Princeton Show Jumping in Princeton, NJ is introducing a new USEF American Standard Grand Prix Series and an $18,000 National Rider Bonus! This 11 Grand Prix Series will lead the new Princeton Equestrian League at the state-of the-art Princeton show grounds, April 23, 2017 through the Final, October 15, 2017.
There has been an unprecedented growth of International/FEI showing in the U.S. This is fantastic for our well-supported and successful International U.S Team level Riders. These Riders often fly all over the world to compete for historically high prize money. The International prize money and accompanying higher costs can be difficult for our National Riders without, at the very least, one competitive 1.60m horse. This often means leaving students and client horses at home to travel far distances to jump in very difficult and expensive classes that they may not be prepared for.
The current stiffening of USEF rules and regulations for “National and High Performance Standard” Grand Prix requires $25,000 – $30,000 “National” Grand Prix to be 1.50m competitions that are very similar to $75,000 – $100,000 classes. This lack of progression has led to a stark reduction in entries for National Grand Prix classes. We believe these standards leave little room for National Riders that look to compete for solid prize money at the 1.40m – 1.45m level often with young horses, and/or less experienced riders hoping to improve.
The USEF provides standards for this building block system, the underutilized, “USEF Regional Standard.” This has now been changed April 2017 to the “American Standard.” The “American Standard,” calls for at least four jumps at 1.45m and does not require a high performance fee. Competition management has been reluctant to offer these classes as they think “Rolex Ranking” status is prestigious and a draw for their horse shows. This has not been proven true as these $25,000 and $30,000 Grand Prix, outside of Florida, often get less than 20 entries. The truth is most of these classes are lower than the actual standard to attract much needed entries. Princeton Show Jumping has embraced the new USEF “American Standard,” and will offer eleven Grand Prix, one at every 2017 Princeton show, at this level.
In addition, Princeton will offer an $18,000 National Rider Bonus pool based on prize money won during the series. It will also offer a free entry fee and stall for the final Grand Prix October 15, to the top 10 National Riders in the Princeton Equestrian League Series.
Any rider, with any horse may enter and compete in any Princeton Grand Prix. However, the National Rider bonuses will be awarded to National Riders that have not competed at FEI 3* level or above in the current show year starting December 1, 2016.
Princeton Show Jumping is excited to support and highlight our hard working National Riders. Look to the Princeton Equestrian League website www.princetonequestrianleague.com for current updates and standings!
