Plan Your Equitation Showcation at Blenheim EquiSports

Avery Glynn earned the win in the American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge in 2021. Photo by McCool Photography

San Juan Capistrano, CA – From pony and children’s medals to the 3’3” and 3’6” junior equitation to various adult equitation competitions, Blenheim EquiSports offers the ideal equitation “showcation” for competitors of all ages. 

The bulk of summer and fall competition is about to kick off at Blenheim EquiSports at The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, CA, and beginning with the June Classic I, June 8-12, each week will offer more than 30 equitation medal classes and equitation divisions, in addition to prestigious featured events held throughout the season. 

A Tradition of Excellence at Blenheim EquiSports  

Highlighting the 2022 equitation line-up at Blenheim EquiSports is the return of many favorite finals and classes, including the popular and unique American Tradition of Excellence Equitation Challenge, presented by Whitethorne, LLC.

The three-phase class, and optional warm-up, will be held June 20-22 during the June Classic III. On Tuesday, June 21, riders will contest Phase One, jumping a 3’3” equitation style course in front of judges Mark Jungherr and Ken Smith. Unique to the class, riders each receive comment cards from the judges, giving them the opportunity to learn and improve before returning for the final phase. From there, riders will head to the official host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, for the unique second phase of the class. During the mandatory evening Phase Two session, riders will participate in a Q&A with the judges and trainers, as well as a presentation from mental skills coach, Tonya Johnston. 

On Wednesday, June 22, riders will return to the Oaks International Grand Prix Field to complete Phase Three, again jumping a 3’3” equitation course and keeping in mind previous feedback from the judges. From there, the top six riders will work off for the winning honor, which includes a Butet saddle for the winning rider and $10,000 for the winning trainer. 

2021 CPHA Amateur Hunt Seat Medal Finals Champion Emily Williams. Photo by McCool Photography

CPHA Medal Finals Jump to July 

The California Professional Horsemen’s Association (CPHA) Junior and Amateur Medal Finals and the CPHA Foundation Medal Finals are a highlight of each summer at Blenheim EquiSports. This year, the CPHA Junior and Amateur Medal Finals have moved up on the calendar from August to the Blenheim Racing Festival, July 27-31, to be part of a week chockful of top-notch equitation competition. Three weeks later, the CPHA Foundation Medal Finals will be held as a highlight of the Blenheim Summer Classic, August 17-21. 

Judges Spencer Chapin and James Waldman will preside over the three-round CPHA Junior and Amateur Medal classes, with riders being judged over progressively difficult courses. The first-round equitation course will feature largely hunter type fences, while the second round will introduce more jumper type fences and more technical questions, and the final round will feature the most challenging track. 

The top three in the 2021 CPHA Foundation Equitation Championship Final 21 & Under. From left to right: Avery Glynn, Madison Nadolenco, and Sophie Bluhm. Photo by McCool Photography

This year, in addition to the chance to vie for the CPHA Junior Medal Final perpetual trophy, sponsored by Far West Farm, and the CPHA Amateur Medal Final perpetual trophy, sponsored by DiAnn Langer, each entry for the CPHA Junior and Amateur Medal Finals will receive two wristbands to enjoy the VIP tables at the Grand Looke Arena.

This all-inclusive hospitality offering will include snack and refreshments daily, as well as breakfast and lunch on Friday and Saturday. Additional all-inclusive wristbands are available for purchase for $200, with all proceeds directly benefiting the CPHA Foundation.

The Gladstone Cup Returns to Southern California

This July, the Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship, featuring the Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic – West, presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College, also return to southern California, with the prestigious event running July 24-27 at Blenheim EquiSports.

Judges Diane Carney and Mary Eufemia will judge the three-round class that combines the precision of the equitation with the handiness of the hunters. For more information on the class, to be held Sunday, July 24, access the prize list here.

Jayme Omand and Go, winners of the 2021 Foxfield Medal Finals. Photo by McCool Photography

New Additions and the Return of Featured Favorites 

Brand new to this year’s Blenheim EquiSports’ line-up are USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal classes and the debut of the USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals – West, to be held during the International Jumping Festival, September 21-25.  

The new offering provides adult amateur riders with the chance to showcase their equitation skills over a jumper-style course, followed by a flat phase. To learn more, click here. 

In August, the Blenheim August Festival will for the first time feature the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Associations (PCHA) Junior/Amateur Horsemanship 2’9” Finals – South. The Finals, to be held August 3-7, will be judged by Hap Hansen and Sandy Anton. 

A Medal Finals-Filled Fall 

Beginning at the Blenheim Fall Tournament, Blenheim EquiSports is proud to offer a fall line-up filled with equitation finals. From September 14-18, Blenheim will host the Foxfield Medal Finals and the ASPCA Maclay Region 8 Championship.

Stella Wasserman won the ASPCA Maclay Region 8 Championship in 2021. The Regional Championship returns to Blenheim this September. Photo by McCool Photography

From September 21-25, the International Jumping Festival – Blenheim will host the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Medal Finals – West, the EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Junior Medal Finals – West, and the USHJA 3’3” Hunt Seat Junior Medal Finals – West, all in addition to the new USHJA 3’3” Adult Jumping Seat Medal Finals – West. 

With so many options, Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long, and, with The Riding Park located just minutes from the ocean, upscale shopping, and award-winning golf courses, it’s the ideal place to plan a summer showcation. To learn more, visit www.theplacetojump.com. 

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