HITS to Host Three NCEA Finals in 2018


East, Midwest, and West Coast NCEA Finals to Return to HITS
HITS is thrilled to have once again been named as the host for the East, West, and Midwest National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Junior Hunt Seat Medal Finals. It will be the third year that HITS has had the opportunity to host all of the NCEA finals and we couldn’t be more excited.

HITS is thrilled to have once again been named as the host for the East, West, and Midwest National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Junior Hunt Seat Medal Finals. It will be the third year that HITS has had the opportunity to host all of the NCEA finals and we couldn’t be more excited.

East Coast Finals  |  Saugerties, New York
HITS Saugerties – HITS-on-the-Hudson VIII
September 5-9, 2018
View East Standings

Midwest Finals  |  Crete, Illinois
HITS Chicago – Showplace Fall Classic I
September 12-16, 2018
View Midwest Standings

West Coast Finals  |  Thermal, California
HITS Coachella – National Sunshine Series II
November 7-11, 2018
View West Standings

In addition to the NCEA Finals, HITS will host the NCEA Medal qualifying classes at all of their show circuits nationwide throughout 2018.

Pictured is Celia Bresch riding to a first place finish in the 2017 Midwest NCEA Hunt Seat Medal Finals at HITS Chicago. Photography courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.

During the inaugural year of the NCEA Finals, in 2015-2016, there were only two finals that riders could qualify for – one on the east coast and the other on the west. Last year the finals expanded to three sections and all of them are hosted by HITS. “It just goes to show how great of a program this is for riders who are interested in riding during their collegiate careers.” NCEA National Advisory Board member, Tom O’Mara exclaimed, “NCEA riders can look forward to more shows holding qualifying classes.” If you don’t see the class listed in the show schedule, speak with your trainer and approach the show management staff, as it is easy enough to add via Ryegate.

The 3’3” NCEA Medal class is intended to showcase the unique skills of competitors to top coaches and colleges for equestrian scholarship consideration, and is open to all USEF and Equine Canada licensed junior competitors.

Pictured is Sydnie Young, Champion of the 2017 West Coast NCEA Hunt Seat Medal Finals at HITS Desert Horse Park. Photography courtesy of ESI Photography.

“HITS is excited that we have been awarded the opportunity to host all three finals again this year. The NCEA class is such a great experience for riders that are coming out of the junior ranks and want to move into a college riding program,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “HITS is prepared to make this year even better than last with the East, Midwest, and West Coast NCEA Junior Hunt Seat Medal Finals.”

Online Membership Application
Qualification & Class Specs
NCEA Qualifying Events

All classes held at shows starting on or after August 21, 2017 through shows starting on or before August 20, 2018 will be counted toward this year's Finals. Qualify for the Finals by competing in the NCEA Junior Hunt Seat Medal class at participating horse shows throughout the season.

More information about the NCEA and the Junior Hunt Seat Medal Finals is available online at www.collegiateequestrian.com.