Fence Height and Eligibility
Question: What determines the fence height for division or medal finals eligibility? Is it the fence height listed in the CHJA class descriptions and prize list, or is it the fence height the class was actually run at during a recognized horse show?
Answer: For eligibility purposes, fence height is always determined by what is in the prize list/CHJA class descriptions although we are aware that in an effort to fill classes, fence heights are often lower than what is stated.
It is not OK to enter a division or class (even as a "filler") whose class requirements jeopardize your eligibility simply because the fence height was run lower than what the prize list stated. We go by whatever CHJA class description/fence height is stated in the prize list.
Examples:
A Pre Children's Equitation rider will lose their eligibly if they enter a 3' Children's Hunter Horse fence class (either as a free standing class or combined).The eligibility will be lost even if the class was run with a fence height of 2 feet!
A Children's Equitation rider will lose their Children's Medal eligibility if they enter a 15-17 fence class (either as a free standing class or combined) if it is stated in the prize list that the fence height is 3' 3" or not to exceed 3' 6". The eligibility will be lost even if the class was run with a fence height of 2'6".
A Short Stirrup rider will lose their eligibility if they enter a Children's Equitation fence class. The eligibility will be lost even if the class was run with a fence height of 18".
If a class is recognized by the CHJA, then the CHJA class descriptions will be used to determine division or medal finals eligibility regardless of what fence height the show manager may choose to run the class at. Hopefully, the CHJA recognized classes are run as close to their specifications as possible.
If you have questions about class requirements or eligibility while at a horse show, we recommend that you always consult the Steward.