OHJA Guidebook & Program Information
The OHJA has developed a set of guidelines, detailing class criteria for many of the Non-Recognized Equestrian Canada divisions as well as important information about horse showing in the Province of Ontario. This OHJA New Competitor GuideBook is designed to be used as a reference for class conditions and criteria for those unrecognized divisions such as Beginner Hunters, Low Hunters, Childrens Hunter Ponies, and several medals and equitation classes.This consolidation of criteria will ensure consistency throughout the year with regards to eligibility and testing requirements and will be a central reference point for judges, exhibitors, and show management, among others.
Have additional or specific questions about horse showing in Ontario? Email us at info@ohja.ca.
New to the OHJA?
Showing a non-recognized or miscellaneous division? See specs below:
Baby Green Hunter* Updated for 2024
Open to horses that have not competed in an EC sanctioned Gold or Silver competition (or equivalent) in any class requiring the entry to jump 2’9” or higher prior to January 1st of the current year. To maintain their Baby Green status, horses may not compete in any division in which the jumps exceed 2’9”. Jogging is not required.
Short Stirrup Hunter
This division is intended as an introduction to horse showing for children not ready for the regular pony and hunter divisions.
Open to Junior “C” riders. Riders are classified as Junior “C” until the end of the calendar year in which they turn twelve. Riders in this division may only cross enter into the Walk Trot and or “C” equitation on the flat classes. Riders may not show in any other classes that requires them to jump. Riders must enter and complete at least one over fences class in the division to be eligible to compete in the Under Saddle class.
Ponies or horses may enter. Suitability is a factor. Horses or ponies may show in other classes with a different rider.
This division will jump a course of hunter style jumps not to exceed two feet (2’). Jogging is at the discretion of show management. EC membership is required.
Beginner Children’s and Adult Hunter
This division is intended for new riders learning how to show a hunter.
A beginner hunter is a Junior or Adult rider who has NEVER won 6 first place ribbons over fences at an EC of USEF competition (Provincial competitions and Combined Training not to count). These wins are LIFETIME achievements. Schooling Non-Pro and Short Stirrup not to count.
Winning your way out – During a competitors first year of showing is this division, should they win 6 first place ribbons, they will be allowed to remain in the division to the end of that calendar year In any subsequent years of competition, should they fulfil the WIN factor, they must progress to another division at the next show.
Children’s and Adult Amateur rider designations are per EC rules, guidelines and limitations.
Courses are made of hunter style jumps and set at a height not to exceed two foot six inches. (2’6). Classes will be run per EC rules.
Riders and horses may cross enter to other divisions for which they are eligible. Showing in this division will affect a horse’s eligibility.
As entries warrant, Children’s and Adults may be combined. Jogging for soundness at the discretion of Show Management.
OHJA 2’6” Jr/Am Hunters
Open to all Junior and Adult Amateur rider designations as per EC rules, guidelines, and limitations.
Courses will be made up of hunter style jumps and set at a height not to exceed 2ft6”. To be shown over a course of at least eight (8) fences. Classes will be run per EC rules.
Horse/Rider combinations may not cross enter any division requiring them to jump higher than 2’9”. Showing in this division will affect a horse’s eligibility. Ribbons to 8th. No jogging required.
Entries must be an OHJA member. Points will be tracked for OHJA Year End Awards. For more information, please visit the OHJA Hunter Programs.
Check individual venue prize lists to see where this division will be offered. Participation will determine if this becomes a permanent program.
Low Children’s and Low Adult Hunters
This division is intended for riders who are learning how to show a hunter and are not yet ready for regular hunter divisions.
There is no time limit for showing in these divisions.
Open to all Children’s and Adult Amateur rider designations as per EC rules, guidelines, and limitations.
Courses will be made up of hunter style jumps and set at a height not to exceed 2.9”. Classes will be run per EC rules, guidelines, and limitations.
Riders may NOT cross enter at the same show into any Hunter Division with heights more than 2’9” or any Jumper classes with heights more than 1.0m. Riders may compete in equitation classes where the height does not exceed 3’. Showing in this division will affect a horse’s eligibility.
As entries warrant, Children’s and Adults may be combined. Jogging for soundness is at the discretion of Show Management.
