Started in 2022, the idea behind Jump 4 Fun was to create an opportunity for local horse enthusiasts to experience showing at Upperville in a lower-key environment. It was an immediate success, selling out entries each year in a matter of days, so UCHS management made the decision last year to expand the one-day event to two days.
UCHS Executive Director Emily Day explains, “We feel the growth in popularity of both the Hunter and Jumper classes, coupled with the ability to expand with new classes at the lower heights (two new 18″ cross-rail classes for Hunters and two new .60 Jumper classes), warrants a full day dedicated to each discipline. Spreading Jump 4 Fun over two days should also help keep the fun and relaxed atmosphere of the show intact, as we won’t be trying to get so many rounds completed in one day. It’s always a guess when you change the program but Jump 4 Fun has been such a great way for Upperville to welcome in our local riders who love to compete at a lower height, or for green horses or riders to get a taste of premier showing at a more accessible level. We look forward to offering this even more inclusive format, and welcoming participants over two days.”
Horse show President Joe Fargis added that, “the not so obvious reason” for adding a second day to this event is the extra day it offers the horse show operations team to test and perfect all its systems, such as time clocks, scoreboards, and loudspeakers, and to give the ring crews, who come from all over, a chance to get to know one another and work together before the “big event,” the annual Upperville Colt & Horse Show which starts the following day.
This year, Jump 4 Fun takes place Saturday, May 31 (Hunters) and Sunday, June 1 (Jumpers). Look for the prize list on our website in the coming weeks.