Traverse City, Mich. – Jan. 13, 2020 – The Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF), presented by CaptiveOne Advisors, LLC, is pleased to announce the addition of the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Zone Jumper Team Championships for Zones 5 and 6, as well as the USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships, to its 2020 summer competition schedule. Both events will be held during Week V of GLEF, which will take place July 29 to Aug. 2, 2020, and will celebrate the skills of child, adult, junior, amateur and professional athletes both individually and in teams in a series of divisions.
The GLEF management team will work closely with the USHJA to provide the best possible experience for exhibitors, which will be facilitated by GLEF’s already updated show grounds at Flintfields Horse Park, complete with new footing, renovated seating and hospitality areas and ample riding space. Already a host of international and national competitions, the horse show is well-equipped to host the Championships, which will attract qualified athletes and their horses from a series of surrounding states. Zone 5 represents Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio, while Zone 6 is comprised of members from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In total, the combined zones represent more than 4,500 individuals.
“2020 is looking to be the biggest year yet for GLEF thanks to exciting championships like these joining our venue. We are grateful to the USHJA for partnering with us and can’t wait to watch these events unfold,” commented Matt Morrissey, GLEF show organizer. “As a Midwest horse show, we want to pay it forward to many of the exhibitors from nearby states that have contributed to our success and growth over the years, and we are honored to be able to host their Zone Jumper Team Championships, as well as the Platinum Jumper Championships, to give back to them in the best way we know how.”
The USHJA Zone Jumper Team Championships provide riders with a competitive team experience and an opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year points in the Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper (1.10/1.15m), 1.20/1.25m Junior and Amateur Jumper and 1.30/1.35m Junior and Amateur sections. The Championships will consist of both team and individual competition, pitting eligible horse-and-rider pairs against each other after qualifying in their respective division at USEF-licensed competitions. Additionally, competitors in the Championships are considered USHJA Emerging Jumper Riders for the year during which they participate, offering them the opportunity to earn the title of USHJA Gold Star Emerging Jumper Rider and a coveted spot at a USHJA Gold Star Clinic.
“These championships give opportunities for our young jumper riders to take advantage of a pathway for them to continue their education and riding. It is a wonderful way to help them move up the ranks, and we are pleased to see so many riders making this event a goal,” commented Chris Mitchell, Manager of Jumper Programs at the USHJA. “With the USHJA Gold Star clinics attached to the Zone Championships, it is an additional great educational opportunity that we didn’t have in the past. I am looking forward to a wonderful event at GLEF. I have not been before and am excited to finally see it!”
Also part of the USHJA Emerging Jumper Program, the USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships are open to Professionals, Juniors or Amateurs, offering team and individual competition and an opportunity to qualify for a USHJA Platinum Masters Training Session with top national and international industry experts. The competition is designed for qualified athletes competing successfully in the 1.40/1.45m Jumpers, and combinations earn a position on a team of four riders. The Championships offer three days of team and individual competition and use a cumulative scoring format, with the first round and individual final held as overlay classes with special 1.40/1.45m open classes and grand prix classes held at the American Standard. The team competition classes are held as standalone classes.
One of the staple summer shows in the Midwest, GLEF attracts national and international competitors from multiple continents to participate in its summer circuit. A popular summer destination for both equestrians and non-equestrians alike, Traverse City offers plenty of dining and shopping options while the surrounding area is prime for outdoor activities to take advantage of the perfect mild climate. Due to high demand, lodging in and around Traverse City will fill up quickly, so make sure to reserve your accommodations as soon as possible.
For more information, please visit traversecityhorseshows.com.
