Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce updated specifications for the 2026 Adequan^®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships (JHNC), which were approved by the Executive Committee on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025.

The full updated 2026 USEF Junior Hunter National Championship Specifications document can be found here. Some of the noteworthy changes are outlined below.

Updated Qualification Period

Beginning with the 2026 championships, the 12-month qualifying period has been shifted by one month. The qualification period is now May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026. While the duration of the qualification period has not changed, the earlier closing date will allow for more adequate preparation time for the JHNC – East, which will take place June 17-21, 2026. The West Coast championship is July 23-26, 2026.

Qualifying results obtained between May 1 and May 31, 2025, may be used toward 2026 qualification, even if they were used to obtain qualification for the 2025 championship. Qualifying lists for 2026 will be available soon.

New Qualifying Opportunities

Horses may now qualify for JHNC by competing in and completing all offered classes (over fences and under saddle) for their respective fence height in the junior hunter sections at five USEF licensed competitions during the qualification period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.

This pathway to qualification is offered in addition to the two previously existing qualification methods:

• Winning champion or reserve champion in a USEF Premier, National, or Regional rated junior hunter section during the qualification period.
• Being ranked in the top 10 on the USHJA Zone Horse of the Year Channel I or Channel II ranking list for the 2026 competition year beginning Dec. 1, 2025, through the close of the qualification period on April 30, 2026.

Rider Restrictions for the 3’3” Championship

Beginning with the 2026 JHNC, riders who compete in the 3’3” sections at the championships must NOT have competed in jumping at the 1.30m height or above during the time from the start of the qualification period through the end of the championship.

“We appreciate the work done by the USEF Hunter Committee and USHJA Junior Hunter Task Force to craft meaningful qualification standards that optimize the championship experience for competitors, trainers, and competition management,” said US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “The Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships are beloved, prestigious events that showcase the best of our equine athletes and the talent of young riders in the hunter discipline. Through expanded qualification opportunities and a fair and level championship playing field, we aim to support and expand the JHNC tradition in 2026 and beyond.”

Click here for more information on the Adequan®/USEF Junior Hunter National Championships. Additional questions can be directed to [email protected].