New for the 2019 competition year, the USHJA Platinum Jumper Championships are the highest level of the USHJA Emerging Jumper Rider Program. The Championships are open to qualified Junior, Amateur and Professionals, and offer team and individual competition at the 1.40/1.45m fence height.
"I learned about the Platinum program from a fellow young professional who told me about the program and the opportunity it afforded to young professionals or professionals with green horses, and I have a lot of young, up-and-coming horses myself so this program was a great opportunity for both of us," said Flury. "[The horses] are just now getting to the age where they can jump those [1.40m/1.45m] classes and it gave them an opportunity to do a Nations Cup format, which they would never have before."
"I really enjoyed the program as well as the opportunities and benefits it afforded not only me but also my horses. I think it's a great avenue for young professionals to gain experience to hopefully be upper level competitors," she concluded.
All Individual medalists will be designated as USHJA Show Jumping Platinum Athletes and will be invited to the Platinum Masters Training Session in 2020, which will provide the athletes an opportunity to participate in advanced workshops and training sessions with top national and international clinicians and industry specialists.
"I'm really excited that I am now going to get an invitation to the Platinum Masters Training Session I think it'll be a really good chance to learn a lot of things that will help farther my riding career for people who have already gotten to that point," said Hill. "I'm really fortunate to have gotten a spot."