VHSA News

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The Special Events Mounted Clinic
The VHSA Special Events Committee is pleased to announce there will be a Scott Hofstetter Hunter and Hunter Seat Equitation Mounted Clinic held on August 12, 2008 at the Virginia Horse Center in conjunction with the Lexington-National Horse Show.  This Clinic is a great opportunity for riders to enhance their performance at the VHSA Medal Finals which will be held later in the week.  For more information as well as Rider and Auditor Registration Forms, please click on the following link:  Hofstetter Mounted Clinic 

2008 VHSA-EMO Insurance Agency Pony Medal Finals
The 2008 VHSA-EMO Insurance Agency Pony Medal Finals were held on Sunday, June 15th at the Loudoun Benefit Horse Show.  Thanks to all who participated in the VHSA Medal Finals. 
A round of applause goes to all of the Pony Medal Final Exhibitors who had deal with the rain and muck and handled it all with grace.  

Congratulations to the following individuals:

Champion - Nora Jodrey of Bethesda, MD, trained by Miranda Scott
Reserve Champion - Savannah Jenkins of Virginia Beach, VA, trained by Peg Seals

3rd Place - Sydney Paige Ellis of Mechanicsville, VA, trained by Teddi Ismond Harpman
4th Place - Peyton Smith of Ordinary, VA, trained by Jackie Lee
5th Place - Lauren Rockwell of Clear Brook, VA, trained by Pam Baker
6th Place - Marilyn Orcutt of Mechanicsville, VA, trained by Teddi Ismond Harpman
7th Place - Courtney Millian of McLean, VA
8th Place - Kaitlin Sissler of Charlestown, WV, trained by Peter FoleyCONGRATULATIONS!

We would also like to thank Ms. Beth Johnson who graciously helped the VHSA Representatives both on Saturday and Sunday, Mrs. E. Sue Bopp for presenting the Awards on 
Sunday and also Miss Anna Rossi for her help with the presentation as well.


2008 VHSA Medal Finals
We are extremely pleased to announce that the 2008 VHSA Medals are sponsored by the EMO Insurance Agency.  We thank them for their kind sponsorship.

Effective immediately for the 2008 Show Season - in order for a VHSA Medal Class to count, there must be at least three (3) exhibitors entered and three (3) exhibitors must complete the required course in order for that VHSA Medal Class to count.  The VHSA Medal Classes are only opened to VHSA Regular Members. 

The VHSA-EMO Insurance Agency Medal Finals for the Children's Medal, Adult Medal, Hunter Seat Medal, and the Equitation on the Flat will be held at the Lexington-National Horse Show in August.  In order to qualify for the VHSA Pony Finals, an exhibitor must have accrued two Blues or at least a specific amount of points.  The exact number of points for qualifying are:  VHSA Children's Medal - 130 points; VHSA Adult Medal - 90 points; VHSA Hunter Seat Medal - 50 points; VHSA Championship on the Flat - 50 points.

The Memo with all of the details for the Medal Finals as well as the Profile Sheet, Entry Form & Announcer's Sheet have been mailed to all members who are qualified for the 2008 VHSA-Emo Insurance Agency Medal Finals.  These forms can also be printed by clicking on the following link:  VHSA Medal Forms   Please note that the forms can be mailed to the VHSA office as long as they are put in the mail no later than August 8th.  After that date, please bring the completed forms and entry fee with you to the Lexington-National Horse Show.  A VHSA Representative will be on the show grounds beginning on Thursday, August 14th after 2:00 p.m.  In order for your "Bio-Sheet" and photo to appear in the VHSA Medal Finals Booklet, the completed Bio-Sheet and photo must be received in the VHSA office no later than July 25, 2008.  

2008 USHJA Tadd Coffin Zone III Junior Equitation Finals - Qualifying Criteria
Open to junior members of the USHJA who reside in Zone III.  Qualifying shall be by winning any one of the Zone III state equitation medals or by winning the USEF Medal, ASPCA Maclay or WIHS Medal Class held in Zone III.  Classes shall be divided by height.  There will be two height sections; three feet (3') and three feet, six inches (3'6").  The three foot section is limited to riders who have not competed three or more times in any division or class at 3'6" or higher.  The course for the finals shall consist of at least ten jumping efforts with at least one combination and two changes of direction.  The top twelve (12) riders from both divisions combined will be invited to return for a flat phase.  Additional testing over fences will be required of the top four (4) riders.  Qualifying period shall be from September 1, 2007 until August 18, 2008.  Classes may be split at the discretion of the committee.  This year's event will be the biggest one so far with more prizes given thanks to the additional sponsorship.

Clinic To Be Held at Stone Bridge Farm LLC
Stone Bridge Farm LLC is pleased to announce a Clinic with Olympic Course Designer Linda Allen and 2007 USEF/Pessoa Medal Finals Judge - Julie Winkel.  This Clinic will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:00 p.m.  This clinic will give riders, trainers, course designers and others an opportunity to spend a day with two highly respected clinicians – course designer Linda Allen and USEF “R” Judge Julie Winkel – to learn how to more effectively analyze and ride equitation and hunter courses.

In the morning session, Linda Allen will discuss the questions and challenges posed by different typeso f courses and jumps.  This session will include a course walk with the designer of both a jumper type equitation course and a hunter course, followed by the judge’s perspective on what she will be looking for from horses and riders on each course.

In the afternoon session, demonstration riders will ride the equitation and hunter courses.  Julie Winkel will critique each, discussing the strenghts and weaknesses of their ride and how their decisions on the technical elements of the course affected their performance.

Advance Registration: $75   ~   Registration at the door:   $85

For more information on this Clinic, please contact Stone Bridge Farm - Natural Bridge, VA at (540) 291-1000 or visit their website (www.stonebridgefarm.net) for more information as well
as the Registration Forms.

This Clinic is sponsored by the United States Hunter Jumper Association  *  Virginia Horse Shows Association   *   Southern States and All Tech

The VHSA Newsletter
The VHSA Newsletter is now featured on line on our website.  This allows for a larger publication with colored photos and advertisements.  Also, the information is available sooner to our members.  Please click the following link to pull up the July Issue of the VHSA Newsletter. 

The 2008 Point System for "A", "B" and "C" Rated Horse Shows
Unfortunately, the new software program that we were  trying to use so that we could implement the "new increment point system" cannot be used.  We will have to use the old software program and revert back to the old point system.  We apologize for this and know how disappointed our members will be, but feel that if we do not revert back to the old system we will not be able to update the points accurately or in a timely manner by using the new system that did not live up to it's potential.  We have been working nights and weekends to enter the show results (once again) into the old system and will update the show points as soon as possible. 

2008 Associate Pony Jump Heights
Effective immediately, the new pony jump heights for the VHSA Associate Program are as follows:

Small-Medium Pony:  The height for this division shall be no lower than Small 2', Medium 2'3". 

Large Pony:  The height for this division shall be no lower than 2'6". 

Green Pony:  The height for this division shall be no lower than Small 2', Medium 2'3", Large 2'6". 

Pony Equitation Class:  The heights for this class shall be no lower than small 2', medium 2'3", and large 2' 6".  

Three Year Old Hunter Division
The jump height for the VHSA Three Year Old Hunter Division will be 2'9" (not 3'0").  Any Three Year Old Hunter Division that is combined with the Four Year Old Hunter Division at a horse show will count, as long as the Three Year Olds jump the 2'9" required height.   The VHSA does not currently recognize Four Year Old Hunters as a Year-End Awards Division.

Teresa Ramsay Photography
Teresa Ramsay now has a website where exhibitors can view photos as well as order photos directly from her.  The website is teresaramsayphotography.com   

The VHSA Associate Hunter Short Stirrup Division
The Virginia Horse Shows Association's Associate Program will include the VHSA Associate Hunter Short Stirrup
Division as a Year-End High Score Award.  The following are the specifications for this High Score Award Division:   
Rule 28, Section 1, (j) Short Stirrup.   Open to horses and ponies ridden by children 12 years and under, however, 
shows may specify a lower age limit, i.e., 10 years and under.  The division will consist of three (3) classes, two over 
fence classes and a walk, trot, canter under saddle class.  Short Stirrup riders, ponies and horses may not cross 
enter into any other VHSA Associate Division with the exception of Pleasure Pony or Pleasure Horse at any show 
in which they exhibit in the Short Stirrup Division.    Short Stirrup riders, ponies and horses may, however, cross enter 
into any non-recognized VHSA Divisions.  Short Stirrup riders will be limited to no more than two (2) entries in the Short 
Stirrup Division at any one horse show.  The jump height for this division shall be decided by individual horse shows, but 
should be no lower than 18" and no higher than 2" with a minimum of four (4) jumps.  The Short Stirrup division cannot be 
combined with any other VHSA Associate High Score Award Division.   At the year-end Championship show Short Stirrup 
riders may only cross enter into the Pleasure Horse or Pleasure Pony Division.  At the year-end Championship show Short 
Stirrup ponies and horses may only cross enter into the Pleasure Horse, Pleasure Pony and any non-point division, 
i.e., Special Hunters.  At the VHSA Associate Championship Horse Show the Short Stirrup Division will be split nine (9) years 
and under and ten to twelve (10-12) years old (show age).  At the VHSA Associate Championship show the jump height will 
be approximately 18" and may include changes of direction.

The Barbara Meegan Young Rider Award
In recognition of Barbara's support of the Associate Program and her many years of being involved with young riders the Barbara 
Meegan Young Rider Award was established and will be awarded each year to a deserving person in her honor.  The following is 
the criteria for this prestigious award:

1.   The rider must be in their first year of completion in the VHSA Associate Program and have completed in Hunter or Equitation Divisions.

2.   The rider must have exhibited primarily in the Associate Program, but may have competed in divisions at USEF rated shows, with 
      the exclusion of Regular Hunter, Working Hunter, Junior Hunters, Amateur Owner and Confirmation Hunter Classes.  (Limited showing 
      to divisions such as:  Short Stirrup, Maiden Equitation, Local Classes- mostly Unrated Divisions)

3.   Riders are to be nominated by their trainers.

4.   The recipient will be selected at the year-end VHSA Associate Championship Show.

5.   Points of consideration will be as follows:
      a)  Points accumulated in the VHSA Associate Program
      b)  Performance at the Year End Show
      c)  Conduct and sportsmanship at the Associate Championship Show

6.   The recipient will receive a ribbon at the show and the trophy at the VHSA Banquet.

VHSA Scholarships
The VHSA is accepting nominations for the Michael Lenehan Memorial College Scholarship.  Mrs. Louisa Lenehan donates $1,000 College 
Scholarship in memory of Michael Lenehan.  This scholarship is awarded to a high school senior on the basis of need, scholastic record and 
participation in the VHSA.  The individual must be a high school senior for the 2008/2009 school year.  This Scholarship is presented at the 
VHSA Awards Luncheon which is always held the first Sunday in December.   

The VHSA is also accepting nominations for the Allie Miller Memorial Riding Scholarship.  This $1,000 scholarship is donated from the VHSA 
Foundation and Allie Miller's Family in honor of her memory. It is given to a junior rider on the basis of need, ability and desire, and is to be used
for riding instructions with a professional trainer. Selection is made by a committee from nominations sent to the office by the VHSA membership.   
This Scholarship is presented at the VHSA Awards Luncheon which is always held the first Sunday in December.

Send all nominating letters by October 15, 2008, to the VHSA office at 32 Ashby Street, Suite 204, Warrenton, Virginia 20186.  Please call 
the VHSA office with any questions (540-349-0910)

VHSA Year-End Nominations
The VHSA is accepting nominations for the 2008 Horse Show of the Year, Horseperson of the Year and the Junior Exhibitor of the Year.  Please 
submit the name of the person/show you would like to nominate with a brief explanation as to why you feel that this person/show  is deserving of 
this award.  Your name and membership number must also be included.  Please note that both Junior and Senior Regular members are allowed
to nominate a VHSA Regular Horse Show for the Horse Show of the Year.  However, only a Senior Regular member can nominate a Regular 
Senior member for the Horseperson of the Year and only a Junior Regular member can nominate a Junior for the Junior Exhibitor of the Year. 
Previous winners of the Horseperson of the Year can be nominated again.  However, previous winners of the Junior of the Year can 
not be nominated again.  All nominations must be in the VHSA office no later than October 15, 2008.  

2008 VHSA Board of Directors

DEADLINE TO REPORT POINT DISCREPANCIES
Regular Program:  Exhibitors have until October 31, 2008 to dispute any point discrepancies as posted.

Associate Program:  It is up to the exhibitor to rectify any point discrepancies through May 31st by July 31st, or the points prior to
 May 31st will stand as is.  It is also up to the exhibitor to rectify any point discrepancies by October 31st, or the points after May 31st  
and prior to October 31st will stand as is.

All points are final as of November 30th of each year for both Programs.

Please check your points carefully throughout the year and notify the office as soon as possible if you have questions - please encourage 
others to do the same!  Thank you!

2008 MEMBERSHIPS
The 2007 VHSA memberships expired November 30, 2007.   The 2008 membership year began on December 1, 2007, and runs to November 30, 2008. Regular Senior Membership Dues are $40, Regular Junior Membership Dues are $30 (Regular membership - accrue points at both rated horse shows & Associate horse shows). Associate Senior Membership Dues are $25, Associate Junior Membership Dues are $20 (Associate membership - accrue points at local schooling shows only). Horse Recording fees are $35.  HORSE RECORDINGS ARE LIFETIME.  The Membership Form and the Horse Recording Form can be downloaded from this website.  VHSA Membership Application  or  VHSA Horse Recording Application

POINTS TRACKING SHEET
In order for us to help you, please keep track of your points for each of your horses/ponies. If there is a discrepancy with your points, please send a copy of the Points Tracking Sheet to the VHSA office for verification. Points Tracking Sheets can be printed from this website by clicking on this link:  Point Tracking Sheet.  If you have any problems
with printing the form from our site, please contact the VHSA office.

VHSA RATED (REGULAR) POINTS SYSTEM

Hunter, Jumper Point System, Non-Hunter Points and Breeding Points* (Rated Shows):
Jumper points are based on money won, with the exception of the Children's Jumper and Adult Jumper which the points are listed below: 

*VHSA Breeding Points for less than three (3) entries:

If any of these entries become overall Champion or Reserve Champion (i.e., Best Young Horse) then the Champion will receive 60 points and the Reserve Champion will receive 36 points for "A" shows, etc. The Champion or Reserve Champion who was in a class with less than three entries will now receive full points (i.e., 30-1st, 25-2nd, etc.) For that class instead of just the one or two points that they would have received if they did not become the Champion or Reserve Champion.

VHSA Medal Points:

For Championship Points - Double what the 1^st place received (i.e., "A" 3-8 1^st rec. 30 pts, then they would receive 60 points for being Champion)
For Reserve Championship Points - 1.2 times total of what the 1^st Place receives in the 1^st class of the division. (i.e., 30 pts x 1.2 = 36 points for Reserve Champion)

Associate Program (Schooling Shows)