Long Valley, N.J. – March 24, 2021 – Owners Tucker Ericson and Michael Dowling are excited to announce that Monmouth at the Team will host the National Professional Horseman’s Association (PHA) Medal Finals at Centenary University. The class is scheduled as the featured event on equitation day, Wednesday, Aug.18. Scott Fitton, a US Equestrian Federation “R” hunter and hunter seat equitation judge, will officiate. The class will offer heights of 3’3” and 3’6” judged as one class with prizes presented to the top-10 riders.
The PHA is a benevolent organization of volunteer horsemen helping horsemen founded in 1936. 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, PHA will support Danny and Ron’s Rescue in their efforts. 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.”
The National PHA Medal Finals will be held at the conclusion of the equitation day during the A-rated National competition week. The PHA Medal Finals is open to riders 21 and under and challenges equitation skills on a national-finals level.
“We are excited to be hosting the National PHA Medal Finals,” said Tucker Ericson, co-owner of Monmouth at the Team. “Adding this finals class to our show means so much, not only for our exhibitors, but also to the community of horsemen we serve.”
Fitton is from Wellington, Florida, but grew up in the Philadelphia area. He competed successfully as a junior and amateur rider. For 25 years, he has served as a USEF licensed official. On the road from East to West Coast, Fitton’s show schedule includes the Gulf Coast shows, WEF, HITS on the Hudson, HITS Ocala, Thunderbird Show Park, USEF Pony Finals, Desert International Horse Park and more.
For the National PHA Medal Final, Fitton will insert two tests into the original course (USEF 1 – 18). He will call back the top four riders for further testing either over fences or on the flat. Any further testing beyond that will be at Fitton’s discretion.
Skip Bailey will design the courses for Monmouth at the Team and for the National PHA Medal Finals. His courses are known for providing riders with options to best demonstrate their skills and strengths. The thoughtful design of his courses will be good preparation for riders headed to fall indoor finals, like the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show and the National Horse Show.
Outstanding prizes and awards will be presented to the top 10 ribbon winners. HorseScents, owned and operated by New Jersey equestrian Chrisie Van Cleef, will sponsor the Top Equitation Horse Award. HorseScents products use 100% organic lavender to help horses remain calm during stressful situations and is USEF-competition approved.
Longtime sponsor and friend of Monmouth at the Team, Mountain Pointe Equine Veterinary Services host a safe, socially-distanced cocktail reception during the finals.
The full, daily show schedule is posted online at MonmouthAtTheTeam.com. The prize list will be available in May and entries will be accepted on horseshowing.com.
2021 competition highlights include:
- Three days of A-Rated National Competition – Aug.16-18
- National PHA Medal Finals – Aug 18
- $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby
- $10,000 Bobcat Derby Day – Aug 19 (unrecognized)
- Level 3 Jumpers – Aug. 20-22
- Outreach Ring for 3 days – Aug. 20-22
- $5,000 Welcome Jumper Stake – Aug. 20
- Low Child/Adult, High Child Adult and A/O / JR Jumper Classics
- $15,000 1.30m Mini Prix – Aug. 22
- Monmouth at the Team Finale B Rated Hunters and Equitation
- All Equitation and C-Rated Hunters go twice over the 8 days
- USEF, USHJA, NJPHA, NJHSA, NAL, WIHS, M & S, NHS, NCEA, Ariat, THIS
