic winner (on Early Applause); Scott Stewart of Flemington, NJ, and Wellington, FL, the winner of the 2009 WCHR Pro Challenge; Stacey Arani of Dover, MA, 2009 WCHR Amateur-Owner Champion; and Laura King of Irvington, NY, 2009 WCHR Junior Champion.

Mr. & Mrs. S. Craig Lindner along with Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs will chair the activity happening in the International Club. Richard Jeffery will be the course designer. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at approximately 9:30 p.m. with the crowning of a new champion.

In addition to the prize money being distributed, the winner of the class will receive the “The Dark Continent” trophy, courtesy of Jim Green; a custom jacket specially designed by Personalized Products and a cooler; Custom jackets for the winning rider, owner, trainer and groom from Whipstick Farm, Ltd.; Equine Outfitter will sponsor garment bags for first through sixth place and boot bags for seventh through twelfth place. The grooms of the first- through fourth-place winners receive a check for $500, $300, $200, $100 (consecutively) sponsored by a Friend of the AHJF. The winning rider receives the “Let’s Dance Trophy” established by the AHJF in honor of Friend and Horseman Eugene R. Mische. “Strapless Challenge” is a trophy and award that would go to anyone winning the class four times.

The AHJF was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate, and support hunter rider equestrian competition. For more information contact the AHJF, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: (508) 835-8813, [email protected].