CHSA- Connecticut Horse Shows Association

FAQ - Challenge Trophies

Q. Hi, I have a question about challenge trophies. For the High Point Junior Hunt Seat Equitation trophy, is it the highest points in any one of the Equitation divisions, or the highest total points in all the equitation divisions? Thanks.

A. CHSA gives hunt seat equitation year-end awards for Under 12, 12-14 and 15-17.  When riders compete in an Open under 18 class or open under 15 - their points automatically go into the proper age group for the year-end awards.

The Lynch Challenge Trophy for high point Hunt Seat Equitation replaces the former (now retired by Tara Lynch) Michaels Trophy.  It was established for the hunt seat rider acquiring the most points in the following divisions: Under 12, 12-14 and 15-17 - because at that time those were the only junior hunt seat equitation classes - and there were 2 classes one flat and once fences. Children's Equitation and Junior Equitation do not count - for two reasons.  When the first challenge trophy was established these two (Children's & Junior) did not exist. Plus the fact that those are divisions with 3 classes in each (one flat, 2 fences), plus championship and reserve points for the two highest in each division.  For a championship to occur it is necessary to have 3 classes (one flat, 2 fences). The under 12, 12-14 & 15-17 have only two individual classes (flat & fences) with no championship points.  Adding in the Children's & Junior division points would certainly give those juniors an unfair advantage. 

FAQ

Q. I am curious, do trainer's have to be present at a show.  Say if a trainer can't make it, but the child needs the points and shouldn't miss a show can they still attend without their trainer?

A. There is no rule that says a trainer has to be present in order for a rider to compete in a show.  Most shows, on their  entry forms ask for signatures of the competitor or parent (if under 18), owner and trainer to be sure that these folks have read the 'hold harmless' agreement (small print) regarding the show's liability.  But it isn't necessary for at trainer to be present.

FAQ - Question from CHSA Member

Q. I was curious to know, because it was my understanding that people could not go back to Pre-Children's once doing Children's Eq. or go from Children's Eq. back to short stirrup for that matter, if that was true. 

Can people cross enter and go backwards divisions at lower heights after showing at a 2'6" level for most of the year? 

A. You have asked some very good questions. The way the rules are written;

People can show both divisions - but not at the same show.  The Pre-Children's Hunter was really put in as a stepping stone from Short Stirrup - especially for those riders who were showing HORSES.   Short Stirrup Hunter is only 18", regardless of whether showing a horse or pony.  In Children's Hunter, the small and medium pony heights are only 2' and the large ponies are 2'6.  If you show a HORSE in Children's Hunter the height is 3'.  As you can tell - there is a large gap between 18" and 36" (3').  Hence Pre-Children's Hunter at 2' was developed as an intermediate level.

Pre-Children's Hunter at 2' (page 52 in the rule book) states that the same horse/pony & rider may not cross enter into Children's Hunter Pony, Pony Hunters or any class where fences exceed 2'6" AT THE SAME SHOW.

Children's Equitation (page 46) is for juniors who have never shown over a course where fences exceed 3', and they may not enter into any division where fences exceed 3'.  Fence heights are 2' for small and medium ponies and 2'6" for large ponies and horses.  Again, these heights are a lot closer to the Short Stirrup Equitation at 18". Usually most juniors go from Short Stirrup Hunter to Pre-Children's Hunter, and as talent permits to Children's Hunter.  Once in a while a rider will try the Children's Hunter and decide that they left out a step - and go back. 

Usually, once they go up, they continue to show at the higher height. Once a rider has jumped over 18" they may NOT go back to Short Stirrup.

More Questions from CHSA Members:

Q. My daughter needs 6 more points to qualify for the Walk Trot year end award, as she will have 50 points.  Once she qualifys for Walk/Trott can she enter the childrens pleasure pony classes in the next show also?

A. You raised an excellent question about your daughter moving up in the competition arena.  In answer to your question:  CHSA rules state that Walk, Trot riders may not compete in any class requiring a canter.

Once your daugther obtains her Walk, Trot Year-end Award level, she may move on to Children's Pleasure Pony (which includes cantering) - at the next show.  She may not show in both the Walk, Trot division and Children's Pleasure Pony division at the same show.

It is only fair, as some would wonder why a rider capable of cantering in company was competing against riders only able to compete safely at the walk and trot.  Remember, once she canters in a show she may not go back to Walk, Trot.  However, there are many opportunities open to her once she is able to canter safely in company.

Frequently Asked Questions

A new feature of the CHSA website is our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) category.  We receive a lot of email at CHSA Online and we will publish here some of the more general questions and answers to share with the rest of the CHSA membership.  Special thanks to George Jensen, CHSA Membership & Points Guru and Cynthia Jensen, President of CHSA for most of these answers.

Q.  Do you combine the Walk Trot Equitation and Walk Trot Equitation Championship points for the total 50 or does my daughter need 50 in each division?

A.  For year end awards, you do combine the regular equitation class and the championship points to get your total points. The same is true for the pleasure classes

Q If two people qualify a pony for Walk Trot Pleasure (50 points for one and 50 points from another) - do both riders get a year end ribbon?

A. For two different people riding the same pony: in pleasure and hunter classes it is the horse that get the point, not the rider. the horse or pony may be ridden even by a non member and accrue points. It is only in equitation classes that the rider accrues points.

Q Do you combine the Walk Trot Pleasure points and the Walk Trot Pleasure Championship points to a single award?

A. . You are right that for lead line 20 points is needed to qualify for a year end award.  Lead line is an equitation class so that it is the rider that gets the points.