3 TIER SYSTEM
What is OHJA’s three-tiered point system?
OHJA has a three-tiered system for accumulating points toward year-end awards. The three “systems” are Local, Regional, and Open, and each system has specific rules governing how and where points are earned.
The purpose of the three-tier system is to allow members to compete for year-end awards against others with similar show schedules and competition levels. For example, riders competing primarily at Outreach shows are not competing for year-end points against riders showing at rated competitions across multiple states.
Riders and horse owners/lessees must designate a system when registering for the competition year. A rider’s system determines where they accumulate equitation points, and a horse’s system determines where it accumulates hunter and jumper points. Riders and horses are not required to be in the same system.
You and/or your horse will only accumulate points at shows that qualify within the system selected, so it is important to choose the system that best reflects your expected show schedule.
It is the responsibility of the rider and the horse owner/lessee to ensure that the correct system is selected before competing so that points are earned for the shows attended.
Which system should I join? In what system should I register my horse?
The system you join and register your horse in should be based on a discussion with your trainer and your anticipated show schedule for the year. There are many nuances to how points are accumulated, but in general:
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If you expect to compete primarily at OHJA-approved Outreach shows, the Local System may be the best fit.
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If you expect to compete at a mix of Outreach and Rated shows, the Regional System may be the best fit.
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If you expect to compete at Rated shows in multiple states & countries, the Open System may be the best fit.
Note that shows rated by USEF, Equestrian Canada, and NSBA count as “Rated Shows” for OHJA point accumulation.
Show Location and Rating
Can I change my and my horse’s system after I start showing?
For the 2026 show year only, members may transfer between systems at any time without penalty.
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Members moving to a higher-priced system must pay the difference in membership and/or horse registration fees.
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Members moving to a lower-priced system will not receive a refund of the difference.
This flexibility is a special rule for 2026 and may not apply in future years.
Members are still responsible for updating their membership profile and any applicable horse registration information when changing systems.
If I am in the Local System can I compete in OHJA Medal Finals?
Yes. If you qualify for the OHJA Medal Finals, you may compete regardless of the rating of the show hosting the finals.
Local System members may also accumulate points at the show hosting the OHJA Medal Finals, even if it is a rated show.
Can I show at shows outside of my system?
Yes. Riders and horses may compete at any show.
However, the system in which the rider or horse is registered determines whether year-end points will be earned for that show.
What system can I join if I don’t live in Oregon or its contiguous counties?
Non-residents may join any system they like; however, all three systems have rules that grant consideration for shows located in Oregon and its contiguous counties (“in-region”).
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Open System: Out-of-state horses and riders must earn points at a minimum of 3 Oregon shows to qualify for year-end awards. (Horses are out-of-state if the owner or lessee is not a resident of Oregon or its contiguous counties; out-of-state riders are neither residents of Oregon or its contiguous counties.) In-region shows also count for double points.
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Regional System: Horses and riders only earn points at their first 3 out-of-region rated shows IF they attend an equal number of in-region shows. In-region shows also count for double points.
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Local System: Horses and riders only earn points at shows in in-region shows.
How should I register if I only want to ride in OHJA Medal classes to qualify for the OHJA Medal Finals?
If you only wish to compete in OHJA Medal classes (and not accumulate equitation, hunter, or jumper points), you do not need to register in any of the three systems.
Instead, you may join as an Affiliate member, which allows you to accumulate points only in OHJA Medal classes.
Additional Notes
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In most cases, the horse, rider, and owner/lessee must all be OHJA members for points to count.
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An exception applies in the Open System, where horses ridden by non-member professional riders in open hunter & jumper classes will still earn points.
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Points are calculated using the USEF Hunter/Jumper Increment System for rated shows and the USHJA Outreach point system for Outreach shows.
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Certain special classes (such as derbies, championships requiring qualification, or restricted-entry classes) do not count toward year-end points.
For complete details, please refer to the OHJA Rules and Bylaws.
Contiguous Counties
Counties contiguous to Oregon include:
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Washington: Wahkiakum, Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, Klickitat, Benton, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Asotin
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Idaho: Nez Perce, Grangeville, Adams, Washington, Payette, Canyon, Owyhee
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California: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc
