EDUCATION
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Each year WSHJA works to further member education by presenting unique learning opportunities in the form of judge’s clinics and trainer symposia featuring renowned experts in the equestrian sport. WSHJA also provides valuable scholarships to help deserving Washington State riders.
CLINICS & TRAINER SYMPOSIA
At many WSHJA shows, we partner with the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) to offer Judge’s Clinics which provide riders with insights into the judge’s thinking and tips on improving riding skills. Regionally and nationally-renowned trainers are invited to present special classes for show attendees. And many WSHJA-affiliated riding establishments offer ongoing training.
NATIONAL FINALS EVENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The WSHJA Board has approved funds for a limited number of annual scholarships for qualifying WSHJA Regular Members. This program offers assistance to deserving Washington State riders who qualify to compete in National Finals events. See our scholarships page for qualifying details.
Upcoming Education Events
The Horse You Have at Home vs. The Horse You Have at the Show
Webinar and Q&A with Tik Maynard
A Free Webinar with Tik Maynard, Presented by NF+ and the Washington State Hunter Jumper Association (WSHJA).
You know the horse you have at home. The rides feel familiar. The communication feels easy. Then you arrive at a horse show, head out on the trail, unload at a new barn, or ask your horse to walk past the scary end of the arena. Suddenly, you and your horse have a lot more on your minds. The environment feels bigger, there's more to take in, and the partnership you've been working on is being tested in new ways.
If you've ever wondered how to help your horse feel more comfortable, more confident, and more prepared when the world gets a little bigger, this conversation is for you. Join internationally renowned horseman Tik Maynard for a practical and thoughtful discussion about helping horses navigate unfamiliar environments.
Presented in partnership with NF+ and WSHJA the leading streaming platform for equestrian education, this free webinar offers a fresh perspective on why horses respond the way they do when the environment changes, along with practical ideas you can take back to your own horse. Come spend the morning with us and leave with a better understanding of what your horse may be telling you when the world feels bigger than home.
REFINE YOUR RIDE
with Lindy Townley
WSHJA presents...
Refine Your Ride with Lindy Townley (Crossrail-3ft)
Hosted by the Washington State Hunter Jumper Association (WSHJA)
Dates: Saturday, September 5 – 6, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day
Location: Bridle Trails State Park, Kirkland, WA
All are welcome to audit!
Previous Education Events
CHRIS KAPPLER CLINIC
CLINIC FORMAT
The Chris Kappler Clinic will be held May 1-3, 2026 at the Evergreen Equestrian Park in Monroe, WA.
There will be three height sections offered, with approximately 5 horses and rider combinations per section: 1) Equitation 1.0-1.10, 2) Jumper 1.15-1.20, and 3) Jumper 1.25+. The clinic will be restricted to Jumper and Equitation participants. Each session will run approximately 2 hours, with a final schedule to be published at a later date. Auditing is free and open to all. There will be opportunities to volunteer.
APPLICATION PROCESS
All WSHJA members in good standing, including professionals, will be eligible to apply by submitting an application by April 2. Horse, rider, and their affiliated trainer must be active WSHJA members prior to application submission to be considered.
SELECTION PROCESS
Our objective is to have diverse clinic representation across WSHJA membership and barns. Participant and section assignments will be assigned by lottery, subject to final review by the planning committee. If the first section preference for selected participants is not available, we will make best effort to offer their second preference. We will notify section assignment via email, and request confirmation of the section and the horse/and rider participating. If lottery assignments are declined or unclaimed, we will offer the spot to another interested party. We will maintain a waitlist should selected preference not be available or in the case of unexpected openings/changes.
COST
WSHJA is sponsoring 70% of the clinician costs to enable our members to participate at a discounted rate of $350 per horse and rider combination. Participants are responsible for any additional associated costs, including but not limited to stalls, transportation, feed, day care, etc. , day care, etc.