Riders in hunter, jumper, and equitation sections have something new to be excited about this year. The LEGIS League launched in 2012 with their medal classes, and now the full fledged program with a variety of classes in 2013. The LEGIS League is designed to encourage and enhance the competition level of Children's and Adult riders by providing the opportunity to qualify for a prestigious national finals competition. 
The LEGIS League comprises qualifying classes at shows all over the West Coast and Midwest, where riders compete for a place in the top standings. A point system determines the qualifiers in each category of hunters, jumpers, and medal classes The top riders in each category have the opportunity to compete in regional finals in Northern California, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Colorado, Arizona, and Missouri, as well as the LEGIS League Finals (LA Season Finale, Nov. 14-17) at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, and a National Championship for select LEGIS League categories at the Las Vegas National (Nov. 13-17).
"This League is in the West, by the West, and for the West," added Melessa Lee, Executive Director of the LEGIS League. "We wanted to support the West Coast hunter/jumper industry and all who are a part of it, from grooms and braiders to riders and trainers to horse show organizers. It'll be exciting to see people from all over the Western states compete together."
Membership in the League is free and automatic in 2013 for riders who compete. The schedule of shows offering League qualifying classes will be available soon and will include a mix of USEF and non-USEF rated shows in California, Nevada, Colorado, Arizona, and Missouri. The LEGIS League kicked off the year at HITS Thermal and HITS Arizona, with many shows to follow.
Photo: Amy Garcia tops the inaugural LEGIS League Jumper Medal Final Photo: Flying Horse Photography
