CHJA Recognized Divisions
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. Only (1) entry is needed
to complete the class for points to count
WALK-TROT EQUITATION
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. Only (1) entry is needed to complete the class
for points to count
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, the division can offer a championship and
reserve for points.
SHORT STIRRUP EQUITATION
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 FENCES: A minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 fences
not to exceed 18". May trot or canter.
PRE CHILDREN'S EQUITATION
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit Equitation over fences as of
December 1 of the current show year and have never shown over fences exceeding
2'6" at a recognized horse show. Riders may show horses or ponies. Fence
height 2'0". At the same show, riders may not cross enter into Children's
Equitation, Children's Pony Hunter, Pony Hunters, any Medal classes that exceed
2' or any class where fences exceed 2'6". No combinations permitted.
PRE CHILDREN'S EQUITATION FLAT
PRE CHILDEN'S EQUITATION FENCES 2'0'
CHILDREN'S EQUITATION
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.
CHILDREN'S EQUITATION FLAT
CHILDREN'S EQUITATION FENCES for horses and large ponies 2'6", for
small/medium ponies 2'0".
JUNIOR EQUITATION
Open to all junior riders. Riders cannot cross enter into the Children's
Equitation Division at the same show.
JUNIOR EQUITATION FLAT
JUNIOR EQUITATION FENCES 3'
ADULT EQUITATION Open to adult
amateur riders. 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
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec.1 of the current show year, have
not shown in classes with fences 3' or higher at more than three recognized
(USEF, CHJA, CHSA, NEHC) horse shows within the past two show years. Riders in
this division may not compete in any class at the same show where obstacles exceed
2'6".
MODIFIED ADULT EQUITATION FLAT
MODIFIED ADULT EQUITATION FENCES 2'6"
CHJA MEDAL QUALIFYING CLASSES
CHJA Medal classes are stand alone classes and may not be combined with
any other class.
Exception: For permissible CHJA Medal qualifying class combinations due to a
lack of entries on the day of the show see the last page of this document
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 three riders (active CHJA members) must
complete both phases of the class.
If there are only three (3) 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.
CHJA PRE-CHILDREN’S MEDAL
Rider to be a Junior member of the CHJA who has
not shown over fences exceeding 2'6” at a recognized horse show. If a rider has
ever qualified for or shown in a 2’6” Equitation final including the CHJA
Children’s Medal, they are no longer eligible for the Pre Children’s Medal. The
class consists of two phases. The first phase is over a course of not less than
eight obstacles at 2'0" 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%. Riders may
show horses or ponies. The same horse/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 1-3.
Note: If a rider qualifies for or has shown in a 2'6" equitation final
including the CHJA Children's Medal, they are no longer eligible for the CHJA
Pre Children's Medal Final. This also means they can no longer show in the CHJA
Pre Children's Medal at regular shows.
CHJA CHILDREN'S MEDAL
Rider to be a Junior member of the CHJA who is eligible for Children's Hunter,
and has 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 the
CHJA Junior Medal, 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 1-5.
Note: 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 CHJA Children's
Medal Final. This also means they can no longer show in the CHJA Children's
Medal at regular shows.
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 and medium ponies to jump obstacles 2'0" in height. Large ponies to jump obstacles 2' 6" in height. A combination is optional and must be adjusted according to fence height. 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 1-10.
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 1-23.
Note: A rider qualifying for the CHJA Junior Medal Final may choose to ride in
either the Junior Medal Final or the Master's Medal Final. If a rider has ever
qualified for any 3'6" (or higher) final prior to the end of the
qualifying period for the current year's Medal Finals, (e.g. USEF Medal,
Maclay. Washington, they must ride in the Masters Medal Final.
CHJA MODIFIED ADULT MEDAL
Rider to be an Amateur Adult Member of the CHJA who is eligible for Modified
Adult Equitation and has not qualified for or shown in a 3' (or higher) equitation
finals within the last two years including any CHJA Medal Finals classes. The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a
course of not less than eight obstacles 2’6”' in height, which must include one
combination and two changes of direction 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. Judges may require
additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-5.
Note: An Amateur who has won the CHJA Master's Medal
Final may compete in the CHJA Modified Adult Medal Final in subsequent years as
long as they meet all the requirements for eligibility for the CHJA Modified
Adult Equitation Division and CHJA Modified Adult Medal qualifying classes. A Junior
who has won the CHJA Master's Medal Final is eligible to compete in the CHJA
Modified Adult Medal Final once they become Amateur members, and they also meet
all the requirements for eligibility for the CHJA Modified Adult Equitation
Division and CHJA Modified Adult Medal qualifying classes. If
the rider has ever qualified or shown in a 3' equitation Finals within the last
two years including CHJA, she/he is not eligible for the Modified Adult Medal.
CHJA ADULT MEDAL
Rider to be an Amateur Adult Member of the CHJA. A Junior who
has won the CHJA Master's Medal Final is eligible to compete in the CHJA Adult
Medal Final once they become Amateur members. An Amateur who has won the
CHJA Master's Medal Final may compete in the CHJA Adult Medal Final in subsequent
years after a two show year waiting period. 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 1-23
CHJA MASTER'S MEDAL (Not a Qualifying
class-held once a year at the CHJA Medal Finals)
Rider to be a Junior or Adult Member of the CHJA who has qualified in the
current year for the CHJA Adult Medal Final or the CHJA Junior Medal Final. The CHJA Masters
Medal Final will also be open to all past CHJA Medal Finals Champions and
Reserves, with the restriction that they be current juniors or amateurs. The Champion of the of the CHJA Master's
Medal Final is eligible to compete in the class in subsequent years with the
restriction that they be current juniors or amateurs.
The class consists of two phases. The first phase is shown over a
course of not less than eight obstacles 3'3" to 3'6" 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 12 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. Judges may require
additional testing, using current USEF Tests 1-23.
SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER
Open to all riders twelve years of age and under who have never competed over obstacles 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.
Jumping classes to be shown over a course not to exceed eight obstacles not to exceed 18" in height.
SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER FENCES 18"
SHORT STIRRUP HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
PRE-CHILDREN'S HUNTER
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Limit equitation over fences as of December 1 of the current show year and have never shown over fences exceeding 2'6" at a recognized horse show. 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 2'0"
PRE CHILDREN'S HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
MODIFIED CHILDREN'S HUNTER
Open to junior riders who are eligible for Children's Equitation. Open to horses or ponies. Fence height 2'6". Spreads not to exceed fence height. No combinations. At the same show, same horse/rider or pony/rider combination cannot enter any over fence classes exceeding 2'6".
MODIFIED CHILDREN'S HUNTER FENCES 2'6"
MODIFIED CHILDREN'S HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
CHILDREN'S HUNTER 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 3' for horses, small & medium ponies 2'; large ponies 2'6";
CHILDREN'S HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER
Open to adult amateur riders who, as of Dec. 1 of the current show year, have not shown in classes with fences 3' or higher at more than three recognized (USEF, CHJA, CHSA, NEHC) horse shows within the past two show years. Riders in this division may not compete in any class at the same show where obstacles exceed 2'6".
MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER FENCES 2'6"
MODIFIED ADULT HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
LOW ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER (Zone 1 Specifications/CHJA Recognized) NEW! Effective 2022-01-25
Open to adult amateur exhibitors who have reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year. Riders may not cross enter into any class or section at the same competition where fences exceed 2’9”. Fence Height: 2'6"
LOW CHILDREN'S HUNTER HORSE (Zone 1 Specifications/CHJA Recognized) NEW! Effective 2022-01-25
Open to junior exhibitors who have not yet reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year. Riders may not cross enter at the same competition into the Children’s Hunter, Pony Hunter or any class/section where fences exceed 2’9”. Fence Height: 2'6"
The Low Children’s Hunter and Low Adult Amateur Hunter sections may be combined if there are fewer than three (3) entries in either section. CHJA points will accrue from both the Low Adult Amateur Hunter and the Low Children’s Hunter Horse for one combined yearend award.
Note: This does not replace the long-existing CHJA Modified Children’s Hunter and Modified Adult Hunter divisions. Both the Modified and these new Low divisions can be run at a show. The Modifieds have significant restrictions and the new Lows have few, so they may appeal to very different audiences.
This has the effect of changing the names of the Modified/Low Children’s Hunters Division and the Modified/Low Adult Hunters back to Modified Children's Hunters and Modified Adult Hunters. We had changed the names last year while waiting for USEF to officially make the Low Hunters recognized divisions.
ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER
To be ridden by Amateurs who are no longer eligible to compete as Junior Exhibitors. Height of fences 3', spreads not to exceed height of fence. Ponies may be ridden by adults, suitability to count.
ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER FENCES 3'
ADULT AMATEUR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
GREEN WORKING HUNTER
GREEN WORKING HUNTER FENCES 3'0", 3’3”, 3’6”, 3’9”
GREEN WORKING HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Members accruing points in any height section the Green Working Hunter Division will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
CONNECTICUT WORKING HUNTER
Open to all horses and riders.
CONNECTICUT HUNTER FENCES 2’9”-3’
CONNECTICUT HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER
Open to all horses and riders.
CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER FENCES: 3'6"
CONNECTICUT OPEN HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
PONY HUNTER
Small, Medium, Large, and Green Pony Hunter sections are limited to ponies 14.2 hands and under and riders who have not yet reached their 18th birthday.
PONY HUNTER FENCES Small 2'3", Medium 2'6", Large 3'
PONY HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Small Pony Hunters cannot 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 Hunters:
A pony of any age who has not been shown over fences the regulation height or higher for its respective section (2'3" for small ponies; 2'6" for medium and 2'9" for large ponies) prior to December 1 of the current competition year. Fence heights: Small Ponies to jump 2'3"; Medium Ponies to jump 2'6"; Large Ponies to jump 2'9"
No rider may show more than three ponies in any one height section.
JUNIOR HUNTER (Small, Large)
Open to riders who have not reached their 18th birthday as of December 1 of the current competition year.
JUNIOR HUNTER FENCES: 3”3” and 3'6"
JUNIOR HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Members accruing points in the Junior and Amateur Owner Divisions will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
AMATEUR OWNER HUNTER
AMATEUR OWNER HUNTER FENCES: 3'3" and 3'6"
AMATEUR OWNER HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Members accruing points in the Junior and Amateur Owner Divisions will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
CT TRAINING HUNTER
Open to all horses or ponies. No age limitations and no rider restrictions. No restriction of horse/pony/rider into other divisions if otherwise eligible. To be judged on performance, soundness, suitability and manners. Simple lead changes and/or trotting in corners are permitted. To be shown over a hunter type course. Combinations are optional. Fence height not less than 18" and not to exceed 2'6". The same horse/rider combination may not compete in more than one fence height at the same show.
CT TRAINING HUNTER FENCES: 18"-2'6"
CT TRAINING HUNTER UNDER SADDLE
Members accruing points in the CT Training Hunter division will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
HUNTER DERBY
2'9" Hunter Derby. This is a two round class open to all riders to be shown over a course of ten fences at 2'9" with higher options. The first round judged on performance, hunter pace, and style, quality and substance, and movement. The course should include at least one in and out, one bending line and one unrelated distance. The obstacles are to simulate those found in a hunt field. Natural obstacles may be used. The top 4 or 25% from the first round will return to jump a handy hunter round of eight obstacles which may include at least two of the following: trot jump, tight turn option, clever options for jump approach, halt and/or back and walk jump. To be judged on style, brilliance, and handiness. Judges will adhere to USHJA Hunter Derby rules for scoring. The score will be a total of the two rounds. To fill a class, at least 4 horses must compete.
2'6" Hunter Derby. This is a two round class open to amateur adults and junior riders to be shown over a course of ten fences at 2'6" with higher options. The first round judged on performance, hunter pace, and style, quality and substance, and movement. The course should include at least one in and out, one bending line and one unrelated distance. The obstacles are to simulate those found in a hunt field. Natural obstacles may be used. The top 4 or 25% from the first round will return to jump a handy hunter round of eight obstacles which may include at least two of the following: trot jump, tight turn option, clever options for jump approach, halt and/or back and walk jump. To be judged on style, brilliance, and handiness. Judges will adhere to USHJA Hunter Derby rules for scoring. The score will be a total of the two rounds. To fill a class, at least 4 horses must compete.
2'0-2’3” Hunter Derby This is a two round class open to amateur adults and juniors riders to be shown over a course of ten fences at 2'0”-2’3” with higher options not to exceed 2’ 6”. The first round judged on performance, hunter pace, and style, quality and substance, and movement. The course should include at least one in and out, one bending line and one unrelated distance. The obstacles are to simulate those found in a hunt field. Natural obstacles may be used. The top 4 or 25% from the first round will return to jump a handy hunter round of eight obstacles which may include at least two of the following: trot jump, tight turn option, clever options for jump approach, halt and/or back and walk jump. To be judged on style, brilliance, and handiness. Judges will adhere to USHJA Hunter Derby rules for scoring. The score will be a total of the two rounds. To fill a class, at least 4 horses must compete.
Members accruing points in the Hunter Derby division will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
JUMPER DIVISIONS
INTRO JUMPER DIVISION
Open to all horses and riders. At the same show,
horse/rider combinations are not eligible to compete in any other Jumper
classes where fences exceed 3'0". Fence height will be 2'-2'3". No
combinations.
Points will accrue for one combined year end award with the Low Training Jumper Division.
LOW TRAINING JUMPER
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
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.
LOW CHILDREN'S JUMPER
To be ridden by exhibitors who have not reached their 18th birthday by December
1 of the current competition year. Fence heights are to be set at .90m - 1.00m
(3'0”-3'3"), and, if offered, a horse/rider combination may not show in
both the Low Children's Jumper and the High Children's Jumper at the same show.
HIGH CHILDREN'S JUMPER
To be ridden by exhibitors who have not reached their 18th birthday by December
1 of the current competition year. Fences to be set at 1.10m - 1.15m (3’6” TO
3’8”), and, if offered, a horse/rider combination may not show in both the Low
Children's Jumper and the High Children's Jumper at the same show.
LOW ADULT AMATEUR JUMPER
To be ridden by exhibitors who have reached their 18th birthday by December 1
of the current competition year and hold a current USEF Amateur certification.
Fence heights are to be set at .90m-1.00m (3’0”-3’3”), and, if offered, a
horse/rider combination may not show in both the Low Adult Amateur Jumper and
the High Adult Amateur Jumper at the same show.
HIGH ADULT AMATEUR JUMPER
To be ridden by exhibitors who have reached their 18th birthday by December 1
of the current competition year and hold a current USEF Amateur certification.
Fences to be set at 1.10m - 1.15m (3’6” - 3’8”), and, if offered, a horse/rider
combination may not show in both the Low Adult Amateur Jumper and the High
Adult Amateur Jumper at the same show.
Low Children’s Jumpers and Low Adult Amateur Jumpers may be combined if so stated in the prize list. High Children’s Jumpers and High Adult Amateur Jumpers may be combined if so stated in the prize list.
Members accruing points in the Low Children's Jumper division, the High Children's Jumper division, the Low Adult Amateur Jumper division and the High Adult Amateur Jumper division will be eligible for one combined CHJA year-end award.
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
A/O JUMPER
Note:
If all classes in a CHJA recognized division have at least three exhibitors compete
and complete the class, the division will offer a championship and reserve for
points. If there are fewer than three exhibitors completing any class, then
each class will stand on its own for points, however with no divisional
championship or reserve will be awarded.
Exception: If all classes in the CHJA Hunter Derby Division have at least four
exhibitors compete and complete the class, the division will offer a
championship and reserve for points. If there are fewer than four exhibitors
completing any class, then each class will stand on its own for points, however
with no divisional championship or reserve will be awarded.