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• CHJA Recognized Classes

CHJA Recognized Classes

EQUITATION CLASSES

LEADLINE EQUITATION
Open to riders who have not reached their 7th birthday and have not competed in any classes in a USEF OR CHJA Recognized show other than leadline. Entries may be asked to trot. Riders to be judged on elementary fundamentals of horsemanship. An adult is required to lead each entry.

WALK-TROT EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to riders 10 years and under who have not competed in any class requiring them to canter or jump at a CHJA show. Riders may not compete in any short stirrup classes. Riders will be asked to walk and trot in both directions of the ring. They will be judged on position and ability to control their mount. Diagonals will be considered.

Note: Only single points will be issued in the Walk Trot Division regardless of how many compete in and complete the class. If three CHJA recognized walk trot equitation classes are offered and all classes have at least 3 exhibitors compete and complete the class, the division can offer a championship and reserve for points.

SHORT STIRRUP EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to riders 12 years and under who have never competed over fences exceeding 18" in an USEF or CHJA Recognized show. Riders showing in this division may not compete in any other recognized division or recognized class in a show with fences exceeding 18" with the exception of pleasure and pet-type pony classes.
SHORT STIRRUP WALK-TROT-CANTER: Shown at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Diagonals and leads considered.
SHORT STIRRUP CROSS-RAILS: A minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 cross-rail fences not to exceed 18". May trot or canter.

CHILDREN'S EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to riders who are eligible for Children's Hunter, have not shown over a course where fences exceeded 3' at a Recognized show, and have never shown in the CHJA Junior Medal Finals. No combinations. Fences for horses and large ponies 2'6", for small/medium ponies 2'0".
CHILDREN'S EQUITATION FLAT
CHILDREN'S EQUITATION FENCES

JUNIOR EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to all junior riders. Riders cannot cross enter into the Children's Equitation Division at the same show. Fence height 3'0".
JUNIOR EQUITATION FLAT
JUNIOR EQUITATION FENCES

OPEN EQUITATION DIVISION
NOTE: Complete specifications for the following sections regarding eligibility and course requirements are indicated in the rule book.

OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 12 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 12 FENCES: 2'3"

OPEN EQUITATION 12-14 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION 12-14 FENCES: Not to exceed 3'

OPEN EQUITATION 15-17 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION 15-17 FENCES: Not to exceed 3'6"

OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 18 FLAT
OPEN EQUITATION UNDER 18 FENCES: Not to exceed 3'6"
(This division can be offered in lieu of Open Under 12, Open 12-14 and Open 15-17 sections. Riders will get points in their correct age groups).

Please note, only the following three combination options of Open Equitation classes may be run at any show.

1. Open under 12, Open 12-14, Open 15-17, OR
2. Open under 15, Open 15-17, (Riders will get points in their correct age groups).
3. Open under 18 (This never can be offered with other Open classes. Riders will get points in their correct age groups)

ADULT EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to Adult Amateurs. Courses must contain at least six individual jumping efforts, with one change of lead and at least one combination.
ADULT EQUITATION FLAT
ADULT EQUITATION FENCES: 2'9" to 3'

MODIFIED ADULT EQUITATION DIVISION
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at USEF or CHJA recognized shows in Adult Equitation classes, including CHJA Adult Medal classes, but excluding Modified Adult Classes. For amateurs who have won six blue ribbons, they are eligible for Modified Adult if, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3' or higher at more than three USEF or CHJA recognized horse shows within the past two show years.

Fences not to exceed 2'6". Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2'6". Judge may request US EQUESTRIAN Tests 1-7.

CHJA MEDAL CLASSES

CHJA Medal Class requirements state that only CHJA Members are permitted to compete in these qualifying classes.

Membership cards or numbers must be provided, or a membership application completed and dues paid at the time of registration for these classes.

For any class to count, at least four riders (active CHJA members) must complete both phases of the class.

If there are only 4 entrants in a Medal Class, and one of the entrants is a non member, the class will not count and points will not be awarded.

Riders can only enter one Medal Class at any show.  This applies to one-day or multi-day shows.

The class consists of two phases.  The first phase is over obstacles and the second phase is on the flat with each phase counting 50%.

Points are scored 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, 1/2 regardless of the classification of the show or the number of entrants in the class.

If a rider qualifies for or has shown in a 3' equitation final including the CHJA Junior Medal, they are no longer eligible for the Children's Medal Final. This also means they can no longer show in the Children's Medal at regular shows.

CHJA CHILDREN'S MEDAL
Open to Junior members of the CHJA who are eligible for Children's Hunter, have not shown over a course where fences exceeded 3' at a Recognized show. If you have ever qualified or shown in a 3' Equitation Finals including CHJA, you are not eligible for the Children's Medal. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is over a course of not less than eight obstacles at 2'6" in height, which must contain two changes of direction after the first fence with no combinations permitted. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same horse to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHJA PONY MEDAL
Rider to be a Junior Member of CHJA who has not reached his/her 18th birthday. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a course of not less than six obstacles. Small ponies to jump obstacles 2'0" in height, Medium ponies to jump obstacles 2'3" in height, and Large ponies to jump obstacles 2'9" in height. If a combination is used, suggested distances for in and outs are 20' for small, 22' for medium, and 24' for large ponies. If the distance between obstacles is less than 72' then the distance must be adjusted for each height section. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same pony to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-8.

CHJA JUNIOR MEDAL
Rider to be a Junior Member of CHJA who has not reached his/her 18th birthday. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles 3' in height, which must include one combination including an oxer, and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first fence. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same horse to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-19.

CHJA ADULT MEDAL
Rider to be an Amateur Adult Member of the CHJA. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles 3' in height, which must include one combination including an oxer, and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first fence. Judges will select at least six contestants (if available) to show at a walk, trot, and canter. The second (flat) phase is mandatory and will count 50%. The same horse to be shown by the same rider in both phases. To fill the class at least four competitors must complete both phases of the class. Judges may require additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-19.

CHJA RECOGNIZED HUNTER CLASSES

SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER DIVISION
Open to riders 12 years of age and under who have never competed over fences exceeding 18" in a USEF or CHJA Recognized show. Riders competing in this division may not compete in any other Recognized Division or Recognized Class in a show where obstacles exceed 18" in height. Course not to exceed eight fences, not to exceed 18".
SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER FENCES
SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

PRE-CHILDREN'S HUNTER DIVISION
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year. Riders may show horses or ponies. Fence height 2'0". At the same show, horse/rider and pony/rider combinations may not cross enter into Children's Hunter Horse/Pony, Pony Hunters or any class where fences exceed 2'6". No combinations permitted.
PRE-CHILDREN'S HUNTER FENCES
PRE-CHILDREN'S HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

CHILDREN'S HUNTER DIVISION (2007 Zone 1 Specifications)
Open to Junior Exhibitors who are eligible for Intermediate Equitation Over Fences as of December 1 of the current show year. Height of fences 3' for horses, small & medium ponies 2'; large ponies 2'6"; spreads not to exceed fence height. The division may be split at the discretion of show management. Same horse/pony rider combination cannot show in any other rated division except Equitation. Horses may be shown by another rider in any other division or section at the same show except Jr. Hunter. Ponies may not cross enter into the regular pony hunter division. Children's Hunter riders may not show in any class where the fence heights exceed 3'6" at the same show. Jogging for soundness at the discretion of the judge.
CHILDREN'S HUNTER FENCES
CHILDREN'S HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER DIVISION

Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, have not won six blue ribbons at USEF or CHJA recognized shows in Adult Equitation classes, including CHJA Adult Medal classes, but excluding Modified Adult Classes. For amateurs who have won six blue ribbons, they are eligible for Modified Adult if, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, they have not shown in classes with fences 3' or higher at more than three USEF or CHJA recognized horse shows within the past two show years.

Fences not to exceed 2'6". Riders in this division cannot show in any other recognized classes at the same show where fences exceed 2'6".
MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER FENCES
MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER DIVISION (2007 Zone 1 Specifications)
To be ridden by Amateurs who are no longer eligible to compete as Junior Exhibitors. Horse/rider combinations are not eligible for any other USEF rated classes. Horses may be shown by a different rider in any other division or class at the same competition. To be judged on performance, soundness, manners, way of going, size of rider to mount, and suitability as an Adult Amateur Hunter. Horses and ponies may be jogged for soundness at judge's discretion. Height of fences 3', spreads not to exceed height of fence. Ponies may be ridden by adults, suitability to count.
ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER FENCES
ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

PRE-GREEN HUNTER DIVISION (2008 Zone 1 Specifications)
A Pre-Green Hunter is a horse that is not a First Year, Second Year or Regular Hunter under USEF rules. A horse may show as a Pre-Green Hunter for no more than two years once it has reached four years of age. Fence heights 3'0".
PRE-GREEN HUNTER FENCES 3'0"
PRE-GREEN HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

CONNECTICUT HUNTER DIVISION
Open to all horses.
CONNECTICUT HUNTER FENCES: 3' to 3'3"
CONNECTICUT HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER DIVISION
Open to all horses.
CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER FENCES: 3'6"
CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER UNDER SADDLE

PONY HUNTER (Small, Medium, Large, Green)
Pony Hunter sections are limited to ponies 14.2 hands and under and riders who have not yet reached their 18th birthday. 

Small Pony Hunters can not exceed 12.2 hands, must be ridden by a junior 12 years of age or younger, and will jump 2'3".

Medium Pony Hunters range in height from over 12.2 to 13.2 hands, must be ridden by a junior 14 years of age or younger, and will jump 2'6". 

Large Pony Hunters must be over 13.2 but not more than 14.2 hands. Riders must be under 18 and will jump 3'.

Green Pony Hunter is open to ponies of any age not exceeding 14.2 hands, which have not been shown over fences in regulation height or higher for their respective section at a Regular Member Show of USEF. The riders must have not yet reached their 18th birthday. Once a pony has broken its green status in one section, it shall not regain its status by moving into another pony height section. Remaining specifications are the same as the Pony Hunter Section.

No rider may show more than three ponies in any one height section. 

Suitability of pony for a rider shall be determined by the height and weight of the rider in relation to the size of the pony as well as the compatibility of the rider and pony.

JUNIOR WORKING HUNTER
(Small, Large) is open to riders who have not reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year. Horses shown in this section may cross-enter into another section if otherwise eligible with the exception of Children's Hunter. No horse may be shown in this section unless the owner possesses a current Measurement Card or Certified Card or copy of a valid measurement form issued by USEF. Entries must be handled by a Junior Exhibitor in all phases of a Junior Class. Exhibitors may not show more than two horses in any class. Stallions are prohibited. 

The Small Junior Working Hunter is open to horses under 16 hands. In "AA" and "A" rated competitions, classes may also be divided by age of rider, Small Junior 15 and under and Small Junior 16-17. In classes over fences horses jump 3'6".

The Large Junior Working Hunter is open to horses 16 hands and over. In "AA" and "A" rated competitions, classes may also be divided by age of rider, Large Junior 15 and under and Large Junior 16-17. In classes over fences horses jump 3'6".

GREEN WORKING HUNTER is a horse of any age that is in his first or second year of showing in any classes that require horses to jump 3'6" or higher at Regular Member Shows of USEF or any national or international competition. When shown in a Green section a horse in his first year of showing must show as a First Year Green horse and a horse in his second year of showing must be shown as a Second Year Green horse.

First Year Green horses jump 3'6" and Second Year horses jump 3'9". In under saddle classes horses are not required to gallop.

REGULAR WORKING HUNTER is a horse of any age and is not restricted by previous show experience. Horses may cross enter between Regular Working and Regular Conformation sections. In classes over fences, horses jump 4' to 4'6". When shown under saddle, horses may be asked to gallop one way of the ring.

GREEN AND REGULAR  CONFORMATION HUNTER have the same description as the Green and Regular Working Hunter. All the classes are to be judged on performance and soundness 60%, conformation 40% except where otherwise noted. Conformation is judged on quality, substance and soundness. Judges must penalize but not necessarily eliminate horses with structural faults, defects and blemishes in areas that might impair their activity and durability.

AMATEUR OWNER WORKING HUNTER (18-35, Over 35) is to be ridden by an Amateur-Owner or an amateur member of the owner's family who is no longer eligible to compete as a junior exhibitor. Riders must be in possession of current USEF Amateur Certification. Leased horses are not eligible and multiple ownership is not permitted unless all owners are members of the same family. An amateur who rides for a person outside the family may not ride in a class restricted to Amateur-Owners in the same show. Amateur-Owner exhibitors may, however, ride for other exhibitors in Under Saddle classes of Green and Regular sections and for other Amateur-Owners who have more than one entry in the Under Saddle class. If an under saddle class is divided by age and a rider has two or more horses entered, all riders must be amateurs but need not be eligible by age. In classes over fences horses jump 3'6".

 CHJA RECOGNIZED JUMPER CLASSES

LOW TRAINING JUMPER DIVISION
Open to all horses and riders. Horse and rider combinations are not eligible to compete in any other jumper classes at the same show where heights exceed 3'6". Fence height not to exceed 3'0".

CONNECTICUT OPEN JUMPER DIVISION
Open to all horses and ponies. All obstacles shall be at least 3'6" in height, with a maximum height of 3'9" in the first round. Minimum spread 3'. Classes shall be scored using USEF tables.

CHILDREN'S JUMPER:
To be ridden by Exhibitors who have not reached their 18th birthday by December 1 of the current competition year. Fences not to exceed Level 4.  Cash winnings do not influence this classification. Horse/rider combination showing in jumper classes where fences are over 3'9" are not eligible for Children's Jumpers. Sections may be divided by age of rider or by horse/pony and may also be combined with Adult Amateur if so stated in the prize list. 

ADULT AMATEUR JUMPER:
To be ridden by Exhibitors who are no longer eligible to compete as Junior Exhibitors. All exhibitors must be amateurs in accordance with GR808 and must show USEF Amateur Certification. Fences not to exceed Level 4.  Cash winnings do not influence this classification. Horse/rider combinations showing in Jumper classes where fences are over 3'9" are not eligible for Adult Jumpers. Sections may be divided by age of rider or by horse/pony and may also be combined with Children's Jumper if so stated in the prize list.

The following jumper classes may be run to receive CHJA points if they are offered as part of a USEF recognized horse show. Follow USEF rules.

JUNIOR JUMPER (follow USEF) 
A/O JUMPER (follow USEF) 

Note:
If all classes in a CHJA recognized division have at least 3 exhibitors compete and complete the class, the division will offer a championship and reserve for points. If there are fewer than 3 exhibitors completing any class, then each class will stand on its own for points, however with no divisional championship or reserve awarded.