Blenheim EquiSports Young Hunter Series

PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS

The Blenheim EquiSports Young Hunter Series is open to all USEF-recorded horses that are eligible to compete as a Young Hunter under the most current USEF Federation rules. 

The Series, which commences April 3, 2024, and ends on September 19, 2024, offers Young Hunters the opportunity to earn experience and compete for USEF/USHJA HOTY points by competing in all Young Hunter over fence & under saddle classes for free; plus the chance to earn additional points and prize money by competing in select $1000 Young Hunter Classics which will be offered by age (5&U, 6&U, 7&U).  At the end of the season, a $10,000 Young Hunter Finals will be offered which is open to all Young Hunters.

Blenheim Young Hunter Classic Specifications (5&U Classic, 6&U Classic, 7&U Classic):

• $1,000 PRIZE MONEY, Entry Fee: $100 – offered during USEF Premier Hunter shows, Blenheim Spring Classic 2, Blenheim June Classic 1 and Blenheim Summer Festival;
• Three (3) entries required for the classic to be held, however six (6) or more horses are required to compete for USEF HOTY points to be awarded;
• Open to all age group sections (5 & U – 2’9”; 6 & U – 3’; 7 & U – 3’3”);
• Format: Two Round Hunter Classic using a designated class within each Young Hunter division as the First Round of the Classic; Round Two to include the Top 12, based on scores received in Round One, returning to compete over a second round classic hunter course at their respective height as shown in Round One;
• Horses may be ridden by a professional, junior or amateur;
• There is no limit to the number of horses a rider may compete;

Blenheim EquiSports (BES) Young Hunter Final Specifications:

The 2024 Blenheim EquiSports Young Hunter Finals will offer $10,000 in prize money and will be held during Blenheim International Jumping Festival, September 18-22, 2024.

Eligibility: 

1. All 5, 6, & 7 yr old horses who are Age Verified with the USEF
2. There is no restriction on the number of horses any one rider may compete and horses may be ridden by a professional, junior, or amateur rider
3. Six entries are required to be entered and have competed for the Finals to be held and to count towards USEF HOTY AWARDS.

Order of Go: Random – Computer Drawn; Seven Years old and Under to compete first in Round One, followed by the Six Year Olds, and then Five Years Old; Five Years Old to compete first in Round Two, followed by the Six Year Olds and then the Seven Year Olds.

Format:  Two-Round Hunter Classic format; to be scored by a minimum of one USEF “R” rated judge using the open numerical judging system. To be shown over a classic type course set at 2’9”, 3’ & 3’3” in height.  The top 12 horses will return to jump a second round in reverse order of their scores from Round One—see Order of Go for additional format; Scores will be averaged from both rounds to determine the overall placing.  In case of a tie the second-round score will break the tie. 

Attire/Awards:  Formal Attire.  Prize Money distribution:  30%, 22%, 13%, 8%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 3%, 2%, 2%, 2%; Additional Awards may be presented. The Finals will not count towards a Show or USEF Championship; however, horses will receive points – using the USEF “Hunter Classic” point structure towards USEF HOTY awards.

Entry Fee:  $350