Community Aid and Relief Equitation Challenge





AAHJA is very pleased to announce a new class for its 2011 show schedule.

The Community Aid and Relief Equitation Challenge, or CARE Challenge, will be a flat equitation class open to Junior and Amateur riders of all levels.  There will be two sections offered, the first for riders in Crossrail through Green Rider Divisions, (riders must be able to canter in a group), and the second for riders in the divisions above Green Rider.  Class placement in the day’s show schedule will be determined by show managers, though it is expected that the classes will run close to the division groups.  All riders in these classes will compete at the walk, trot and canter:  top riders will be asked to perform equitation tests appropriate for the section.  (See AAHJA list of Appropriate Equitation Tests.)  Points will be kept for qualification for a Finals CARE Challenge to be held at the AAHJA Finals in October.

Exciting as this is, we are most excited about the Aid and Relief aspect of the class.  As many of you know, our community has several groups that AAHJA has supported with charitable donations throughout the years.  These groups have continuing need, and we would like to support them as much as possible.  Proceeds from the CARE Challenge will be pooled into a special fund that we will be able to draw from to support our friends.  There will be a suggested entry fee for the class, $15, though riders and their families will be encouraged to set their own fee.  Riders can donate more or less than the suggested entry fee at any show.  In addition, there will be a donations jar at each show so that family members and spectators can add to the CARE Challenge proceeds.  

Prizes for the class will be special ribbons provided by AAHJA.  We encourage all show managers to include this new and exciting class in their schedules, and we encourage all riders to brush up on their tests and be ready for the CARE Challenge!