SAUGERTIES, NY (March 2, 2013) – HITS, Inc. is pleased to announce that the United Stated Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has selected HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York as the host site for the first-ever North Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championship. The event will run Wednesday through Saturday, September 4-7, 2013 and become part of HITS Championship Weekend, highlighting competition for children’s and adult amateur jumper riders during the world’s richest week in show jumping.

Each state in Zones 1, 2 and 5 will be represented in the regional championships by a team or teams of four horse/rider combinations, plus an alternate. The number of teams each state may field will depend upon the number of Children’s and Adult Jumper riders residing in that state.  The horse/rider combinations from each state will be selected according to points won at USEF licensed competitions. The Horse/Rider combination must be registered with USHJA by April 15, 2013 to be considered.

The Championship competition will be held over four days, with an off-day on the third day. An Individual qualifying class will be held on Day One, followed by the Team Competition on Day Two. The Team Competition will be held under the Nations Cup format, and will also serve as the second Individual qualifier. The final Individual Championship will take place on Day Four.

“With the addition of the USHJA Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper Championships, the final week of HITS Saugerties will truly offer something for everyone,” said Tom Struzzieri, president and CEO of HITS Horse Shows. “The weekend will offer a unique chance for riders at multiple levels to compete in Championship competition all at one venue. Finals-type competition for so many levels, all in one place and during the same weekend is hard to find.”

Struzzieri also acknowledges the importance of competitive finals for the development of the sport’s future. “The children’s and adult jumper riders of today are the Olympic and international riders of tomorrow. We are excited to work with the USHJA and hope that this new Championship helps to bolster the development of tomorrow’s stars," he said.

Riders interested in representing their state at the Regional Championship - North should view the rider application and review the USHJA specifications and qualifying criteria to determine eligibility. The completed application and $30 application fee is due to USHJA no later than April 15, 2013.

The HITS Saugerties Fall prize list will be mailed this spring, and will include the Children’s and Adult Amateur Jumper Regional Championships - North. The prize list will be mailed and available at HitsShows.com.