Hunter Jumper Medal Finals
Showing in hunter jumper medal final classes can be a rewarding experience. It is one of my favorite types of horse show classes and in the next few paragraphs I will tell you why. But how do these classes work and how can you and your horse participate? A hunter jumper medal final is a class that you must qualify for. Usually, this is done by riding in a series of medal classes leading up to one big hunter jumper medal final. Often times medal classes are restricted to certain age groups such as children, adults or junior riders (only 17 and under). Sometimes pony medals are offered only to children who ride ponies. Many show associations offer hunter jumper medal finals in several of the rider categories described above.
Hunter jumper medal finals are always judged on the rider, her equitation (position on the horse) and how well she rides the horse. The horse is not judged directly, however, having a cooperative and talented partner always helps the rider do better! In fact, good, high level equitation horses are some of the most expensive and sought after horses in the hunter jumper world.
Hunter Jumper Medal Finals are offered in many states and regions. There are also several very prestigious national hunter jumper medal finals including the famous ASPCA Maclay Medal Final. Many national finals are offered only for junior riders, although medal finals for adults and children are increasingly more available. As mentioned above, you have to qualify for the medal final and you do this by earning points in the medal classes leading up to the final. Usually, a points value is assigned to each place you may win in the class. For example, 1st place might be worth 8 points ad 2nd place might be worth 6 points. If you need 12 points to qualify, a 1st and a second place or two 2nd place ribbons would provide enough points to qualify. Some medal final series also might require that you win at least one preliminary class to qualify for the hunter jumper medal final.
Most hunter jumper medal finals have multiple phases. One phase is often shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles which include one combination including, an oxer, and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first fence. The fence height varies by medal final. In national finals, fences might be 3’6” or higher in the junior divisions, but in regional finals, fence heights are lower. A certain numbers of riders may be called back by the judges to show on the flat at a walk, trot, and canter. In some cases the judge may ask the top riders to perform a test that involves a few jumps, changes of direction and change of gaits. In some medal finals, riders are asked to jump 2 courses. Medal final jump courses usually incorporate traits of both hunter and jumper courses.
Medal final riders, also called equitation riders, are always amateur riders, because the division is not open to professionals. This is because equitation competitions originated to help up and coming riders to improve their skills so they can become professional hunter or jumper riders. These days, many equitation riders are amateurs who do not aspire to become professionals and this is part of the reason that 3’ adult medal finals have become popular.
That explains what a hunter jumper medal final is and how it works, but what is so great about them? My opinion is that medal series are great because you can set a goal for yourself…to make it to the finals. Medal finals also challenge riders to use all of their skill since the rider is being judged, not the horse. Finally, local and regional finals are great for the average rider because it is possible to qualify for medal finals and be part of the special medal finals show without competing in large numbers of classes, which can get very expensive. Therefore, competing in medal finals can give riders a rewarding and educational experience without breaking the bank. Of course, to qualify for a national medal final the competition is much tougher and can be a much bigger commitment of time and money.
I have put some links for show associations that offer hunter jumper medal finals below. If you are interested in competing in a medal final and do not see a show series near you, it is helpful to ask a local trainer or instructor if there are medal finals their students compete in.
Hunter jumper medal finals are always judged on the rider, her equitation (position on the horse) and how well she rides the horse. The horse is not judged directly, however, having a cooperative and talented partner always helps the rider do better! In fact, good, high level equitation horses are some of the most expensive and sought after horses in the hunter jumper world.
Hunter Jumper Medal Finals are offered in many states and regions. There are also several very prestigious national hunter jumper medal finals including the famous ASPCA Maclay Medal Final. Many national finals are offered only for junior riders, although medal finals for adults and children are increasingly more available. As mentioned above, you have to qualify for the medal final and you do this by earning points in the medal classes leading up to the final. Usually, a points value is assigned to each place you may win in the class. For example, 1st place might be worth 8 points ad 2nd place might be worth 6 points. If you need 12 points to qualify, a 1st and a second place or two 2nd place ribbons would provide enough points to qualify. Some medal final series also might require that you win at least one preliminary class to qualify for the hunter jumper medal final.
Most hunter jumper medal finals have multiple phases. One phase is often shown over a course of not less than eight obstacles which include one combination including, an oxer, and two changes of direction (change of lead) after the first fence. The fence height varies by medal final. In national finals, fences might be 3’6” or higher in the junior divisions, but in regional finals, fence heights are lower. A certain numbers of riders may be called back by the judges to show on the flat at a walk, trot, and canter. In some cases the judge may ask the top riders to perform a test that involves a few jumps, changes of direction and change of gaits. In some medal finals, riders are asked to jump 2 courses. Medal final jump courses usually incorporate traits of both hunter and jumper courses.
Medal final riders, also called equitation riders, are always amateur riders, because the division is not open to professionals. This is because equitation competitions originated to help up and coming riders to improve their skills so they can become professional hunter or jumper riders. These days, many equitation riders are amateurs who do not aspire to become professionals and this is part of the reason that 3’ adult medal finals have become popular.
That explains what a hunter jumper medal final is and how it works, but what is so great about them? My opinion is that medal series are great because you can set a goal for yourself…to make it to the finals. Medal finals also challenge riders to use all of their skill since the rider is being judged, not the horse. Finally, local and regional finals are great for the average rider because it is possible to qualify for medal finals and be part of the special medal finals show without competing in large numbers of classes, which can get very expensive. Therefore, competing in medal finals can give riders a rewarding and educational experience without breaking the bank. Of course, to qualify for a national medal final the competition is much tougher and can be a much bigger commitment of time and money.
I have put some links for show associations that offer hunter jumper medal finals below. If you are interested in competing in a medal final and do not see a show series near you, it is helpful to ask a local trainer or instructor if there are medal finals their students compete in.
Links to Medal Finals
ASPCA Maclay Medal (National) Ariat National Adult Medal (National) Connecticut Hunter & Jumper Association (State/Regional) New Hampshire Hunter Jumper Association (State/Regional) Norcal Hunter Jumper Association (Northern California) New England Equitation Championship (Regional) USEF Medal (National) Maryland Horse Shows Association (State/Regional) Chester County Horse Show Association (Pennsylvania/Regional)
