Young Jumper Championships

MISSION

The Young Jumper Championships are designed to identify the most promising young show jumping prospects competing here in the United States. The program was developed in cooperation with the International Jumper Futurity and is open to IJF nominated horses as well as all other horses in certain age categories that have been recorded with the YJC. Proof of age in the form of breed registry papers, nomination certificates from the IJF, or other documentation is required for recording with the YJC and competing in YJC programs.

GOALS

• To provide encouragement and rewards for owners, breeders and riders interested in developing young horses to successfully represent our country at the highest levels of show jumping.
• To offer opportunities for up-and-coming grand prix jumpers to compete over suitable courses against their peers in the same arenas that host our major events.
• To reward those horsemen best able to recognize talent in the young horse, and to mold that raw talent into a confident and educated equine partner.
• To encourage both young and experienced horsemen to develop the ability to effectively manage the horse's training and competition schedule to produce lasting performance horses.

Click here for Young Jumper Championship Program Rules (PDF).

YOUNG HORSE NOMINATIONS

COMPETITIONS

Qualifying classes are hosted throughout the year at recognized USEF competitions. These classes for 5, 6 and 7/8-year-olds are designed to provide exposure and invaluable experience for the owners, breeders and riders of young horses to develop them from farm to Grand Prix. Click here to view the 2005 Eastern League Calendar or the 2005 Western League Calendar.

LEAGUE FINALS

East and West Coast League Finals are held in late August on both coasts. See program rules for complete details about the League Finals and the three-round format. The Eastern League Finals at the Hampton Classic invites the top 5, 6 and 7-year-olds, based on the YJC ranking system. The Western League Finals at Showpark All Seasons is open to all YJC recorded horses which have completed at least one qualifier during the current season. League Finals entries are made through the horse show office and verified by the YJC before they are accepted.