by Patti Schooley • photos: Andrew Ryback
IEHJA is an affiliate organization of USHJA and as such can nominate members to attend the championship show in Las Vegas. Riders selected through an affiliate organization recommendation do not have to pre-qualify for the show. Interested members must submit a detailed nomination form that is reviewed by the IEHJA board of directors. The board then selects nominees for each affiliate class and sends the recommendation to USHJA. USHJA automatically selects the number one nominee per class and then reviews the remaining applicants and selects any additional riders. The competition for affiliate class placement is region wide, with applicants coming from California, Arizona, and Nevada.
IEHJA is proud of every rider sent to the USHJA champion show. Shannon Archer and Madalyn Alva both competed in the 2022 show and are sharing their stories with Riding Magazine readers.
My Las Vegas Experience
by Shannon Archer
Trainer: Gretchen Clark, Showcase Training Stables
Horse: Twice the Charm “Tiny”
When I first heard about USHJA having affiliate classes in Las Vegas, my first thought was we aren’t at that level yet. That was in 2021. In 2022 my horse Tiny and I had some setbacks but still managed to make great progress. So, I filled out the nomination form and was chosen to represent IEHJA. Tiny and I had never been in a large indoor arena environment nor that big of a show. I went in thinking we will do our best to get around the courses and have a good experience.
Instead, we worked through some issues and every day we showed we had better and better rounds which led us to placing in some of our classes. I won second place in my Adult Affiliate Equitation Flat class out of fourteen riders. At the end of our showing Tiny and I walked away with a score of 50 for second place in the hunter rounds. It was the absolute highlight of the week ending on such a great note where I felt both of us were confident and Tiny was focused on his job.
My Las Vegas Experience
by Madalyn Alva
Trainer: Gretchen Clark, Showcase Training Stables
Horse: Check Me Out “Bodie”
Last year, Check Me Out (Bodie) owned by Kimberly Gerrard and I had the privilege of being chosen as one of the representatives from IEHJA to attend the 2022 Marshall & Sterling Insurance/ USHJA National Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I received the news, I was excited and knew that I needed to work even harder over the next few months to be ready to compete. Leading up to the championship, I worked with my trainer Gretchen Clark from Showcase Training Stables on improving my lead changes and posture. I was at the barn for many hours a week practicing and preparing for the show that I have been hoping and training for over the last year.
When we first arrived at the show grounds, I was very excited but extremely nervous and could not wait to compete. Once we finished unloading and making sure our horses were settled in, our Showcase team was able to watch other affiliate and professional riders. This provided me the opportunity to learn and understand mistakes and challenges that could happen when I would be competing. The experience was like nothing I had experienced before. I had the opportunity to walk alongside and watch some of the best riders in the nation.
My very first day of competition, I competed in two open classes for the Junior/Amateur 2’6” Equitation Over Fences and 2’6” Hunter Over Fences. I warmed up in the outside area and the butterflies started. Gretchen calmed me down and talked about how many strides I needed to make in the lines, she reminded me to breath and have a good ride. It was my turn to enter the arena, I took a deep breath and was able to complete my first round without any refusals or rails down. The butterflies were finally gone. I then entered the arena for my second round and again was able to complete it without any major mistakes. Although, Check Me Out and I did not place, I was happy with how the rounds went. We were ready for the next few days of competition.
Over the next few days, we competed in a total of seven classes where Check Me Out and I placed 9th out of 22 in the $500 USHJA Affiliate Hunter Over Fences. For my first time making it to USHJA Nationals I could not be prouder of what Check Me Out and I have accomplished this year. I know that we still have a lot to learn and hope to improve even more to be able to compete next year. This was a great learning experience. This provided me the opportunity to watch the other affiliates like myself, and professionals in the Hunter Derbies and Grand Prix’s. I am grateful for having the opportunity to represent IEHJA in the 2022 Marshall & Sterling Insurance/ USHJA National Championships.
Congratulations to both Shannon and Madalyn for their accomplishments at the USHJA championship show. As a reminder, the IEHJA nomination process starts in June. All members are encouraged to apply. Stay tuned to the IEHJA Instagram and Facebook accounts for more information.