My trainer said I could start trying to qualify for the Marshall and Sterling 2’6" Children’s medal. I have been researching it, but I do not know how it works. I know that you receive points in your division up to sixth place in certain individual shows, but do only the top riders point wise go to the finals, or is there and unlimited number of spaces in my division? If so, how many points would I need to qualify? I don’t see my trainer until tomorrow, so I just wanted to get some knowledge on the subject. Any other information is always helpful, but I already know about the website. Thank you!
Step 1 is to register with M&S (if you have not already done so) so you can start accruing points. There is a set amount of riders that are accepted into each class or division. As per the website, they will take 40 riders into the 2’6 Children’s Medal final. This past year, it looks like there were over 260 riders registered with some points in that class. Not all of them will want to go to finals or will be able to attend. So let’s say of the top 40 riders, 10 decline going to finals, then a rider ranked 50th can get in. If all of the top 40 choose to go, no luck for others ranked below 40th. Just like other year end finals, the amount of points you need to get in varies each year. It really depends on how many riders are going after points in the class & trying to qualify. Hope this helps! Good luck!!
The M&S children’s medal is based on the top 40 riders who send their entries in by certain date. It doesn’t seem to hard to get in this year. If you showed a few times and got some good points. But it may catch on and become competitive next year because its a fun goal for a 2.6ft rider. Before this final, a 2.6ft rider really had nothing to try for as a year end final goal. It was always 3ft finals. I am probably going for the 2.6ft adult medal. My horse is really green and I am not sure I am ready, but I am going to give it a try because it seems fun and I am hoping it will be a good stepping stone to the 3ft adult medal finals stuff eventually. Try to start earning points now so you don’t have to chase points next year. I think it might get more competitive as the class catches on! Good luck!
Pretty much everything you’re asking can be found on the website.
http://www.hitsshows.com/marshallsterling/riderstrainers.html
HOW DO EXHIBITORS QUALIFY FOR THE FINALS?
Hunters and Jumpers: Horses will qualify based on points earned in their division during the qualifying period. A horse’s points will be recorded only if the rider of record is a current League member. A horse may accrue points in any division for which it is eligible, and may accrue points in multiple divisions, with multiple riders, provided the rider of record is a current League member.
Equitation: Points follow the rider. Riders must be members in order for their points to count.
HOW ARE POINTS CALCULATED?
Points are awarded to the horse, provided the rider is a League member. Points will be awarded to sixth place in each division in the same manner as Hunter Championships (i.e.; 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, ½). Points will be awarded on this scale regardless of the number of entries in the class. Points will be awarded according to the ribbon won. Bonus Points will be awarded to the Champion (10 pts) and Reserve Champion (6 pts.) in each Hunter division (With the exception of the Bit O’ Straw Hunters). Only horses shown by Member Riders will have their points recorded.
Qualifying Criteria
Riders will qualify to compete in the Finals based on the year-end National Standings. The rider must be a member in order for points to count toward qualifying for the Finals. Three riders must complete the course in order for points to count. Points Awarded to the rider, provided the rider is a League member. Points will be awarded to sixth place in the same manner as Hunter Championships (i.e.; 10, 6, 4, 2, 1, ½). Points will be awarded on this scale regardless of the number of entries in the class.
http://www.hitsshows.com/marshallsterling/howmanyqualify.html
This is how many they’ll accept for 2013, it will probably be similar/the same for 2014. How many points you will need varies by year since it’s by the top riders.
