USEF/USHJA ZONE 12

The Zone 12 Horsemanship Challenge is a competition in all-around horsemanship. It rewards junior riders with the know-how to care for their horses, not just the rider with the fanciest mount. To win, entrants must not only ride well but do well on a written quiz and demonstrate practical skills such as wrapping a horse's legs.

The 2009 Challenge will be held Sunday, September 6, 2009, at the William Clark Chamberlin Equestrian Center in Anchorage. Riders will compete in two rounds over fences and a flat class, which will be judged by USEF Judge Fran Dotoli, as well as in a written quiz and the practical exam. Divisions will be offered at 2'3" and 2'9", plus crossrails. (See the registration form for further details.) Competitors will have fun and come home stuffed with knowledge.

Zone 12 Horsemanship Challenge Coordinator Kerri Geppert will use the "D" Level U.S. Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship as the study guide for the 2009 Challenge. This book, which is more basic than the "C" Level previously used for the Horsemanship Challenge, will be her source for the written quiz and practical test items. The Pony Club "D" Manual is available at bookstores or online. Here are some hints on the type of question that might be asked in the written quiz and the practical exam.

Zone 12's annual Challenge is open to all juniors, not just Zone 12 members. Zone 12 invites all ASH members, Pony Clubbers, and 4-H riders to show us what you've learned!