Hi, I could really use some help. I am new to hunter/jumper and I wish to enter my pony in shows this Spring in Michigan (Mare, 14.1). Have NO IDEA which direction to go. Should I be entering shows through the “Michigan Hunter Jumper Association” or the “Hunter Jumper Association of Michigan”? What class? The person who will be showing my mare is rated as a “professional”. Does that mean we need to enter “A” shows versus “B” or “C”? She recommends we start at a lower level show if possible as this will be the first time my pony is shown, but we don’t know if her professional designation will prevent that. She wants to show her for the first time under 3’. Can anyone offer advice/direction? Thank you so much!
You should be showing (or if you are not riding, your pony should be shown) under the tutelage of a local professional who knows the drill. If your trainer is a “professional” he or she should know the distinction between the circuits and what shows/divisions to enter your pony in. It sounds like you need to find a barn that goes to shows at the entry level and join up with them.
MHJA is more of a local circuit and offers shows at various levels, or at least it did when I lived there. HJAM attracts more of an upper-level crowd. If neither you nor your pony has been to a show, it makes sense to look for something very local as a starting point. More fun, less pressure, and a better opportunity to learn
Thanks for taking the time to respond. The person who will be showing my mare is from the east coast and is not familiar with Michigan practices - we are trying to muddle our way thru all the information so that we can be sure we’re entering the right show, in the right class. I know it can be frustrating to deal with newbie questions, but I would be grateful if someone who’s familiar might be able to offer some guidance. Thank you!
Definitely MHJA. You want B, C, or local member shows. Michigan practices fall in line with USE practices, so you could look into their definitions as well to better understand the ratings system if neither of you are experienced in that regard.
Honestly anything that’s not an A show in MI is pretty chill. Being a professional will probably limit you to green horse classes or open adult classes, but you’d have to check a prize list to be sure. There’s tons available under 3’ generally, it just depends on if it requires amateur status.
Another good site is horseshowing.com - you can check some of the completed shows from barns in the area to get an idea of how the classes fill and sometimes there’s prize lists linked.
this is SO HELPFUL!! Thank you!!
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You have several circuits to choose from in Michigan , depending on where you are located may determine what your best option is , please feel free to PM me and I can give you the scoop on all the circuits , If your on the east side of the state you have a very nice unrated series of shows that runs 3 rings , If your on the west side we have another circuit that runs nice unrated shows with two rings and some that even have 1 day shows . many of the venues run unrated , as well as rated shows
Take your pony to some MHJA shows and your trainer can ride him in any of the open classes there, including the baby greens. Meadowview is extremely friendly and a fun place for a baby horse’s first outing. HJAM shows are rated so a pony needing a pro jockey will be a little more limited in terms of classes.
