Whitethorne Equitation Challenge

Competition Programs

Whitethorne Presents, The American Tradition Of Excellence Equitation Challenge

We’re delighted to be a part of the second annual American Tradition Of Excellence – Equitation Challenge, presented Whitethorne.

This three phase event will be held June 18-20, 2018 during Blenheim June Classic III in the Grand Prix Ring.

Watch video (below) and read about all the exciting details.

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Judges: Bernie Traurig & Geoff Teall
Technical Delegate: Karen Healey
Course Designer: Karen Healey
Mental Skills Coach: Tonya Johnston

ENTRY & ELIGIBILITY: Open to all Junior and Amateur riders; Riders who have won a National Equitation Final at 3’6” or greater are only eligible to audit; Entry Fee: $300 per person.

COURSES: Fences 3’3″

MANDATORY RIDER/TRAINER MEETING – TUESDAY, JUNE 19 AT 9:00AM

OPTIONAL WARM-UP – MONDAY, JUNE 18 AT 1:30PM:

Posted order; 90 seconds; Must jump designated course of fences 3’3”; 3 refusals eliminates rider – $75.00

PHASE ONE – DAY ONE (TUESDAY, JUNE 19 AT 10:30AM):

Over fences format using open numerical scoring system; two judges delivering one score; course to consist of Equitation Type Course using fences and track similar to a National Final with fences set at 3’3″. Judges are paired with a scribe who keeps track of Judges’ comments on a comment card which is to be given to competitor upon completion of Phase One.

Order of Go – Random Draw

PHASE TWO – DAY ONE (TUESDAY, JUNE 19 AT 5:30PM):

Mandatory participation by riders and trainers for an evening social & video presentation featuring: “Equitation – an American Tradition of Excellence” followed by a Q&A between the judges, trainers, and riders. Presentation by Mental Skills Coach, Tonya Johnston, also included. Location: The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel

PHASE THREE – DAY TWO (WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 AT 8:00AM):

All riders from Phase One who received a score of 60 or better invited to compete in Phase Three (second over fences round) – upon reverse order of score. Over fences format using open numerical scoring system; two Judges delivering one score. Course to consist of Equitation Type Course using fences and track similar to a National Final with fences set at 3’3″.

Judges are paired with a scribe who keeps track of Judges’ comments on a comment card which will be given to competitor upon completion of the Final Phase. Phase One and Phase Three (second over fences round) Scores added together for final score; Additional Testing of the Top 6; Work-off scored using a numerical scoring system, however not to be announced – only noted along with Judges’ comments on comment card.

PRESS CONFERENCE TO FOLLOW: All Work-off Riders & Judges required to attended – all invited.

AWARDS (Competition not to count towards USEF/USHJA HOTY points/awards):

– Cooler, Pewter, and Ribbons awarded 1st place through 12th

– $10,000 cash prize to winning trainer

– Butet Saddle to winner

– Butet Bridle to second place winner

– Butet Girth to third place winner

ADDITIONAL AWARDS: EquiFit Prizes to the Top 12