ANNUAL AWARDS

The Association shall award Championships, Reserve Championships and ribbons through sixth place each year at the annual awards banquet in each of the preceding sections.

MISSISSIPPI HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION MEDAL – Open to junior and adult amateur members of the MHJA. Application for membership must be made and membership fee paid before entering the class. Class requirements are the same as for the USAE Hunter Seat Medal Class except that only three riders must enter and complete the course. Hunter type fences are to be used. Riders may continue to compete after winning a medal. Tests 1 to 19. Fences 3’.

MISSISSIPPI HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION PONY MEDAL – Open to junior riders on ponies who are members of the MHJA. Cross entering into the MHJA Medal Class at the same show is prohibited. Class requirements are the same as for the USAE Pony Equitation Class except that only three riders must enter and complete the course. Riders may continue to compete after winning a medal. Tests 1 to 9. Fences 2’3” for small ponies, 2’6” for medium and 3” for large ponies.

MHJA MEDAL FINALS – All riders receiving points in the MHJA Pony or Horse Medal classes during the show year shall be considered eligible for entry into the Medal Final classes. Eight entries shall be accepted in the finals class in descending order according to points earned. A rider may not compete in the pony and horse Medal Final class in the same year. Class requirements will be the same as the Horse and Pony Medal classes. No Entry Fee will be charged.

ANNUAL TROPHIES

In addition to points earned according to the following specifications, points earned in equitation classes and medal classes will be counted. Permanent trophies are kept by the winner until the end of the show year when they are returned to the Association for presentation to the next winner.

The C.B. Rutledge Memorial Trophy is given to the Pony Hunter rider accumulating the most points annually in all MHJA rated divisions, except Classics and Jumper Classes, while riding a pony.

The John H. Bianchi Memorial Trophy is given to the Children’s Hunter rider accumulating the most points annually in all MHJA rated divisions, except Classics and Jumper Classes, in which the fence height does not exceed 3”.

The James N. McLeod Memorial Trophy is given to the Junior Hunter rider accumulating the most points annually in all MHJA rated divisions, except Classics and Jumper Classes, in which the fence height is 3’3” or higher.

The Kurt Allen Baskin Memorial Trophy is given to the Amateur Hunter rider accumulating the most points annually in all MHJA rated divisions, except Classics and Jumper Classes.

The Annie Laurie and Robert M. Hearin Sportsmanship Award is given bi-annually to a member of the MHJA who best exemplifies the qualities of good sportsmanship. Some characteristics to be considered may include: fairness, attitude, helpfulness to others, care of animals, service to the Association and dedication to the sport of riding and showing horses. Three members of the Association in good standing shall be required to complete the official nomination form. Members may nominate only one person each year. Nominations shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors no later than the last board meeting preceding the annual awards banquet. (The MHJA Board meets the second Tuesday of each month). Election shall be at the meeting by MHJA members in good standing.

The Laurie McRee Equestrian of the Year is given bi-annually to a member of the MHJA whose year-long performance has demonstrated outstanding horsemanship and has contributed to the overall improvement of the hunter/jumper equestrian discipline. Three members in good standing of the Association shall be required to complete the official nomination form. Members may nominate only one person each year. Nominations shall be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors no later than the last board meeting preceding the annual awards banquet. (The MHJA Board meets the second Tuesday of each month). Election shall be at the meeting by MHJA members in good standing.