The National Professional Horsemen’s Association Medal Finals will be a highlight of this summer’s Monmouth at the Team show, which is being moved from the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation in Gladstone to the Centenary University Equestrian Center in Long Valley.
With the new multi-ring location, the show that runs Aug. 16-23 will have a number of different offerings, including A-rated hunters, than it did at the one-ring Gladstone venue. The PHA Medal finals will be held Aug. 18. Scott Fitton, a U.S. Equestrian Federation “R” hunter and hunter seat equitation judge, will officiate. Skip Bailey will design the courses for Monmouth at the Team and for the National PHA Medal Finals, which will be a good prep for the fall indoor finals. The class for riders 21 and under will run over fences that are 3’3” and 3’6”, judged as one competition, with prizes presented to the top 10 riders.
“We are excited to be hosting the National PHA Medal Finals,” said Tucker Ericson, co-owner of Monmouth at the Team with his cousin, Michael Dowling.
“Adding this finals class to our show means so much, not only for our exhibitors, but also to the community of horsemen we serve.”
Founded in 1936, the PHA is a benevolent organization of volunteer horsemen helping horsemen. The PHA gives aid and sustenance to needy horsemen, provides financial assistance for continuing education to children of professional members. PHA promotes interest in the horse industry and fosters the care and protection of horses through education. This year, the PHA will support Danny and Ron’s Rescue in their efforts to rehome dogs. Each time a rider participates in a PHA medal class throughout the year, a portion of their entry will go to support Danny and Ron’s Rescue.
“The National PHA Medal and Monmouth at the Team horse show both have long, rich histories,” said Lynn Peters, PHA recording secretary. “They honor the past while inviting today’s horsemen to help write the next chapter of their distinguished story. We are thrilled to be a part of this extraordinary show and look forward to a successful future together.”
Longtime sponsor and friend of Monmouth at the Team, Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services, will host a safe, socially distanced cocktail reception during the finals.