USHJA Young Jumper Championships presented by North Star Sport Horses showcase the sport’s developing talent alongside CSI3* competition during the opening week of the Tournament of Champions.
TRAVERSE CITY, MI — September 2, 2026 — The final three weeks of the Traverse City Horse Shows season are underway at Flintfields Horse Park, with the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation and the USHJA Young Jumper Championships presented by North Star Sport Horses opening the Tournament of Champions.
Much of the week’s focus turns to the next generation of equine athletes as 4- through 8-year-old horses compete throughout the USHJA Young Jumper Championships.
The championships serve as a national showcase for developing jumpers, giving owners, breeders and riders an opportunity to bring promising young horses through age-specific competition designed around their stage of development. Four-year-olds compete in a Style and Jumping Championship, while the 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-year-old divisions progress through qualifiers toward their respective finals.
The return of the championships to Traverse City is supported by Lou and Joan Jacobs and North Star Sport Horses, whose involvement reflects a long-term commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young horses in North America.
Wednesday’s opening qualifiers begin that progression, with the 4- through 8-year-old divisions starting their championship week before the titles are decided later in the schedule.
Silver Oak Opens the Tournament of Champions
Running September 2–6, the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament brings CSI3* sport to Flintfields Horse Park alongside the young-horse championships. The week includes the $31,020 Muny Sunk Stables Speed on Thursday, the $31,020 GGT Footing & Silver Oak CSI3* Welcome on Friday, and Sunday’s $117,000 Agero Grand Prix.
Presented by the Davis McCullough Foundation, Silver Oak also carries a longstanding charitable mission alongside its competition, supporting organizations including the Kevin Babington Foundation and Canine Support Teams.
Together, Silver Oak and the USHJA Young Jumper Championships create an opening week that highlights different stages of the development pathway: established international combinations competing at the CSI3* level and young horses beginning to establish themselves on a national stage.
Competition continues throughout the week at Flintfields Horse Park, with the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament concluding Sunday, September 6.
Opening-Day Action
International competition got underway Wednesday with the Windstar & Silver Oak FEI Speed, where Gracie Allen (USA) and Hadj des Fontaines topped the 28-entry field. Allen and the 9-year-old gelding stopped the clock clear in 72.99 seconds to take the opening win of the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament.
Competition continues throughout the week at Flintfields Horse Park, culminating Sunday, September 6, with the $117,000 Agero CSI3* Grand Prix. Fans and competitors can view full schedules, results, and live updates through the Traverse City Horse Shows Mobile App.
