RULE BOOK

2022 - 2023 AHJA RULE BOOK

Published by

ARIZONA HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION, INC

THIS BOOK SUPERSEDES ALL PREVIOUS EDITIONS

THE RULES PUBLISHED HERIN ARE EFFECTIVE ON 
DECEMBER 1, 2022 AND REMAIN IN EFFECT EXCEPT AS 
PUBLISHED ON THE AHJA WEBSITE, OR BY SUBSEQUENT EDITIONS
OF THE AHJA RULE BOOK OR BY EXTRAORDINARY RULE CHANGES.
 
 

1.1 Membership Year

The AHJA membership and pointing year shall be from December 1 through November 30. Membership shall be due and payable on December 1 each year for the following year.  Membership is open to all interested parties except those Parties who are suspended by the National Federation (United States Equestrian Federation).

1.2 Memberships

An Individual Category 1 Membership is $50.00 annually. An Individual Category 2 Membership is $25.00 annually.  An individual may upgrade from a Category 2 Membership to a Category 1 Membershp within the same year by paying the difference in membership price of $25.00. An individual may be a Junior, Senior or Professional member. The type of member must be declared on the Membership Application.  In order to join as a Junior Member, date of birth must be listed. In order to join as an Amateur Member, the amateur declaration must be signed.  Professional Memberships are available at only the Category 1 level. There are no Barn, Family or Life memberships.

1.3a Category 1 Membershp

  1. Accrue points in AHJA Category 1 or 2 AHJA Medal Classes
  2. Compete for Category 1 and Category 2 Year End Awards
  3. Serve as a Member of the Board of Directors
  4. Eligible for consideration for Affiliate classes at the USHJA National Championship
  5. Eligible to apply for AHJA Scholarship

1.3b Category 2 Membership

  1. Accrue points in AHJA Category 2 AHJA Medal Classes
  2. Compete for Category 2 Year End Awards
  3. Serve as a Member of the Board of Directors
  4. Eligible for consideration for Affiliate classes at the USHJA National Championship
  5. Eligible to apply for AHJA Scholarship 

1.3c Professional Membershp

  1. Eligible for consideration for Affiliate classes at the USHJA National Championship
  2. Compete for Category 1 and Category 2 Year End Awards
  3. Serve as a Member of the Board of Directors
  4. Listing in the AHJA Trainer's Directory on www.AHJA.org
  5. Nomination for the Shelby Shank Trainer's Award
  6. Receive a 50% discount on AHJA Horse Recordings
  7. Riders of member trainers may compete in AHJA Medal Finals

1.4a Membership Applications

Application for membership will not be considered unless completely filled out and accompanied by payment in full. All memberships must be completed on-line at www.AHJA.org. Incomplete applications or applications submitted without appropriate fees will not be processed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check the AHJA Website to make sure that their membership is activated. Horses must be recorded for Category 1 points to count. An Annual Horse Recording fee is $20. Lifetime Horse Recording fee is $50.  Horses may be added through out the year. Horses must be added on line.

1.4b Joining at the Show or After the Show

  1. If an exhibitor wishes to join AHJA or record a horse at a show, they must submit a completed application by joining on the AHJA website.  The points for the show ewill be counted towards Year End Awards and Medal Finals Qualification.  There will be no paper memberships available.
  2. If an exhibitor decides to join AHJA after the conclusion of the show, they must join with 10 working days of the conclusion of the show for points to be retroactively counted.

1.5a Category 1

  1. For points to count in hunter and jumper divisions, each horse must be Recorded with AHJA.
  2. At least 1 owner must be an AHJA member and that owner must appear on the official entry blank.
  3. An official lease filed with either AHJA or USEF shall be construed as legal ownership except in the case of Amateur Owners.
  4. The horse must be exhibited under the same name and ownership that appears on the recording form.
  5. Horse recordings are $20 for an Annual and $50 Lifetime Recording.
  6. Horses need not be recorded in order for Medal or Equitation points to Count. Only the rider must be a member.

1.5b Category 2

Horses need not be recorded but riders must be an AHJA member.

1.6 Change of Horse Name, Ownership, Owner, Member Name or Other Information

1.6a Changes of a Horse Name must be reported to AHJA within 10 working days of the conclusion of the show. Name changes must be on the appropriate form. There is a $10 for changing the name of a recorded horse.  This fee must accompany the name change application.

1.6b A transfer of ownership must be recorded with AHJA. If both the previous owner and the new owner are current AHJA members, all points will transfer to the new owner of record. If the new owner is not a a member of AHJA, all accruied points shall remain in the name of the previous owner.  There is a $10 fee for an owner change.

1.6c The change of name of a member must be recorded with AHJA within 10 working days of the close of a horse show. There is no charge for a member name change.

2.1a General

  1. The pointing of all AHJA shows is from December 1 through November 30. Shows that begin on or before November 30 will count for the current year regardless of the end date of the show.
  2. All Category 1 shows must be USEF approved and rated Premier (AA), National (A), Regional I (B) or Regional II (C) or Local.
  3. All Category 2 Shows are unrated by USEF.
  4. All AHJA shows must be located in Arizona.
  5. Category 1: No shows on the same date will be approved that are within 125 driving miles of each other.
  6. No Category 2 shows on the same date will be approved that are within 75 diving miles of each other.
  7. Shows may not be approved that are in conflict with the AHJA Banquet, AHJA Clinic, AHJA Medal Finals, or USEF Zone 8 Finals (if Zone Finals are AHJA Approved). Conflicting dates must be approved by the Board of Directors.
  8. All Category 1 shows must conform to current USEF Rules. AHJA reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any show for rules and conduct violations, whether USEF takes action or not.
  9. All Category 2 shows must have a medic on the grounds for all show Sessions and paid warm up sessions. All Category 2 shows must have a Veterinarian and a Blacksmith contact number information posted. It is recommended that all shows use a USEF R or r judge or an AHJA member trainer as a judge.
  10. All AHJA approved shows must offer the AHJA Medals. Category 1 Shows must offer the Children's Medal, Adult Medal, Junior-Amateur Medal and Mini Medal. Category 2 shows must offer the Category 2 Child and Adult Medal and in addition may offer any of the Category 1 Medals. Category 1 shows held over multiple days may offer the Medals on more than one occasion as long as they are held on separate days with a different judge.
  11. All Zone 8 shows are allowed to run AHJA Category 1 Medal classes.

2.1b Show Approval Applications

  1. Category 1: Application must be received 60 days prior to the start of the competition. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, late approval forms may be accepted and shows approved for a fee of up to $200.
  2. Category 2: Application must be received 30 days prior to the start of the competition. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, late approval forms may be accepted and shows approved for a fee of up to $100.
  3. All show applications may be mailed, emailed or faxed to the address shown on the application form. Shows are encouraged to submit applications early in order to be listed on the AHJA Calendar.
  4. There is no application fee or show approval fee.
  5. AHJA reserves the right to reject any application for any reason, if by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, such action is deemed in the best interest of the exhibitors and/or the association.

2.1c Prize List

A copy of the prize list must be submitted to AHJA 21 days prior to the start of the horse show.  The prize list must contain the following:

  1. The words "AHJA APPROVED" in a conspicuous place.
  2. Show management must send a prize list or link to all AHJA members via regular mail or electronic mail not later than 21 days before the close of entries. Contact AHJA Point Secretary for current mailing list.

2.1d Duties of the Show Secretary

The show secretary is responsible for:

  1. Complete the Post Competition Show Report Form and mail with results, membership forms and horse recordings to AHJA point secretary.
  2. Compile and send results of the show (Results must include Horse Name, Rider Name, Owner Name, placings through 6th in all classes and through 12th in Classsics and Grand Prix's, and money won in jumper classes. Results must be submitted in AHJA approved format (see website for proper form). If submitted in any other format, a $25/day processing fee will be charged.
  3. Submit a numerical list of entries
  4. Items 1-3 above must be received by the AHJA Point Secretary within 10 working days of the completion of the competition.
  5. Maintain all show records, class sheets, judges' card and results from the show for a period of 1 year to ensure proper pointing. These records should be immediately available to the AHJA point secretary during this time should a question arise.

3.1 Category 1 Approved Hunter Divisions

 The following hunter divisions will be pointed as per USEF Rules

Green 3'

Green 3'3"

Green 3'6"/3'9"

Performance Hunter 3'3"

Performance Hunter 3'6"

High Performance

Junior Hunter 3'6"

Amateur Owner 3'6"

Junior Hunter 3'3"

Amateur Owner 3'3"

Pony Hunter

Young Hunter 5, 6, 7

The following hunter divisions will be pointed as Zone rated divisions as per USEF Rules:

Low Childrens Hunter

Children's Hunter 14 & Under

Children's Hunter 15-17

Low Adult Hunter

Adult Amateur 18-35

Adult Amateur 36 & Over

Children's Pony Hunter

Hunter Breeding: Yearling, Two Year Old, Three Year Old

The following hunter divisions are local and will be pointed as a USEF local show:

Short Stirrup Hunters: Open to rider 17 and under. Riders may not have shown over fences that exceed 2'3" at any time. No cross entry into any class that exceeds 2'3".  No oxers or combinations. Fences 2'0". Outreach Short Stirrup shall accrue points here.

Long Stirrup Hunter: Open to adult riders 18 & over. Riders may not have shown over fences that exceed 2'3" at any time. No cross entry into any class that exceeds 2'3". No oxers or combinations. Fences 2'0". Outreach Long Stirrup shall accrue points here.

Beginner Rider Hunter: Open to riders who have never shown over fences that exceed 2'6". Riders may not cross enter into any classes where fences exceed 2'6". No oxers or combinations. Fences 2'3". Outreach Beginner Rider will accrue points here.

Modified/Child/Adult Hunter: Open to all junior and amateur riders. No cross entry restrictions. Outreach Modified Child/Adult will accrue points here.. Fences 2'9".

3.2 Category 1 Approved Jumper Divisions

Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers High (Based on Money Won) As per USEF Rules and Zone 8 Rules regarding cross entry.  Fences 1.30/1.35 meter and above

Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers Low (Based on Money Won) As per USEF Rules and Zone 8 Rules regarding cross entry.  Fences 1.20/1.25 meter

Children's Jumper High: As per Zone 8 USEF Rules.  Fences 1.10 meter (Classic may be 1.15 meter)

Children's Jumper Low: As per Zone 8 USEF Rules.  Riders may not show High and Low Classic as the same show. Fences 1.0 - 1.05 meter.

Adult Amateur Jumper High: As per Zone 8 USEF Rules.  Fences 1.10 meter (Classic may be 1.15 meter)

Adult Amateur Low: As per Zone 8 USEF Rules.  Riders may not show High and Low Classic at the same show. Fences 1.0 - 1.05 meter

Modified Child-Adult Jumper Low:  Open to all Child or Adult Amateur riders  on any horse. The same horse-rider combination may not compete in any jumper  classes exceeding .90 meter at the same show.  Fences .85 meter and below. All classes restricted to Child and Adult Amateur riders that meet the height specs shall receive points, regardless of the class name. Points are awarded to the horse.

Modified Child-Adult Jumper: Open to all Child or Adult Amateur riders on  any horse.  The same horse-rider combination may not compete in any jumper class exceeding 1.05 meters at the same show. Fence heights are .90-.95 meter.   All classes restricted to Child or Adult Amateur riders that meet the height specs  shall receive points, regardless of the class name.  Points are awarded to the  horse. 

Low Training Jumpers: Open to any horse and rider. Points are awarded to the  horse. Fences .95-1.05 meter. All unrestricted classes that meet the height specs shall receive points, regardless of the name of the class. Points are awarded to the  horse.

High Training Jumper: Open to any horse or rider. Points are awarded to the horse.  Fences 1.10-1.20 meter. All unrestricted classes that meet the height specs shall  receive points, regardless of the name of the class. Points are awarded to the horse.

Open Jumper: Open to any horse or rider. Fence heights shall be 1.25 meter and  above. Points are awarded to the horse. All unrestricted classes that meet the height specs shall receive points, regardless of the name of the class. 

3.3 Category 1 Equitation Division

All equitation, flat and fences, are combined for year end awards. Riders must be AHJA members in good standing to accrue points. Horses need not be recorded with AHJA. Horse owners need not be members of AHJA. All equitation classes will be pointed as a "C" member show: 15, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2.  Distances will not be adjusted for ponies. USEF Rules apply for Equitation tests.

Equitation 11 and under: Fences 2'6"

Equitation 12-14: Fences 3'0"

Equitation 15-17: Fences 3'0 - 3'3".  This class is required to be offered at 2 fence heights: 3'0" and 3'3". Riders must stipulate prior to the class which fence height they choose to jump.  Distances need not be adjusted for each fence height. Fence heights will be judged as one class. No rider may compete in more than one(1) fence height in a single class.  Riders MAY compete in different fence heights in different classes. 

Equitation 18-35: Fences 3'0"

Equitation 36 and over: Fences 3'0"

Short Stirrup Equitation: Riders under 18. Tests 1-5. Same rider restrictions as Short Stirrup Hunters. No Oxers, No combinations. Fences 2'0.

Long Stirrup Equitation: 18 and over. Tests 1-5. Same rider restrictions as Long Stirrup Hunters. No Oxers, No combinations. Fences 2'0.

Beginner Rider Equitation: Same rider restrictions as Beginner Rider Hunters. No Oxers, No combinations. Fences 2'3.

Low Children's Equitation: Same rider restrictions as Low Children's Hunter. No Oxers, No combinations. Fences 2'6.

Low Adult Equitation: Same rider restrictions as Low Adult Hunters. No Oxers, No combinations. Fences 2'6.

Modified Child/Adult Equitation: Tests 1-10. Fences 2'9.

Pony Equitation: As per USEF Rules.

Children's Pony Equitation: As per Zone 8 USEF Rules. Small/Medium 2'3", Large 2'6"

3.4a Show and class requirements

AHJA Category 1 approved horse shows must offer the 5 AHJA Medal classes.  In all AHJA Medal classes there is no minimum number of riders required to hold the class.  Full points will be given in any class where three (3) or more competitors compete. To determine the number of riders in the class, riders must enter the arena and attempt the first jump.  In the event that only two riders compete, first place shall receive 1 point and second place shall receive .5 point. In the event that only one rider competes, upon completion of the class, that rider shall receive .5 points. In the event that only 1 or 2 riders complete the course, there will be no work-off and the class will be pinned.  Full points will count. If more than 2 riders complete the course, a minimum of 3 riders will return for further testing. Riders in AHJA Medal classes need not be AHJA Members, however only current AHJA members whose trainer of record is an AHJA member in good standing will accrue points toward Finals competition. 

Points are awarded: 1st=10, 2nd=6, 3rd=4, 5th=1, 6th=1/2.

  1. AHJA Mini Medal: Open to all juniors and Amateurs who have never competed over fences above 2'9" or .85 meter at Regular Member USEF Horse Shows. To be shown over a course of not less than 8 fences not to exceed 2'6" in height. USEF Tests 1-8. No combinations. Distances will not be adjusted for ponies.
  2. AHJA Children's Medal: Open to junior riders who have not competed over fences higher than 3'3" (Hunters and Equitation) or 1.0 meter (jumpers) during the current show year at USEF Regular Member Horse Shows. The course must include one combination, two changes of direction, a single oxer and a minimum of 8 fences.  Two or more tests are required of the top 4 competitors. USEF Tests 1-17. Fence 3'0".
  3. AHJA Adult Medal: Open to adult amateur riders. Specifications are the same as the AHJA Children's Medal.
  4. AHJA Junior Amateur Medal: Open to all Junior and Amateur riders. Riders competing in this class may not compete in any other AHJA Medal at the same show.  Two or more tests are required of the top 4 competitors. To be shown over a course of not less than eight (8) jumps at 3'3" in height.  The course must include a combination (including an oxer), 2 changes of direction after the first fence and a single oxer. USEF Tests 1-19. In addition, the course must include at least one of the following:
    1. Roll back turn
    2. End fence
    3. Broken line
    4. Narrow jump
    5. Natural obstacle (water obstacles are prohibited).

 

3.4b Qualifying Points

In all AHJA Medal classes (Category 1 and Category 2), a rider must accrue 2 points to be qualified for the Finals.

Once a rider has accrued the required points, that rider may continue to compete in AHJA Medal classes for the remained of the year and earn placings and awards at each show, however that rider will no longer accumulate points in that Medal section. Instead, qualified riders placing in the top six will be removed from the pointed results and all non-qualified riders will be move up in the results and receive corresponding points for the next highest placing.

In all AHJA Medal classes (Category 2), points will be awarded 10-6-4-2-1-.5     Riders will continue to accrue points for the whole season. If a Medal Final is held, all riders with two (2) or more points in Cat 2 Medals are qualified.

3.4c Category 1 Medal Finals

  1. Riders must be current Category 1 AHJA members.
  2. Riders competing in any Medal Final must be entered in the Show office by 5:00 PM the evening prior to the class. No entries on the day of the class are accepted.
  3. The trainer of each rider competing in AHJA Medal Finals classes must be an AHJA member in good standing.
  4. Riders must have accrued a minimum of 2 (two) points.
  5. Points will be posted on www.AHJA.org in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the rider to make sure points are accurate.
  6. Riders will not lose the Medals Finals eligibility if they compete at a higher height after they have qualified, except as noted. The following conditions apply:
    1. Mini Medal Finals: After qualifying, riders may compete up to and including .9 meter in the jumper ring and 3'0" in the hunter or equitation ring at USEF shows.  If a rider competes above that level, the rider will forfeit their eligibility for the Finals in the Mini Medal Final.
    2. Children's and Adult Medal Finals: After qualifying, riders may compete up to and including 1.0 meter in the jumper ring and 3'3" in the hunter and equitation ring at USEF shows. If a rider competes above that level, the rider will forfeit their eligibility for the Finals in the Children's or Adult Medal Final.
    3. Junior Amateur Medal Finals: No restrictions.
  7. All Category 1 Medal Finals shall consist of at least two rounds over fences.
  8. In all Medal Finals (Category 1 and 2), two or more tests of the top four competitors are required only if the top competitors’ total scores are within 4 points of each other. It is up to the judge if further testing is required of riders outside the four point margin. 
  9. If any Medal Final Class has more than 12 competitors, only the top 12 shall return for the second round. Tied riders in the 12th position shall return. Riders with a score of ZERO score in the first round may return for the second round if they are still among the top 12 riders returning.
  10. If a rider qualifies for more than one Final, that rider must compete at the highest height for which they are qualified.
  11. The format and location of the Medal Finals shall be determined each year by the AHJA Board of Directors.
  12. There must be a minimum of 6 entered riders in any Medal Final. Any Medal Final with less than six riders entered will be combined or cancelled.

4.1 General

Shows may offer any or all of the below listed sections.  Shows MUST offer both the Children's and Adult Category 2 Medals.  Category 2 shows may offer any or all of the Category 1 Medals.  It is advised that if a show offers the Category 1 Medals, that a start time be posted in the schedule for these classes. Please note that the same horse may be used by two different riders in the same class over fences in both hunter and equitation (Exception: one rider per horse in all Medal classes and the Cat 2 Jumper Classes.) The horse must be assigned a different number for each horse/rider combination.

4.2 Category 2 Approved Hunter and Equitation Classes

Walk-Trot: For the begninner rider. Riders may not cross enter into any other classes at the same show and may never have shown over fences exceeding 18".  Points are awarded to the rider. This division includes any equitation, under saddle and pleasure classes.  Fences shall be rails on the ground.  All rails must be placed between standards that have no attached jump cups.

Crossrail Hunter: For the beginner rider or horse.  Points are awarded to the horse/rider combination. Horse/Rider combinations may not cross enter into any with fences that exceed 18" at the same show.  Fences 12" in an "X" configuration. Outreach Crossrail Hunter shall accrue points here.

Crossrail Equitation: For the beginning rider. Points are awarded to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into any classes that exceed 18" at the same show. Fences 12" in a "X" rail configuration. Outreach Crossrail Equitation shall accrue points here.

Future Hunter: For the beginning horse or rider. Points are awarded to the Horse/Rider combination. Horse/rider combination may not cross enter into any class where fences exceed 2'0" at the same show. Fences 18", no oxers. Outreach 18" Hunter shall accrue points here.

Future Equitation: For the beginning rider. Points are awarded to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into any class where fences exceed 2'0" at the same show. Fences 18", no oxers. Outreach 18" Equitation shall accrue points here.

Mini Stirrup Hunter: 11 and Under: Open to beginner junior riders who are 11 years and under. Points are given to the Horse/Rider combination. Riders may not cross enter into classes where the fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Hunter shall accrue points here.

Mini Stirrup Equitation: 11 and Under: Open to beginner junior riders who are 11 years and under. Points are given to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where the fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Equitation shall accrue points here.

Young Stirrup Hunter 12-17: Open to beginner junior riders who are between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Points are given to the horse/rider combination. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Hunter shall accrue points here.

Young Stirrup Equitation 12-17: Open to beginner junior riders who are between the ages of 12 and 17 years. Points are given to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Equitation shall accrue points here.

Silver Stirrup Hunter: Open to beginner amateur riders who are 18 years and older. Points are awarded to the horse/rider combination. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Hunter shall accrue points here.

Silver Stirrup Equitation: Open to beginner amateur riders who are18 years and older. Points are given to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'3" at the same show. Fences 2'0", no oxers. Outreach Short/Long Stirrup Equitation shall accrue points here.

Pre Children's/Adult Hunters: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are awarded to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'6" at the same show. Fences 2'3", no combinations. Outreach Beginner Rider Hunter will accrue points here.

Pre Children's/Adult  Equitation: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are given to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'6" at the same show. Fences 2'3", no combinations. Outreach Beginner Rider Equitation will accrue points here.

Children's/Adult Hunters: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are awarded to the horse/rider combination. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'9" at the same show. Fences 2'6", no combinations.  Outreach Low Child/Adult Hunter shall accrue points here.

Children's/Adult  Equitation: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are given to the rider. Riders may not cross enter into classes where fences exceed 2'9" at the same show. Fences 2'6", no combinations. Outreach Low Child/Adult Equitation shall accrue points here. 

Junior/Adult Hunters: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are awarded to the horse/rider combination. No cross entry restrictions. Fences 2'9". Outreach Modified Child/Adult Hunter shall accrue points here.

Junior/Adult  Equitation: Open to junior and amateur riders. Points are given to the rider.  No cross entry restrictions. Fences 2'9". Outreach Modified Child/Adult Equitation shall accrue points here.

4.5 Category 2 Medals Finals

Each year, the AHJA Board of Directors will determine if an AHJA Category 2 Medal Finals will be offered. If a Finals is offered, the following rules will apply. 

1. The trainer of each rider competing must be either an AHJA Category 1 or 2 member in good standing.

2. All riders must be either Category 1 or Category 2 members.

3. Any rider who has ever competed in any Category 1 Medal Finals, National Medal Finals, Regional or Zone Medal Finals is ineligible to compete in a AHJA Category 2 Medal Finals.

4. Each year, the AHJA Board of directors shall determine the location and format of the Category 2 Medal Finals. Should the Category 2 Medal Finals be held after November 30, all riders will retain the status they had during the qualifying period.

5. Judge(s) for Category 2 Medal Finals must be approved by the current AHJA Board of Directors and must be licensed with a minimum of a USEF “r” judge’s card in Hunter Seat Equitation or specially approved by the AHJA Board of Directors.

6. Riders must accrue 6 points in qualifying classes to be eligible for the Category 2 Medals Finals.

4.6 Category 1 AHJA Medals

Category 2 shows may offer any or all of the Category 1 Medals but must adhere to all the rules for these Medals. See Rule 3.4. AHJA encourages the use of USEF approved judges for these classes.

4.3 Category 2 Approved Jumpers Classes

AHJA will offer 3 levels of AHJA Jumpers. All AHJA Jumper classes are prohibited from running classes using Table III or Table II, Sections 1,4,5,6,7.

All shows are encouraged to use Table II, Sec 2b, Table II, Sec 2c (with or without time allowed in the first round) or Table II, Sec 2d. AHJA advises that all courses be designed to encourage correct riding and discourage extreme speed.

In all AHJA jumper classes, the horse may only compete once. Multiple riders on the same horse are not allowed in the same class. A different rider may ride the same horse in different jumper classes.

AHJA Jumper Low: Fences 2’3’- 2’6” Open to any horse/rider combination. The same horse/rider combination is prohibited from jumping above 2’9” in any class at the same show. Combinations (in and outs) are not allowed. Outreach 0.70 meter will accrue points here.

AHJA Jumper Medium: Fences 2’7”- 2’9” Open to any horse/rider combination. The same horse/rider combination is prohibited from jumping above 3’0” in any class at the same show. Combinations (in and outs) are not allowed. Outreach 0.80 meter will accrue points here.

AHJA Jumper High: Fences 2’10”- 3’0” Open to any horse/rider combination with no restrictions. Combinations are allowed but will not be adjusted for ponies. The course must include at least 2 oxers in the first round. Outreach 0.90 meter will accrue points here.

4.4 AHJA Category 2 Medals

AHJA Category 2 Children's Medal: : Open to junior riders. To be shown over a course of no less than six fences at 2'3" in height. No oxers or combinations. A test must be built into the course. The test shall consist of one of the following: halt or halt and back, roll back turn, end jump or trot a jump. No required work off. Three entries are required to fill the class. No minimum must complete in order for points to count. May be combined with the AHJA Adult Category 2 Medal or any other Medal of the same height.  Points are awarded: 1st=10, 2nd = 6, 3rd = 4, 4th = 2, 5th = 1, 6th = 1/2. This class will be part of the USHJA Affiliate Equitation Awards Program.

AHJA Category 2 Adult Medal: : Open to adult amateur riders, 18 and over. Specs are the same as the AHJA Category 2 Children's Medal above.

5.1 Category 1 Shows

5.1a At all Category 1 shows, the following divisions will accumulate points based upon the USEF Rating of the show: 3'0" Green, 3'3" Green, Green 3'6"/3'9", Performance 3'3", Performance 3'6", High Performance, Junior Hunter 3'6"", Amateur Owner Hunter 3'6", Amateur Owner 3'3", Pony Hunters, Junior Hunter 3'3. 

5.1b The following divisions shall receive Regional II (C) points: All Equitation divisions, all jumper divisions not based on money earned, Young Hunter, Adult Amateur Hunters 18-35 and 36 and over, Children's Hunter 14 & under and 15-17, Children's Pony Hunters, Short Stirrup and Long Stirrup Hunters, Beginner Rider Hunters, Low Children's Hunters, Low Adult Hunters, Modified Child/Adult Hunters. 

Any show designated as a Zone Championship show shall receive points as per USEF Guidelines for a Zone Championship Show.

USEF Rating 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Premier (AA) 40 35 30 25 24 23
National (A) 30 25 20 15 14 13
Regional I (B) 20 15 10 5 4 3
Regional II (C) 15 10 5 4 3 2
Hunter Breeding 5 3 2 1    

The following Jumper Division are awarded based on money won: Junior/Amateur Owner Jumpers.

5.1c Classics shall receive 2x the points. No points for Champion or Reserve Champion.

5.2 Category II Shows

All classes (including Medals) at AHJA Category II horse shows shall receive the points listed below. No other classes (Classics or Specials) other than those listed by AHJA shall receive points. There are no bonus point classes.

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
10 6 4 2 1 1/2

 

5.3 AHJA Category 1 Medal Classes

All Category 1 AHJA Medal classes shall receive the points below regarless of the USEF rating of the show or the number of entries in the classes: 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/2.

5.4 Discrepancies

Points will be updated in a timely manner and will be posted on the AHJA website. Exhibitors will have 30 days from the upload of the point bulletin to notify the point secretary, in writing, of any discrepancies. After 30 days, no discrepancy will be addressed and the points will stand as posted regardless of the validity of the discrepancy. It is the duty of the exhibitor to check on their points. Exception: After the final show of the pointed year and prior to the awards banquet, AHJA reserves the right to issue a final point standing and declare a shorter time in which to file discrepancies.

6.1 Division Eligibility

All divisions listed in this rule book are eligible for AHJA Year End Awards. AHJA reserves the right to combine divisions (where possible) if there are less than 3 pointed horses or riders in each division. AHJA reserves the right to not make awards in divisions with less than 3 horses or riders. 

6.2 Rider Eligibility

AHJA members in good standing are eligible for awards in the equitation divisions.  Riders showing in classes restricted to Amateur riders must have a current USEF Amateur Card (Category 1 shows) or have a signed Amateur affidavit for Category 2 shows that has been submitted to AHJA.

6.3 Horse Eligibility

6.3a Category 1: Horses must be recorded (either Annual or Lifetime recording) with AHJA. At least one owner (listed on the entry blank) must be an AHJA member in good standing.

6.3b Category 2: Horses need not be recorded. The horse/rider combination receives points.

 

6.4 Presentation of Awards

Awards will be presented at the year end awards banquet in January of each year. No awards will be mailed. Awards may be picked up within 90 days after the banquet from a designated AHJA person. All those who attend the banquet must buy a banquet ticket (exception: children under the age of 3 are free) to be admitted to pick up awards.

6.5 Perpetual Trophies

All Perpetual Trophies awarded at the AHJA Banquet must be signed for. Upon the return of the trophy the trophy must be engraved by the recipient, cleaned and returned to AHJA, December 1 prior to the AHJA Banquet.

Any person not returning a Perpetual Trophy shall be subject to a $500 fine and be found not in good standing with AHJA until the trophy is returned or replaced (subject to AHJA approval of  replacement trophy) and the fine paid.

6.6 Year End Ties

Any ties for Year End Awards shall remain tied and will receive duplicate awards.

6.7 AHJA Hunter of the Year

AHJA Hunter of the Year shall be awarded to the Category 1 Hunter receiving the most points in a single USEF recognized division.

6.8 AHJA Jumper of the Year

AHJA Jumper of the Year shall be awarded to the Category 1 Jumper receiving the most points (not dollars) in a single USEF recognized division. Dollars won shall be converted into points based on ribbons won.

RULE 7: Proposed Rule Changes

7.1 Only Amateur and Professional members in good standing of AHJA may propose a rule change.

7.2 Rule changes must be submitted in writing to the Chairman of the AHJA Rules Committee no later than September 1 of each year for consideration. The rule change proposal must contain the name of the AHJA member submitting it.

7.3 Extraordinary Rule Changes: No rules may be changed during the show calendar year unless the rule pertains to the safety of the horse or rider or for the benefit of AHJA members. These proposals should go directly to both the current AHJA President and the Rules Chairman. Extraordinary Rule Changes must be passed by a 3/4 vote of the current Board of Directors.

7.4 The Board of Directors reserves the right to make a rule clarification at any time if it is deemed in the best interest of the exhibitors or the Association.

7.5 At the September Board of Directors meeting, all rule changes will be voted on. The new AHJA Rule Book will be available online on or before December 1 of each year. All new rules shall be highlighted in some manner.