Adjusted Points and Optional Regionals for The National Horse Show 2020 ASPCA Maclay Championships

Lexington, KY – May 13, 2020 –  The National Horse Show announces important changes to the ASPCA Maclay Championships qualification process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes are in accordance with the guidelines produced by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and are subject to change based on the on-going nature of the pandemic and its effects on equestrian sporting events around the nation.

Effective June 1, 2020, the National Horse Show will implement a 25% reduction in the points required to qualify for the 2020 ASPCA Maclay Finals due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in North America. Throughout the first 30 days of returning to competition (June 1 to June 30), the NHS will monitor the status of Maclay rider’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the qualifying criteria on July 1. The number of points that riders will need to qualify for the 2020 ASPCA Maclay Finals will continue to be monitored throughout the rest of the qualifying period and may be further modified depending on the situation in each state as well as any other unforeseen circumstances.

View New ASPCA Maclay Finals Point Chart

In addition, for the 2020 year, when riders meet their point qualifications, they will automatically be qualified for the 2020 ASPCA Maclay Finals. If they so choose, riders who have met the point qualifications set forth for their respective state will also have the OPTION to participate in a Regional Championship event according to the current rules set forth by the NHS.

Riders that do not meet the new point criteria for automatic qualification for the 2020 ASPCA Maclay Finals but who have earned one half (1/2) of the point qualifications set forth for their respective state will have the opportunity to compete at Regional Championship events to gain valuable experience, as well as further their chances of qualification. The National Horse Show reserves the right to invite the highest-scoring, non-qualified rider from the Regional Championships to compete in the 2020 ASPCA Maclay Finals.

View New ASPCA Maclay Regional Championships Points Here

Due to health concerns, Regional competitions will be allowed to take place either indoors or outdoors. This change will allow host horse show organizers to produce a safe and effective event for both staff and athletes.

The National Horse Show officers and staff are available to answer questions that may arise based on the updated rules and regulations. Please direct any questions to cindy@nhs.org. We look forward to seeing our competitors in the fall and being able to continue the tradition of this prestigious equitation championship.

Amendments to the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Equitation Championship and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services  NHS Adult Equitation Championships will also be made and announced when details have been finalized.

“The National Horse Show’s primary concern is to keep our exhibitors safe and healthy,” commented Jennifer Burger, President of the National Horse Show. “We feel making these adjustments best gets us to that end goal for this year. I thank Geoff Teall and his Equitation Committee for all their hours of committed efforts in this direction.”