The United States Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce the World Championship Hunter Rider West Coast Hunter Spectacular and accompanying gala will take place at the Blenheim June Classic I, June 8-12, 2016. The class and gala will be a featured event at the competition, held on the grass Grand Prix field on Saturday, June 11, 2016. "The West Coast Spectacular is a fantastic venue on the beautiful grass Grand Prix field at the Blenheim Equisports Oaks Facility," commented Hope Glynn, vice chair of the WCHR committee. "This class spotlights the top west coast professionals, juniors, and amateurs on some of the best hunters in the country. It is the premier Hunter class of the year for us on the west coast." All WCHR Members are eligible to participate in this class with fence height options set at 3'6, 3'9" or 4'0". Both rounds are judged by at least two judging panels consisting of two judges each, and the top 12 horses will be called back for a second round from low to high score within their respective heights. This marks the fourth year of the annual class, which was first won by Woodstock, owned by Sabrina Hellman and ridden by Hope Glynn. Hope Glynn and Emma Waldfogel's King's Peak took the title in 2014, followed by John Bragg aboard Laura Strasburg's Social Hour in 2015. Last year's class, held at Blenheim included 28 horses competing for $25,000 in prize money. Last year, spectators to the WCHR Hunter Spectacular class attended the WCHR West Coast Hunter Spectacular "Picture Perfect" Gala, which supported the WCHR Program and the USHJA Foundation Horseman's Assistance Fund. With gourmet food and drinks, the Gala featured a red carpet for exhibitors to walk, as well as a fun photo booth so attendees could pose for the "paparazzi." Special swag bags were provided, courtesy of Valencia Saddlery, to keep in line with the Hollywood theme. Again, this year spectators will be invited to attend an accompanying gala; details for the event will be announced soon. In addition to the West Coast Spectacular, the competition will feature high-score awards for the riders who achieve the single highest numerical score in any one class, within their respective hunter section, in each of the nine WCHR categories: Professional, Developing Professional, Amateur Owner 3'6", Amateur Owner 3'3", Adult Amateur, Junior 3'6", Junior 3'3", Children's and Pony. Also, a plaque will be awarded to the rider who achieves the single highest numerical score in any one class within any WCHR hunter section during WCHR Spectacular week.
