The World Champion Hunter Rider Program

The World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) awards have always been the pivotal awards program of the AHJF. These awards are presented, on both a national and regional level, to Pony, Junior, Amateur, Professional, Adult and Children's riders who accumulate the most points at WCHR designated horse shows throughout the year.

What is truly unique about this program is how shows are able to participate. Each year the members of the AHJF are presented with a voting ballot. Through this ballot, the members are asked to select shows which meet the highest standards. At the inception of this program we formulated a system-based on a clearly defined set of criteria-for designating horse shows to participate in the WCHR program. We have followed those criteria since the beginning of the program.

What is most unique about the WCHR program is its desire to value exhibitor participation. It is through this program, that exhibitors acknowledge the effort of show management to meet high show standards. The following is the list of criteria from which our members rate shows:

• All WCHR divisions are offered
• Good footing is maintained
• Appropriate schooling areas
• Ample exhibitor and spectator parking
• Attracts top competition
• Appropriate scheduling for rated hunter divisions
• Appropriate awards presentations
• Adequate ring size
• Top judges and officials
• Capable show staff
• Ample spectator seating
• Exhibitor hospitality
• Use of open numerical scoring
• Suitable stabling
• Audible announcements
• Appropriate housing and dining
• Show photographer
• Responsive to exhibitor feedback

WCHR AWARDS PROGRAM
Since its inception, the Professional WCHR title has been highly contested and is considered to be a great honor among top professional hunter riders. As reigning WCHR, Louise Serio, who also held the title in 2001, enjoys a year-long sponsorship program courtesy of Monarch International and Show Circuit Magazine and the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc.

WCHR NATIONAL AWARDS
The annual National WCHR program is an important part of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation.. Professional, Junior and Amateur Riders are invited to compete by qualifying through the WCHR National program throughout the year. A rider's top four WCHR shows count towards awards in five divisions: Professional, Junior, Amateur, Adult Amateur and Pony. These riders are then invited to compete directly against one another Challenge Classes at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD.

In the Professional Division the points from these three components combine to decide the top six riders who then ride off for the WCHR Professional title. Similar to a World Championship, the riders compete over a 3'6" course on each of the four horses. All riders must provide a horse for the class and ride that horse in the first round. With the exception of Pre-Green horses, all horses are eligible. The class will be judged on presentation of the horse and style of the rider. Class to be scored under the open numerical system by multiple teams of two judges. Each team will present one score and the scores averaged for a single round total. Each rider will compete in three rounds on three different horses over a course of eight to ten fences set at 3'6" and receive a score for each round. After three rounds the three best riders with the highest cumulative scores will advance to a fourth round on a horse they have not yet ridden. The fourth round will be a handy course where brilliance will be rewarded. The rider with the highest cumulative four round total will be the winner. In case of a tie for first place only, riders will ride the horse they provided in a ride off to determine the winner. Along with the trophies and money earned, the winner is also honored with a media sponsorship. The AHJF will follow the winning rider's show accomplishments with a media campaign.

WCHR REGIONAL AWARDS
The annual Regional WCHR program is also key to the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation.. Professional, Junior and Amateur Riders are invited to compete by qualifying through the WCHR regional program throughout the year. A rider's top four WCHR shows-from their designated region- count towards awards in six divisions: Professional, Junior, Amateur, Adult Amateur, Children's and Pony. Regional awards are supported and presented by area members for local year end ceremonies.