Area Championship classes follow the same format as the Maclay Area Championships and are open to all NHS members. The Champion, Reserve Champion, and Third Place finisher from each Area Championship, if not otherwise qualified, will receive invitations to the NHS 3’3″ Equitation Championship Sponsored by the Hamel Foundation or the NHS Adult Equitation Championship Sponsored by THIS. The champion of the Maclay Area Championship, if not otherwise qualified, will receive an invitation to the Maclay Finals. 

Riders may compete in only one Area Championship during a qualifying period. Those who are qualified for both the NHS 3’3″ Equitation Championship Sponsored by the Hamel Foundation, and the ASPCA Maclay Area Championship or National Championships may compete in both the NHS 3’3″ Area Championship and the ASPCA Maclay Area Championship within the same qualifying period.