The OHJA Ultimate Hunter Challenge
The OHJA will present two Ultimate Hunter Challenges (Summer and Fall Edition) over the course of the show season. These classes are designed to encourage the development of young hunters in Ontario. The competition at each show is split by age (4/5 and 6/7) and will run in three phases- Model, Under Saddle and Over Fences. Scores in each phase will be pro-rated and combined to award a Champion and Reserve in each age group at each of the two Editions The Fall Edition includes an Overall Ultimate Hunter and a Leading Trainer award for each age group. Points from the Summer Edition will not count towards these awards.
Eligibility and Specifications:
- Open to horses 4,5,6,7 year olds competing in the Equine Canada Gold Rated Divisions or the Baby Green Division
- Horses must have competed in Ontario a minimum number of times in the current season to be eligible (2 times for Summer Edition, 4 times for Fall Edition). Host show can be used for eligibility providing horse shows in an appropriate division.
- Horses must compete in the Challenge at the height that corresponds with their current “green” status as per Equine Canada rules. This includes horses that are qualifying out of non-professional divisions (i.e. Children’s/Adult, Junior/Amateur). For example – a horse entering the Challenge that has been showing in the Adult Amateur division will jump in accordance with its current year green status (Pre Green, First Year etc).
- Both age sections will offer three heights: 2’9”, 3’0” and 3’6”. PreGreen High horses will be required to jump 3’0, and horses in their “Regular” and “Second” years will be required to jump 3’6”.
Age groups may be combined if there are less than 8 entries in one or both age groups. - There is no Registration Fee required but Registration forms to be completed by a cut-off date approximately 3 weeks prior to each Challenge. Registration forms available on the OHJA Website, and from OHJA Committee Members. If entry numbers warrant restriction, horses registered after cut-off date may be unable to compete.
- Registration must include a valid copy of horses papers for proof of age (Tattooed thoroughbreds without papers are eligible when a letter is provided from a vet confirming the tattoo number and corresponding year of birth). Papers may be randomly checked by a show vet and cross referenced with horses/ EC passports.
- All entries must have a valid current OHJA membership for both owner and rider. To be eligible for Trainer awards at the Fall Challenge, trainers must also have valid current OHJA memberships.
Ultimate Hunter Challenge Format:
OHJA $5,000 Ultimate Hunter Challenge Summer Edition
Two separate Challenges will be run and pinned, each with three phases of competition; one for 4/5 year olds and one for 6/7 year olds. Horses must have competed in Ontario in an Equine Canada Gold Rated Division or the Baby Green Division at least 2 times in the current season to be eligible. The OHJA will provide $2,500 of prize money for each section run as well as special ribbons and prizes. Groups may be combined if there are less than 8 entries in one or both of the age groups. If age groups are combined prize money will be based on a purse of $2500 for one challenge.
Phase I $ 250 Model (Paid $65,50,40,30,25,20,10,10)
Phase II $ 375 Under Saddle (Paid $100,85,65,45,35,25,10,10)
Phase III $1,875 Over Fences (Paid $500,380,300,225,190,150,65,65)
- Entry Fee $125 – individual phases may not be entered.
- Entries may be restricted if the number of entries warrant.
- All phases will be run under Equine Canada Rules. Horses will receive scores in model and under saddle phases. The over fences phase will be one round over a classic style course of more than 8 jumps. Open numerical scoring will be used.
New Format:
Those horses competing in the model and under saddle phases that place 8th or higher will be awarded a numeric score ranging from 50-100 at the judge’s discretion. Those horses that place 9th or lower will receive an automatic score of 50. It is up to the judge’s discretion if they feel that a horse placing 9th or lower deserves a score lower than 50 (ie in the event of a disobedience). Any horse that does not complete the class (ie doesn’t enter/finish the under saddle or the model) will receive a 0 for that phase.
Champion and Reserve of each section to be determined based on total score over three phases using ratio of: 65% Over Fences, 20% Under Saddle, 15% Model.
Pre-Registration required, please see Registration form for more information.
OHJA $10,000 Ultimate Hunter Challenge Fall Edition
Two separate Challenges will be run and pinned, each with three phases of competition; one for 4/5 year olds and one for 6/7year olds. Horses must have competed in Ontario in an Equine Canada Gold Rated Division or the Baby Green Division at least 4 times in the current season to be eligible The OHJA will provide $5,000 of prize money for each section run as well as special ribbons and prizes. Groups may be combined if there are less than 8 entries in one or both age groups. If age groups are combined prize money will be based on a purse of$5,000 for one challenge.
Phase 1 $ 500 Model (Paid $130, 100,80,65,50,35,20,20)
Phase 2 $750 Under Saddle (Paid $200,150,120,100,70,55,30,25)
Phase 3 $3,750 Over Fences (Paid $1125,850,650,450,275,200,100,100)
- Entry Fee $125 – individual phases may not be entered
- Entries may be restricted if number warrant.
- All phases will be run under EC rules. Horses will receive scores in model and under saddle phases. The over fences phase will be one round over a classic style course of more than 8 jumps. Open numerical scoring will be used.
New Format:
Those horses competing in the model and under saddle phases that place 8th or higher will be awarded a numeric score ranging from 50-100 at the judge’s discretion. Those horses that place 9th or lower will receive an automatic score of 50. It is up to the judge’s discretion if they feel that a horse placing 9th or lower deserves a score lower than 50 (ie in the event of a disobedience). Any horse that does not complete the class (ie doesn’t enter/finish the under saddle or the model) will receive a 0 for that phase.
Champion and Reserve of each section to be determined based on a total score over three phases using ratio of: 65% Over Fences, 20% Under Saddle, 15% Model.
“Ultimate Hunter Champion” to be awarded to horse with the highest total score over the three phrases of the Fall Edition.
“Leading Trainer Awards” to be awarded to the trainer of the Champion of each age section of the Fall Edition.
Pre-Registration required, please see Registration form for more information.
