Education and Opportunity Programs

This committee is responsible for implementing and managing a number of programs that are integral to the SNHSA organization. Please be aware that in addition to the general eligibility requirements and rules stated below, all programs follow SNHSA’s rules and bylaws.

USHJA Affiliate Association

SNHSA is an Affiliate Associate of USHJA. Through this membership, SNHSA is supported with quality educational and competitive programs aimed at developing cohesion among the various tiers of the hunter/jumper industry for the benefit of our sport.

USHJA Outreach Program

USHJA offers Outreach Program members opportunities to earn year-end awards as well as opportunity to enter the National Championship competition. Beginning in the early 2022 show season, SNHSA became a participating organization in the Program. Read more about the Outreach Program below.

USHJA National Championship Invitation

Each year, USHJA Affiliate organizations are invited to select three riders for each Affiliate section of the USHJA National Championships that will take place Nov. 13-19, 2023, during The Las Vegas National, CSI4*-W, at the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. Riders and horses from across the nation will be competing during the national competition. As an Affiliate organization, SNHSA is able to participate in this amazing opportunity that might not otherwise be available.

With 16 Affiliate sections offered this year, SNHSA will choose its most qualified horse and rider combinations for each division.

The Championships will include the USHJA Affiliate Championships for Junior and Adult Amateur riders in 3 disciplines and 16 sections, along with many other National Hunter and Jumper Championships. Three rider/horse combinations will be chosen for each section. In order of preference, the #1 rider is guaranteed a spot in the section competition. Riders #2 and #3 are not guaranteed entry as only 30 entries are accepted per section.

SNHSA is seeking scholarship support from sponsors to assist riders in attending the national competition. Please see the information on the Sponsorship Page regarding ways your support can help riders attend this prestigious event.

Equitation Excellence Awards

SNHSA promotes “Excellence in Equitation” by recognizing the accomplishment of riders competing at SNHSA sanctioned competitions. SNHSA/USHJA Equitation Awards are given to the top six junior and amateur riders based on their cumulative competition-year points earned in SNSHA-sanctioned equitation divisions.

In order for competition-year points to count for this award, junior and amateur riders must be a member of SNHSA in good standing.

Junior and adult amateur riders must be present at the Year-End Awards event in order to receive their awards.

Member Benefits Program

The Member Education & Opportunities Committee supports the Vision, Mission, Sportsman’s Charter and Core Values of Sierra Nevada Horse Show Association, as adopted from United States Equestrian. Amateurs, Amateur/Owners, Juniors and Advocate members are an integral part of this committee and its associated programs. Our goal is to educate the equestrian community and support grassroots efforts to elevate our support for generations to come.

The Member Benefits Program offers several educational clinics for the 2023 season. See the current season's programs below.