Lexington, Ky. – Ten new National Champions will be crowned at the HITS Del Mar Horse Park for the 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – West (JHNC), hosted by HITS Horse Show. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the championships, established in 2001 as a showcase of the best junior hunters in the nation.
Competitors at JHNC will complete three phases: a classic round, under saddle, and a handy hunter round. Each jumping phase counts for 40% of the total score, and the under saddle makes up the remaining 20%.
The following sections will see new National Champions crowned in both the 3’3” and 3’6” divisions:
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Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under
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Small Junior Hunter 16-17
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Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under
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Large Junior Hunter 16-17
Additionally, the top scoring combination across all divisions in each height section will earn Grand Champion titles, to be awarded after the conclusion of competition on Sunday, July 26.
Schedule and Results | USEF Event Page
USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic
Competition got underway for 28 competitors in the USHJA Gladstone Cup Equitation Classic - West presented by Intermont Equestrian at Emory & Henry College. Riders were tested in a three-round class format over a course set at 3’6” with a final work-off where riders switched horses.
Adelaide Ellis (Hunts Point, Wa.) claimed top prize aboard Linford 9, her own 2016 KWPN gelding (Glenfiddich VDL x Emmylou) with a final score of 172. Earning the title of Reserve Champion was Hailey Eynon (Rolling Hills Estates, Calif.) and Alleto, a 2014 Holsteiner gelding owned by KHC Farms, Inc on a score of 169.5. See full results here and learn more about the Gladstone Cup from USHJA.
How to Watch
The 2026 Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – West will be livestreamed on USEF Network. US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can access the live stream, and subscribers and members will be able to watch replays on demand. US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can access the live stream, and subscribers and members will be able to watch replays on demand.
Stay Connected
Keep up with the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships by following US Equestrian on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.