Innovative competition creates a new opportunity for young equestrians pursuing careers in the sport.
WILLIAMSBURG, MI—Traverse City Horse Shows and Road to the Top (RTTT) will launch the inaugural $25,000 Road to the Top Jumper Challenge this fall, providing the next generation of equestrians with a platform to showcase their skills nationally.
Scheduled for Saturday, September 5, during the Tournament of Champions at Flintfields Horse Park, the class combines the technical demands of jumper competition with a focus on riding style and horsemanship, offering a unique format that rewards performance and precision.
“The RTTT Jumper Challenge was created to promote the Foundation’s core values of skill, precision, and horsemanship through an exciting equitation/jumper format,” said Sissy Wickes, Executive Director of Road to the Top. “It provides young riders with a meaningful opportunity to be seen by RTTT mentors, supporters, and leaders in the sport while advancing our mission to create pathways for recognition, growth, and opportunity.”
Open to juniors, amateurs, and professionals under 25, the Road to the Top Jumper Challenge is designed for riders building careers in the equestrian industry. In addition to $25,000 in trainer prize money, the class provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities before industry leaders, sponsors, prospective employers, and RTTT mentors.
“The Road to the Top Jumper Challenge is an exciting addition to our efforts to create meaningful opportunities for developing riders,” said Matt Morrissey, Event Director of Traverse City Horse Shows. “We’re proud to provide another opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talent and be recognized as they continue building their careers.”
Recognizing Well-Rounded Riders
The class will be contested over a 1.15m jumper course using a modified format that combines traditional jumper scoring with equitation judging. Riders with qualifying clear rounds will return for a jump-off, where both performance and style determine the winner.
The Road to the Top Jumper Challenge is one of two events in its inaugural season. Alongside a West Coast competition at the LA Equestrian Center, the series demonstrates a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for developing riders across North America.
Riders may qualify through designated national equitation and jumper classes during the 2026 season. Full qualification criteria and class details are available at RoadToTheTop.org.
Jumper Challenge Rules (PDF)
