What is a champion and reserve champion in hunters?

The champion and reserve champion awards in a hunter division are the most prestigious ribbons available within that division, representing the overall best performance across all of the division's classes rather than the winner of any single class. The champion is the horse that accumulated the most points across all classes in the division — typically the two over-fences classes and the under-saddle class — with points awarded for each placing in each class according to the show's designated point scale. A horse that wins both over-fences classes and places second in the under-saddle class may accumulate more points than one that wins the under-saddle class and places third in both over-fences classes, depending on the relative point values for each placing and class. The reserve champion is the horse with the second-highest point total, and both champion and reserve champion are recognized with special ribbons — the traditional blue, red, yellow, and white champion ribbon for first champion and a similar but differently colored ribbon for reserve. At major rated shows, champion and reserve champion awards may also come with prize money, coolers or other prizes, and the significant competitive prestige that motivates serious competitors to prioritize division championships over individual class wins. The champion award is often considered the primary competitive goal in hunter competition rather than winning individual classes, because the division championship represents consistent excellence across multiple opportunities rather than a single exceptional performance. Year-end award programs administered by the USHJA and regional associations track champion and reserve champion awards across the season, making these division results the primary basis for annual award eligibility and recognition.