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The United Professional Horsemen's Association has announced that nominations for American Saddlebred, Hackney ponies and Morgan horses to the 2019 UPHA Classics Program are now open. The $100 eligibility fee will be accepted with a postmark on or before April 1, 2019. After April 1, the eligibility fee becomes $150 per nomination. The horse or pony must be nominated and the eligibility fee paid prior to competing in a UPHA Classics class. The owner, trainer and exhibitors must be current UPHA members.

The UPHA Classics originated in 1974 to stimulate interest in young horses, and to provide owners and trainers an opportunity to receive substantial prize money. The UPHA Classics are designed to be prestigious classes to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the show horse industry. The intent is to promote a high-caliber event and generate a greater prize money return for the young show horse and pony. 

In addition to the prize money won in qualifying classes throughout the year, a horse placing first through sixth in a qualifying class is eligible to enter the Classic Grand Championships for added prize money. The guaranteed purse in the UPHA Classic Grand Championships is $12,000 in all Saddlebred divisions, $5,000 in all Hackney Pony divisions, $5,000 in all Morgan divisions, and $5,000 in the Roadster Division. In 2018, the UPHA offered more than $145,500 in prize money with a top purse of $26,500 in the Classic Grand Championships. The 2019 UPHA Classic Grand Championships once again will offer added money.

THE UPHA CLASSICS DIVISIONS for 2019:

American Saddlebred Divisions - Three-Year-Olds and Under

• Classic Grand Championships held at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show.
• Five Gaited
• Three Gaited
• Fine Harness
• Park Pleasure

Hackney Pony Divisions - Four-Year-Olds and Under

• Classic Grand Championships held at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show.
• Hackney Pony
• Harness Pony
• Roadster Pony
• Pleasure Pony

Morgan Divisions - Three-Year-Olds Only

• Classic Grand Championships are held at the Morgan Grand National in conjunction with the World Championship classes.
• Park Harness
• Pleasure Driving
• Hunter Pleasure

Roadster Division - horse not to have shown prior to January 1, 2018

• Roadster to Bike Classic Grand Championship held at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show. Eligibility fee and qualification not required.

To access the 2019 Classic Nomination form, please click 2019 Classics Eligibility Form

To view a list of horse shows that currently offer UPHA Classic classes please visit www.uphaonline.com. Check back often as this listing is continually updated as shows add Classics classes.

-- via UPHA