Redbook
Philosophy and Benefits, Equality and Inclusivity
The Midwest Dressage Association, Inc. is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwestern United States, primarily through educational programs. The Association offers its members the following specific benefits:
USDF Statement on Equality and Inclusivity
The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is proud to represent all of its members, be a resource for the dressage community, and to support inclusivity in all aspects of sport.
As the world comes together during this pivotal time for civil rights, so too must the equine community. USDF stands firmly in support of the principles of equality and inclusivity in the organization and sport. Any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, etc. is in direct opposition to these principles and has no place within the organization.
USDF supports our members, barn family, fans, and followers of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and sexualities.
In a sport where the goal is constant and progressive improvements, we must strive to do the same in our personal lives and within our organization. In every ride down the centerline, every group of friends gathering for dressage education, every tragedy and triumph, the dressage community is stronger together.
- 1. Members are eligible and encouraged to participate in programs offered by the MDA. Numbered membership cards are issued to each member every year. Members are entitled to vote for board members and on issues as they arise. Members may compete for MDA, USDF, and USEF year-end awards.
- The MDA is a Group Member of the United States Dressage Federation. All MDA members are group members of the USDF and automatically benefit from their programs. Upon completion of the requirements, members are eligible to apply for USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold medal rider awards. The MDA is officially represented at each USDF Annual Convention and participates in the formation of national dressage policy.
- The MDA offers the following educational benefits to its members:
- A newsletter containing national, regional, and local news of dressage, a calendar of events, show dates, seminar and clinic information. There are also direct mailings about specific dressage activities.
- The MDA Educational Committee provides programs for its members each year such as USDF Adult Camps, MDA Members Only Boot Camp, along with clinics and seminars for its members. Through group membership in the USDF, members have access to educational materials on the USDF website.
USDF Statement on Equality and Inclusivity
The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is proud to represent all of its members, be a resource for the dressage community, and to support inclusivity in all aspects of sport.
As the world comes together during this pivotal time for civil rights, so too must the equine community. USDF stands firmly in support of the principles of equality and inclusivity in the organization and sport. Any form of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality, etc. is in direct opposition to these principles and has no place within the organization.
USDF supports our members, barn family, fans, and followers of all races, ethnicities, ages, genders, and sexualities.
In a sport where the goal is constant and progressive improvements, we must strive to do the same in our personal lives and within our organization. In every ride down the centerline, every group of friends gathering for dressage education, every tragedy and triumph, the dressage community is stronger together.
2024 Midwest Dressage Board of Directors
Officers:
President--Holly Zecchin
Vice President--Mykal Roth
Secretary--Katie Bratschi
Treasurer--Cheryl Figures
Directors:
Meghan Connolly
Alexandra Pollack
Beth Schaub
Leslie Richardson
Kelly Gilbert
President--Holly Zecchin
Vice President--Mykal Roth
Secretary--Katie Bratschi
Treasurer--Cheryl Figures
Directors:
Meghan Connolly
Alexandra Pollack
Beth Schaub
Leslie Richardson
Kelly Gilbert
2024 Active Committees
To best utilize our skills and number of directors, the 2022 Board of Directors has decided to combine a number of the committees for the present time.
Banquet: Meghan Connolly
Education: Mykal Roth
Historical: Beth Schaub
Marketing: Mykal Roth, Alexandra Pollack
Membership: Katie Bratschi
Newsletter: Meghan Connolly
Professional Advisory: Alexandra Pollack
Redbook: Beth Schaub
Social Media: Mykal Roth
Volunteers: Leslie Richardson
Website: Alexandra Pollack
Year-End Awards: Kelly Gilbert, Alexandra Pollack
Banquet: Meghan Connolly
Education: Mykal Roth
Historical: Beth Schaub
Marketing: Mykal Roth, Alexandra Pollack
Membership: Katie Bratschi
Newsletter: Meghan Connolly
Professional Advisory: Alexandra Pollack
Redbook: Beth Schaub
Social Media: Mykal Roth
Volunteers: Leslie Richardson
Website: Alexandra Pollack
Year-End Awards: Kelly Gilbert, Alexandra Pollack
BYLAWS
approved 1/17/2022
Article I Name
The name of this organization shall be the Midwest Dressage Association, INC. herein referred to as the "Association".
Article II Purpose and Objectives
Section 1
The purpose of the Association is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwest, primarily through educational programs. Dressage is the gradual harmonious development of a horse's physical and mental condition with the aim toward improving its natural gaits and perfecting its understanding and communication with its rider.
Section 2 Objectives
a. To improve the general understanding of dressage for Association members and any non-members expressing an interest therein through educational clinics, forums, and seminars and to promote these and other activities to affect this goal.
b. To assist and cooperate with other regional or national dressage organizations in matters of common concern.
c. To offer a framework in which individuals can progress with the schooling of themselves and their horses.
Sections 3 Limitations
a. No part of net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, and officers or other private person, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in the furtherance of its objectives and purposes as herein set forth.
b. No sustainable part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of the statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
c. The Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
d. Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association, after payment of all the liabilities of the Association, shall be disposed of only for the purposes of the Association in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and more specifically to the United States Equestrian Team, Inc., so long as it qualifies at the time or dissolution as an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Directors shall determine.
e. If the Directors fail to dispose of all said assets dissolution in the manner so provided, the home county circuit court of the active President shall dispose of them to such charitable, educational, or scientific organizations as it deems meets the requirements of these purposes.
Article III Membership
Section 1
There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Contributing, Family, and Life.
Section 2
Active members shall consist of all persons with an active interest in the purposes of the Association, who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 3
Contributing Members shall consist of all persons who shall have contributed more than the current dues in any given year.
Section 4
Family memberships shall consist of the persons in the immediate family and residing in the same domicile of the Active Members of the Association who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 5
Life Members shall consist of persons who have been named to Life Member status and whose dues have been waived for the remainder of their lives.
Article IV Dues
Section 1 Annual Dues
Annual membership dues shall become due and payable for the year in advance on December 1st for the following calendar year.
Section 2 Amount of Dues
The Board of Directors of the Association shall exercise their best judgment in setting the amount for the annual dues, bearing in mind the purposes of the Association and its non-profit status.
Section 3 New Members
If a member/s joins the Association after the end of the horse show season, marked by the USDF/USEF Regional or National Finals but before December 1st, then such member shall not be liable for the dues the following year.
Article V Membership Rights
Section 1
All Active Members in good standing shall be entitled to one vote each at membership meetings and at all elections of Directors, and shall be eligible to hold office in the Association.
Section 2
Contributing Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Section 3
Family Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Article VI Membership Meetings
Section 1
An Annual Meeting of the membership of the Association will be held no later than January 31st, at the completion of the show season, on a date and at a place to be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of the Annual Meeting must be sent to all members at the last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting. Method of notification used will be either USPS or electronically.
Section 2
Special meetings of the membership may be held from time to time as the Board of Directors shall see fit, provided due notice of the time, place and object of the meeting is sent by USPS or electronically at the last known address/location of each member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting or by publication in any newsletter distributed by the Association to its members at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 3
The Articles and Bylaws of the Association may be amended by the general membership at any Annual or Special meeting of members by a vote/s received prior to the start of the meeting. All proposed Bylaw changes must be brought before the Board of Directors before being voted on by the general membership.
Article VII Board of Directors
Section 1
The affairs of the Association shall be directed by a Board of Directors composed of ten (10) to twelve (12) Directors, each of whom must be an active member in good standing. The Board of Directors will also be responsible to review the bylaws on a regular basis.
Section 2
Each Director, duly elected shall serve a term of three (3) consecutive years and the terms shall be staggered so that four (4) terms will commence in 1998, four (4) terms will commence in 1999, and three (3) terms will commence in 2000. The schedule for expiring terms would be that of four (4), four (4) and three (3).
Section 3
The Directors shall be elected by the membership either at the Annual or a Special Meeting of the members as hereinafter provided. Notice of the election of Directors shall be given to members in the same manner as provided with respect to notice of amendments of the Articles or Bylaws as provided in Article VI, section 3
Section 4
Nominations of Directors - no later than September 15th of each year, the President of the Association shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of three (3) Directors other than him/herself. This Committee shall meet and nominate the required number of members as Directors and these members shall be certified by the Committee to the President, who will then cause the election to be held.
Section 5
Election of Directors - A ballot containing the names of the members nominated by the Committee with blank spaces for the write-in candidates shall be provided with clear instructions to the members that they must vote for the stated number of Directors and may write-in the names of other members not nominated by the Committee. Ballots received from the members in good standing and those present will be tabulated at the general membership meeting. The members receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered elected Directors. Only those members who have paid their annual dues will be eligible to vote.
Section 6
Terms of the elected/appointed officers of the Board of Directors will begin on the day of the Annual Meeting. The officers' terms will end after one year on the day of the Annual Meeting, no sooner or later unless a formal resignation has been submitted. They will remain on the Board of Directors for three years, not necessarily as an officer unless re-elected.
Section 7
In the event of the death or resignation of any Director, the remaining Directors shall find member(s), in good standing that is/are interested in serving as an interim board member. They will be presented and voted on as a successor to serve out the balance of the vacant term. If a member is appointed to a vacancy on the Board, they will still be eligible to be elected and may serve up to two full terms.
Section 8
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to attempt in their selection to ensure that the various geographic areas are represented by the Board of Directors by capable and interested persons.
Section 9
In all cases, consent of the nominee must be obtained prior to the election.
Section 10
Effective January 1, 2004, Board of Directors may be elected for only two consecutive terms serving a total of six years. If an individual is interested in returning to the board, a period of one (1) year must pass before they are eligible to be considered for reelection to the Board of Directors.
Article VIII Directors Meetings
Section 1
First Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the organization meeting of membership and officers of the Association shall be elected at such meeting.
Section 2
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year immediately following the Annual Meeting of the membership at the same place where such membership meeting takes place.
Section 3
Special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President upon ten (10) days written notice to all Directors.
Section 4
The President of the Association shall preside at all meetings of the Directors and minutes shall be taken by the Secretary. The Board of Director will hold (10) to twelve (12) meetings per year.
Section 5
The presence of six (6) Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any Directors meeting, regular or special.
Section 6
In the event a quorum cannot meet, conference calls or virtual computer/phone meetings may occur to include those directors out of town, or unable to attend due to distance or weather conditions.
Article IX Officers
Section 1
The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year as an officer of the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 2
All Officers must be Directors of the Association.
Section 3
The President shall prepare an agenda and preside over all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except for the Nomination Committee.
Article X Committees
Section 1
Here shall be such standing and temporary committees as are deemed necessary by the Board to carry on the work of the Association. The committees will be created or dissolved based on need by the Board of Directors.
Section 2
There shall be a committee of Professional Advisors composed of six (6) professionals, selected and appointed annually by the Board of Directors.
Section 3
Committee chairpersons for all other committees shall be appointed by the President.
Section 4
An Executive Committee shall be constituted for the purposes of expediting matters coming before the Board and to represent said Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Association's four (4) Officers as well as two (2) Directors appointed by the President with the approval of the remaining Directors. The committee shall also include the preceding President. If there are none, then an additional Director shall be appointed. Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called from time to time. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members.
Article I Name
The name of this organization shall be the Midwest Dressage Association, INC. herein referred to as the "Association".
Article II Purpose and Objectives
Section 1
The purpose of the Association is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage a high standard of accomplishment in dressage in the general area of the Midwest, primarily through educational programs. Dressage is the gradual harmonious development of a horse's physical and mental condition with the aim toward improving its natural gaits and perfecting its understanding and communication with its rider.
Section 2 Objectives
a. To improve the general understanding of dressage for Association members and any non-members expressing an interest therein through educational clinics, forums, and seminars and to promote these and other activities to affect this goal.
b. To assist and cooperate with other regional or national dressage organizations in matters of common concern.
c. To offer a framework in which individuals can progress with the schooling of themselves and their horses.
Sections 3 Limitations
a. No part of net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, and officers or other private person, except that the Association shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in the furtherance of its objectives and purposes as herein set forth.
b. No sustainable part of the activities of the Association shall be the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Association shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of the statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
c. The Association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
d. Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association, after payment of all the liabilities of the Association, shall be disposed of only for the purposes of the Association in such a manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), and more specifically to the United States Equestrian Team, Inc., so long as it qualifies at the time or dissolution as an organization exempt under section 501(c)(3) United States Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), as hereinbefore provided, the Board of Directors shall determine.
e. If the Directors fail to dispose of all said assets dissolution in the manner so provided, the home county circuit court of the active President shall dispose of them to such charitable, educational, or scientific organizations as it deems meets the requirements of these purposes.
Article III Membership
Section 1
There shall be four (4) classes of membership: Active, Contributing, Family, and Life.
Section 2
Active members shall consist of all persons with an active interest in the purposes of the Association, who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 3
Contributing Members shall consist of all persons who shall have contributed more than the current dues in any given year.
Section 4
Family memberships shall consist of the persons in the immediate family and residing in the same domicile of the Active Members of the Association who shall have paid their current dues as set forth herein.
Section 5
Life Members shall consist of persons who have been named to Life Member status and whose dues have been waived for the remainder of their lives.
Article IV Dues
Section 1 Annual Dues
Annual membership dues shall become due and payable for the year in advance on December 1st for the following calendar year.
Section 2 Amount of Dues
The Board of Directors of the Association shall exercise their best judgment in setting the amount for the annual dues, bearing in mind the purposes of the Association and its non-profit status.
Section 3 New Members
If a member/s joins the Association after the end of the horse show season, marked by the USDF/USEF Regional or National Finals but before December 1st, then such member shall not be liable for the dues the following year.
Article V Membership Rights
Section 1
All Active Members in good standing shall be entitled to one vote each at membership meetings and at all elections of Directors, and shall be eligible to hold office in the Association.
Section 2
Contributing Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Section 3
Family Members shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of Active membership.
Article VI Membership Meetings
Section 1
An Annual Meeting of the membership of the Association will be held no later than January 31st, at the completion of the show season, on a date and at a place to be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of the Annual Meeting must be sent to all members at the last known address at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting. Method of notification used will be either USPS or electronically.
Section 2
Special meetings of the membership may be held from time to time as the Board of Directors shall see fit, provided due notice of the time, place and object of the meeting is sent by USPS or electronically at the last known address/location of each member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting or by publication in any newsletter distributed by the Association to its members at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 3
The Articles and Bylaws of the Association may be amended by the general membership at any Annual or Special meeting of members by a vote/s received prior to the start of the meeting. All proposed Bylaw changes must be brought before the Board of Directors before being voted on by the general membership.
Article VII Board of Directors
Section 1
The affairs of the Association shall be directed by a Board of Directors composed of ten (10) to twelve (12) Directors, each of whom must be an active member in good standing. The Board of Directors will also be responsible to review the bylaws on a regular basis.
Section 2
Each Director, duly elected shall serve a term of three (3) consecutive years and the terms shall be staggered so that four (4) terms will commence in 1998, four (4) terms will commence in 1999, and three (3) terms will commence in 2000. The schedule for expiring terms would be that of four (4), four (4) and three (3).
Section 3
The Directors shall be elected by the membership either at the Annual or a Special Meeting of the members as hereinafter provided. Notice of the election of Directors shall be given to members in the same manner as provided with respect to notice of amendments of the Articles or Bylaws as provided in Article VI, section 3
Section 4
Nominations of Directors - no later than September 15th of each year, the President of the Association shall appoint a Nominating Committee composed of three (3) Directors other than him/herself. This Committee shall meet and nominate the required number of members as Directors and these members shall be certified by the Committee to the President, who will then cause the election to be held.
Section 5
Election of Directors - A ballot containing the names of the members nominated by the Committee with blank spaces for the write-in candidates shall be provided with clear instructions to the members that they must vote for the stated number of Directors and may write-in the names of other members not nominated by the Committee. Ballots received from the members in good standing and those present will be tabulated at the general membership meeting. The members receiving the highest number of votes shall be considered elected Directors. Only those members who have paid their annual dues will be eligible to vote.
Section 6
Terms of the elected/appointed officers of the Board of Directors will begin on the day of the Annual Meeting. The officers' terms will end after one year on the day of the Annual Meeting, no sooner or later unless a formal resignation has been submitted. They will remain on the Board of Directors for three years, not necessarily as an officer unless re-elected.
Section 7
In the event of the death or resignation of any Director, the remaining Directors shall find member(s), in good standing that is/are interested in serving as an interim board member. They will be presented and voted on as a successor to serve out the balance of the vacant term. If a member is appointed to a vacancy on the Board, they will still be eligible to be elected and may serve up to two full terms.
Section 8
It shall be the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to attempt in their selection to ensure that the various geographic areas are represented by the Board of Directors by capable and interested persons.
Section 9
In all cases, consent of the nominee must be obtained prior to the election.
Section 10
Effective January 1, 2004, Board of Directors may be elected for only two consecutive terms serving a total of six years. If an individual is interested in returning to the board, a period of one (1) year must pass before they are eligible to be considered for reelection to the Board of Directors.
Article VIII Directors Meetings
Section 1
First Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the organization meeting of membership and officers of the Association shall be elected at such meeting.
Section 2
The Annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held each year immediately following the Annual Meeting of the membership at the same place where such membership meeting takes place.
Section 3
Special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President upon ten (10) days written notice to all Directors.
Section 4
The President of the Association shall preside at all meetings of the Directors and minutes shall be taken by the Secretary. The Board of Director will hold (10) to twelve (12) meetings per year.
Section 5
The presence of six (6) Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact business at any Directors meeting, regular or special.
Section 6
In the event a quorum cannot meet, conference calls or virtual computer/phone meetings may occur to include those directors out of town, or unable to attend due to distance or weather conditions.
Article IX Officers
Section 1
The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These Officers shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a term of one (1) year as an officer of the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 2
All Officers must be Directors of the Association.
Section 3
The President shall prepare an agenda and preside over all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except for the Nomination Committee.
Article X Committees
Section 1
Here shall be such standing and temporary committees as are deemed necessary by the Board to carry on the work of the Association. The committees will be created or dissolved based on need by the Board of Directors.
Section 2
There shall be a committee of Professional Advisors composed of six (6) professionals, selected and appointed annually by the Board of Directors.
Section 3
Committee chairpersons for all other committees shall be appointed by the President.
Section 4
An Executive Committee shall be constituted for the purposes of expediting matters coming before the Board and to represent said Board of Directors. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the Association's four (4) Officers as well as two (2) Directors appointed by the President with the approval of the remaining Directors. The committee shall also include the preceding President. If there are none, then an additional Director shall be appointed. Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called from time to time. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members.
SPECIAL HONORS
MDA Hall of Fame (Inaugurated 1997)
To recognize and honor those MDA members who have made significant and lasting contributions to dressage in the United States.
Section 1- Nominations
Nominations shall be made by the general membership. Nominations will not be limited to riders, trainers, and instructors as there are many instances of substantial contributions to dressage by persons who have never competed in the show ring. This award shall not be restricted to those who have retired or passed away. Whenever the facts warrant, an effort should be made to honor those who are still alive and active. Consent of the nominee must be obtained.
Section 2 - Voting
The decision will be made by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors after reviewing biographical information and supporting data.
Section 3 - Awards
To recognize and honor those MDA members who have made significant and lasting contributions to dressage in the United States.
Section 1- Nominations
Nominations shall be made by the general membership. Nominations will not be limited to riders, trainers, and instructors as there are many instances of substantial contributions to dressage by persons who have never competed in the show ring. This award shall not be restricted to those who have retired or passed away. Whenever the facts warrant, an effort should be made to honor those who are still alive and active. Consent of the nominee must be obtained.
Section 2 - Voting
The decision will be made by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors after reviewing biographical information and supporting data.
Section 3 - Awards
- This honor may be awarded annually, if the Board of Directors determines that a worthy nominee is available.
- This honor shall be awarded at the Awards Banquet. A maximum of three awards shall be given in any one year.
- This honor shall not be awarded to the same person more than once.
MDA Hall of Fame Inductees
MDA Hall of Fame 1997 Inductee
Ms. Violet M. Hopkins
Violet Hopkins generously established a trust fund for the endowment of the USDF/Hopkins National Seminar for Instructors that eventually evolved into the USDF Dressage Symposiums. Then, as now, these annual events consisted of daily mounted sessions, lectures and discussions conducted by internationally known trainers, judges, and competitors. The first USDF/Hopkins National Seminar for Instructors was held at Ms. Hopkins’ Tristan Oaks Farm in Union Lake, Michigan, featuring Colonel Aage Sommer of Denmark, former cavalry officer and highly-respected international dressage judge.
A lifelong dressage enthusiast, judge, and instructor, Violet Hopkins has served the dressage community in many capacities including director of the MDA board, and as a Professional Advisor.
In 1995, the $50,000 Violet Hopkins dressage fund was established in her honor by the Dressage Foundation. The program was developed to enable the USDF Group Member Organizations that need financial assistance, to offer clinics or educational seminars.
The Midwest Dressage Association is honored to recognize Ms. Violet Hopkins as the first MDA Hall of Fame inductee for her important contributions to the sport of dressage.
MDA Hall of Fame 2003 Inductee
Major Robert Borg
Major Borg's contribution to dressage includes riding in the 1948, 1952, 1956 Olympic Games and 1955 Pan American Games. He was one of America's foremost dressage riders and Olympian.
For many years at the renowned Red Bob Farm in Oxford, Michigan, he gave numerous clinics, donating the proceeds to the Midwest Dressage Association for future education. He has supported the dressage community through these clinics and trained many individual riders for competition. Before his tragic accident in 1959, he judged many dressage competitions all over the United Sated. In 1999, Major Borg was recognized nationally by the American Horse Show Association with the Pegasus Medal of Honor, for his outstanding contribution to the horse industry.
The Midwest Dressage Association is honored to induct Major Robert J. Borg into the MDA Hall of Fame, in recognition of his important contributions to the sport of dressage.
MDA Hall of Fame 2007 Inductee-
Dr. Hilary Clayton
The third inductee to the MDA Hall of Fame, Dr. Hilary Clayton, has not only made significant and lasting contributions to dressage in the United States but around the world. Dr. Clayton graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary College in 1973 and spent two years working in a mixed veterinary practice in Scotland before returning to Glasgow University to complete a PhD. She has worked at veterinary colleges in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. In 1997, Dr. Clayton became the first incumbent of the May Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in the Equine Sport Medicine at Michigan State University.
Dr. Clayton's research interests are in the area of equine sport science, especially biomechanics and conditioning of sport horses, and the interaction between rider and horse. Her research uses sophisticated equipment and computer programs to analyze the horse's gaits and movement patterns. She has published six books, scientific manuscripts and magazine articles. She also travels throughout the year, presenting her research at local, national and international meetings and conferences.
Dr. Clayton has earned her USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals. Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe Dr. Clayton interacting with her horses will immediately recognize that she is not only a scientist and equine competitor, but more importantly, a true horseperson.
MDA Hall of Fame 2010 Inductee-
Chuck Grant
Chuck Grant (1914-1990) began training horses in 1934, when he was stationed with the 122nd Field Artillery of the Army of the United States, Chicago Illinois. At the time there was no civilian dressage in America. Dressage was only for exhibition purposes. Grant judged the first civilian dressage show held in the United Stated in 1948, in Morton Grove, Illinois.
In 1950, he left Chicago and moved to the Detroit area. His vocation at that time was training hunters and jumpers, while his avocation was dressage. During his career, Chuck trained 17 horses to Grand Prix in dressage, never accomplished by any other American. All of these horses competed in recognized shows and ten were shown in the national trials.
Chuck Grant was a member of the American Horse Show Association and a founding member of the United States Dressage Federation and Midwest Dressage Federation. He authored four books and numerous magazine articles.
Throughout his life, Chuck Grant stressed the importance of teaching Americans to train American horses, in hope of one day Fielding an American Dressage team with American horses. However, this to date, has not happened since prior to World War ll. Therefore, we stress the philosophy of the late Chuck Grant presented in his teachings and pass the approach to those who are willing to learn to train horses.
Chuck Grant continued his work up until the time of his death in 1990. He left a rich legacy in the many fine horses he trained, and those who were privileged enough to know him and work with him received an irreplaceable gift from him with the knowledge he shared.
"Ask often, expect little or nothing and reward generously." Chuck Grant
MDA Hall of Fame 2010 Inductee-
Maryal Barrett
The dressage community in Michigan is fortunate to have Maryal Barnett. Over the years she has set an example for others to follow in her dedication to excellence, her accessible and understandable training methods, her personal dedication to self-improvement and most importantly, her "joy in seeing her students gain the ability to grasp a skill or concept through the lessons that she developed." This last comment was made about her by Lilo Fore, a FEI five-star judge, an observation made while she was serving as an official USDF instructor certification examiner and faculty member.
Her resume is extraordinary. She has been involved in the USDF/Violet Hopkins National Seminars since 1979, first participating as a rider, and as a participating instructor. You may remember that Vi Hopkins was a founding member of the Midwest Dressage Association and Maryal continues to carry that standard forward with her involvement in those seminars as they have grown and evolved along with her responsibilities and expertise.
Her impact on the national dressage community is substantial. She is an official USDF Instructor Certification Examiner. She was the Chair of the USDF University Committee. She was elected to the Executive Board of the Dressage Foundation. Best of all, she is an actual rider who has shown her own horses from Training through Grand Prix. She is a sought after clinician throughout North America and beyond. She is a national FEI "C" dressage judge, a USEF "S" dressage judge and a Canadian Equestrian Federation Senior Dressage judge. She has participated for many years in international judges’ forums in Holland, Germany, Quebec, and the United States. She is also an Instructor, Examiner and Senior Official for the "r" and "R" Dressage Judges Training Program.
In her "spare time" she spends time at her home base, Nottingham Equestrian Center in East Lansing Michigan. It is with a deep appreciation for her life's work that the Midwest Dressage Association inducts Maryal Barnett into the MDA Hall of Fame.
MDA Hall of Fame 2016 Inductee-
James Rowe
Mr. Rowe trained horses in Dressage up to the Haute Ecole or "Airs above the Ground", as well as many champion competition horses and students for well over 60 years.
Mr. Rowe started training horses as a young boy in Omaha, Nebraska. His family made a living breaking and training wild horses. Mr. Rowe then left horses and joined the Navy and then the Army, allowing him to travel to Europe and see other methods of training. In the 1940's, Jim worked in Europe, while serving in WW ll. Returning to the United States his desire to work with horses continued and he taught at a stable in the Detroit area for a short time while working as an insurance investigator. Jim was transferred to Lansing in the middle 1940's, where he purchased his first piece of property and established the now well-known "Rowe Ranch".
During this time in Mr. Rowe's life he met his soon to be wife, Sharon. In 1970, Jim and Sharon built a new facility in Okemos, Michigan where they taught dressage riders of all levels.
Mr. Rowe passed away in August of 2005.
MDA Hall of Fame 2017 Inductee-
Carole Grant
A lifelong horsewoman, Carole Grant represented the U.S. at the 1982 World Equestrian Games and won two gold medals at the 1983 Pan-Am Games in Venezuela. Because of United States Olympic Committee financial grants, Carole trained in Germany for the Olympics. During her competition career she trained and campaigned several horses that qualified and won USDF Horse of the Year awards as well as qualifying, competing and placing at many Olympic Festivals and Can-Am Challenges.
Carole is also the recipient of the Whitney Stone Memorial Trophy, which is presented by the United States Equestrian Team for a distinguished international career and for being an ambassador for the sport of Dressage.
Carole has been a member of the United States Equestrian Team Selection Committee. She has coached riders worldwide including North American, Europe and Asia. She has competed many times at the prestigious Dressage at Devon with many wins. One year her students won every FEI class at Devon.
Carole has demonstrated her skill at selecting and training horses for the international Grand Prix ring, as well as with those horses whose character make them suitable for the amateur. Some of the international caliber horses she has trained include Lectron owned by Mary Anne McPhail who went on to the 1984 Olympic Games with Robert Dover. She also trained Valsertock owned by Mary Anne McPhail. He went on to do the World Championship games with Robert Dover.
Wonderful Walden, won the Gold Medal at the Pan-Am games with her student Betsy Rebar Sell and Martalon, with her Young Rider, Holly Thomas Studley, competed successfully in many Grand Prix events. Carole was hired to not only coach one of the youngest Grand Prix riders from Columbia, but also took her to the Seoul Korea Olympic games. Her name is Maria Paula Bernal and she was the youngest rider to ever compete in the Olympic Games.
Carole currently teaches clinics throughout the country, in addition to making frequent trips to Europe to select horses for clients.
MDA Hall of Fame 1997 Inductee
Ms. Violet M. Hopkins
Violet Hopkins generously established a trust fund for the endowment of the USDF/Hopkins National Seminar for Instructors that eventually evolved into the USDF Dressage Symposiums. Then, as now, these annual events consisted of daily mounted sessions, lectures and discussions conducted by internationally known trainers, judges, and competitors. The first USDF/Hopkins National Seminar for Instructors was held at Ms. Hopkins’ Tristan Oaks Farm in Union Lake, Michigan, featuring Colonel Aage Sommer of Denmark, former cavalry officer and highly-respected international dressage judge.
A lifelong dressage enthusiast, judge, and instructor, Violet Hopkins has served the dressage community in many capacities including director of the MDA board, and as a Professional Advisor.
In 1995, the $50,000 Violet Hopkins dressage fund was established in her honor by the Dressage Foundation. The program was developed to enable the USDF Group Member Organizations that need financial assistance, to offer clinics or educational seminars.
The Midwest Dressage Association is honored to recognize Ms. Violet Hopkins as the first MDA Hall of Fame inductee for her important contributions to the sport of dressage.
MDA Hall of Fame 2003 Inductee
Major Robert Borg
Major Borg's contribution to dressage includes riding in the 1948, 1952, 1956 Olympic Games and 1955 Pan American Games. He was one of America's foremost dressage riders and Olympian.
For many years at the renowned Red Bob Farm in Oxford, Michigan, he gave numerous clinics, donating the proceeds to the Midwest Dressage Association for future education. He has supported the dressage community through these clinics and trained many individual riders for competition. Before his tragic accident in 1959, he judged many dressage competitions all over the United Sated. In 1999, Major Borg was recognized nationally by the American Horse Show Association with the Pegasus Medal of Honor, for his outstanding contribution to the horse industry.
The Midwest Dressage Association is honored to induct Major Robert J. Borg into the MDA Hall of Fame, in recognition of his important contributions to the sport of dressage.
MDA Hall of Fame 2007 Inductee-
Dr. Hilary Clayton
The third inductee to the MDA Hall of Fame, Dr. Hilary Clayton, has not only made significant and lasting contributions to dressage in the United States but around the world. Dr. Clayton graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary College in 1973 and spent two years working in a mixed veterinary practice in Scotland before returning to Glasgow University to complete a PhD. She has worked at veterinary colleges in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. In 1997, Dr. Clayton became the first incumbent of the May Anne McPhail Dressage Chair in the Equine Sport Medicine at Michigan State University.
Dr. Clayton's research interests are in the area of equine sport science, especially biomechanics and conditioning of sport horses, and the interaction between rider and horse. Her research uses sophisticated equipment and computer programs to analyze the horse's gaits and movement patterns. She has published six books, scientific manuscripts and magazine articles. She also travels throughout the year, presenting her research at local, national and international meetings and conferences.
Dr. Clayton has earned her USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals. Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe Dr. Clayton interacting with her horses will immediately recognize that she is not only a scientist and equine competitor, but more importantly, a true horseperson.
MDA Hall of Fame 2010 Inductee-
Chuck Grant
Chuck Grant (1914-1990) began training horses in 1934, when he was stationed with the 122nd Field Artillery of the Army of the United States, Chicago Illinois. At the time there was no civilian dressage in America. Dressage was only for exhibition purposes. Grant judged the first civilian dressage show held in the United Stated in 1948, in Morton Grove, Illinois.
In 1950, he left Chicago and moved to the Detroit area. His vocation at that time was training hunters and jumpers, while his avocation was dressage. During his career, Chuck trained 17 horses to Grand Prix in dressage, never accomplished by any other American. All of these horses competed in recognized shows and ten were shown in the national trials.
Chuck Grant was a member of the American Horse Show Association and a founding member of the United States Dressage Federation and Midwest Dressage Federation. He authored four books and numerous magazine articles.
Throughout his life, Chuck Grant stressed the importance of teaching Americans to train American horses, in hope of one day Fielding an American Dressage team with American horses. However, this to date, has not happened since prior to World War ll. Therefore, we stress the philosophy of the late Chuck Grant presented in his teachings and pass the approach to those who are willing to learn to train horses.
Chuck Grant continued his work up until the time of his death in 1990. He left a rich legacy in the many fine horses he trained, and those who were privileged enough to know him and work with him received an irreplaceable gift from him with the knowledge he shared.
"Ask often, expect little or nothing and reward generously." Chuck Grant
MDA Hall of Fame 2010 Inductee-
Maryal Barrett
The dressage community in Michigan is fortunate to have Maryal Barnett. Over the years she has set an example for others to follow in her dedication to excellence, her accessible and understandable training methods, her personal dedication to self-improvement and most importantly, her "joy in seeing her students gain the ability to grasp a skill or concept through the lessons that she developed." This last comment was made about her by Lilo Fore, a FEI five-star judge, an observation made while she was serving as an official USDF instructor certification examiner and faculty member.
Her resume is extraordinary. She has been involved in the USDF/Violet Hopkins National Seminars since 1979, first participating as a rider, and as a participating instructor. You may remember that Vi Hopkins was a founding member of the Midwest Dressage Association and Maryal continues to carry that standard forward with her involvement in those seminars as they have grown and evolved along with her responsibilities and expertise.
Her impact on the national dressage community is substantial. She is an official USDF Instructor Certification Examiner. She was the Chair of the USDF University Committee. She was elected to the Executive Board of the Dressage Foundation. Best of all, she is an actual rider who has shown her own horses from Training through Grand Prix. She is a sought after clinician throughout North America and beyond. She is a national FEI "C" dressage judge, a USEF "S" dressage judge and a Canadian Equestrian Federation Senior Dressage judge. She has participated for many years in international judges’ forums in Holland, Germany, Quebec, and the United States. She is also an Instructor, Examiner and Senior Official for the "r" and "R" Dressage Judges Training Program.
In her "spare time" she spends time at her home base, Nottingham Equestrian Center in East Lansing Michigan. It is with a deep appreciation for her life's work that the Midwest Dressage Association inducts Maryal Barnett into the MDA Hall of Fame.
MDA Hall of Fame 2016 Inductee-
James Rowe
Mr. Rowe trained horses in Dressage up to the Haute Ecole or "Airs above the Ground", as well as many champion competition horses and students for well over 60 years.
Mr. Rowe started training horses as a young boy in Omaha, Nebraska. His family made a living breaking and training wild horses. Mr. Rowe then left horses and joined the Navy and then the Army, allowing him to travel to Europe and see other methods of training. In the 1940's, Jim worked in Europe, while serving in WW ll. Returning to the United States his desire to work with horses continued and he taught at a stable in the Detroit area for a short time while working as an insurance investigator. Jim was transferred to Lansing in the middle 1940's, where he purchased his first piece of property and established the now well-known "Rowe Ranch".
During this time in Mr. Rowe's life he met his soon to be wife, Sharon. In 1970, Jim and Sharon built a new facility in Okemos, Michigan where they taught dressage riders of all levels.
Mr. Rowe passed away in August of 2005.
MDA Hall of Fame 2017 Inductee-
Carole Grant
A lifelong horsewoman, Carole Grant represented the U.S. at the 1982 World Equestrian Games and won two gold medals at the 1983 Pan-Am Games in Venezuela. Because of United States Olympic Committee financial grants, Carole trained in Germany for the Olympics. During her competition career she trained and campaigned several horses that qualified and won USDF Horse of the Year awards as well as qualifying, competing and placing at many Olympic Festivals and Can-Am Challenges.
Carole is also the recipient of the Whitney Stone Memorial Trophy, which is presented by the United States Equestrian Team for a distinguished international career and for being an ambassador for the sport of Dressage.
Carole has been a member of the United States Equestrian Team Selection Committee. She has coached riders worldwide including North American, Europe and Asia. She has competed many times at the prestigious Dressage at Devon with many wins. One year her students won every FEI class at Devon.
Carole has demonstrated her skill at selecting and training horses for the international Grand Prix ring, as well as with those horses whose character make them suitable for the amateur. Some of the international caliber horses she has trained include Lectron owned by Mary Anne McPhail who went on to the 1984 Olympic Games with Robert Dover. She also trained Valsertock owned by Mary Anne McPhail. He went on to do the World Championship games with Robert Dover.
Wonderful Walden, won the Gold Medal at the Pan-Am games with her student Betsy Rebar Sell and Martalon, with her Young Rider, Holly Thomas Studley, competed successfully in many Grand Prix events. Carole was hired to not only coach one of the youngest Grand Prix riders from Columbia, but also took her to the Seoul Korea Olympic games. Her name is Maria Paula Bernal and she was the youngest rider to ever compete in the Olympic Games.
Carole currently teaches clinics throughout the country, in addition to making frequent trips to Europe to select horses for clients.
Special Awards
These awards are in remembrance of MDA members and their horses that were known for their knowledge, experience and dedication to the world of dressage. They worked hard to earn the respect of their clients, trainers, friends, owners and barn members. MDA members in good standing who meet the required criteria are eligible for these awards.
Jean Brown Memorial Award
Criteria amended in 2016
Jean Brown served as the editor of the Midwest Dressage Association newsletter from November 1971 through July 1979. To stop here, however would be committing a disservice to this tireless worker on behalf of dressage. "No" was not a word in her vocabulary. Following her untimely death, Jean's family chose to honor her name. A perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to individuals for distinguished service to the Midwest Dressage Community.
This award is intended to recognize the invaluable contributions of our active members who graciously volunteer their time and skills to support the Midwest Dressage Association and its activities. To honor Jean's memory and her distinguished service, this award will be presented annually to the MDA member who has the greatest number of recorded volunteer hours in the current year.
Criteria amended in 2016
Jean Brown served as the editor of the Midwest Dressage Association newsletter from November 1971 through July 1979. To stop here, however would be committing a disservice to this tireless worker on behalf of dressage. "No" was not a word in her vocabulary. Following her untimely death, Jean's family chose to honor her name. A perpetual trophy to be awarded annually to individuals for distinguished service to the Midwest Dressage Community.
This award is intended to recognize the invaluable contributions of our active members who graciously volunteer their time and skills to support the Midwest Dressage Association and its activities. To honor Jean's memory and her distinguished service, this award will be presented annually to the MDA member who has the greatest number of recorded volunteer hours in the current year.
- The volunteer must be a member in good standing with the Midwest Dressage Association to earn credited hours that are applied towards this award.
- Examples of eligible volunteer hours include volunteering to staff MDA booths at Expos, horse shows, and other events, participating in the operations of any MDA committee's function, volunteering to MDA events, and other activities that the Board determines are necessary to the functioning of the organization.
- This award will be presented to the MDA member who has the highest number of documented volunteer hours in the current year.
- For the purposes of this award, the year begins September 1st of the preceding year and ends on October 1st of the current year.
- No member may earn this award more than once during a five-year cycle.
- No MDA officer or Board of Director member is eligible for this award while they are actively on the board.
- In the future there may be a required minimum number of hours to be eligible for consideration.
Vi Hopkins Trophy
This trophy was donated by Chris Snow in 2003 to honor Ms. Violet Hopkins for the significant role she played in the development and growth of the sport of dressage not only here in Michigan but across the country. Vi was a longtime dressage enthusiast, charter member of the MDA, judge and instructor who has served the dressage community in many capacities. Many of today's top dressage professionals were brought along via her unyielding commitment to the classical training of both horse and rider. She generously established a trust fund for the endowment of the USDF/Hopkins Dressage Seminar for instructor's that eventually evolved into the USDF Dressage Symposiums. The annual instructor's symposium that included lectures, mounted sessions and demonstrations was held at Ms. Hopkins' Tristan Oaks Farm in Union Lake, Michigan.
Internationally known instructors including Major Andres Lindgren of Sweden and Sally Swift of the United States made up the prestigious panel of instructors.
The Vi Hopkins Trophy is presented annually to the MDA Adult Amateur Training Level rider who has the highest average percentage from scores ridden in recognized competitions. This award can only be won once by the same horse and rider combination.
This trophy was donated by Chris Snow in 2003 to honor Ms. Violet Hopkins for the significant role she played in the development and growth of the sport of dressage not only here in Michigan but across the country. Vi was a longtime dressage enthusiast, charter member of the MDA, judge and instructor who has served the dressage community in many capacities. Many of today's top dressage professionals were brought along via her unyielding commitment to the classical training of both horse and rider. She generously established a trust fund for the endowment of the USDF/Hopkins Dressage Seminar for instructor's that eventually evolved into the USDF Dressage Symposiums. The annual instructor's symposium that included lectures, mounted sessions and demonstrations was held at Ms. Hopkins' Tristan Oaks Farm in Union Lake, Michigan.
Internationally known instructors including Major Andres Lindgren of Sweden and Sally Swift of the United States made up the prestigious panel of instructors.
The Vi Hopkins Trophy is presented annually to the MDA Adult Amateur Training Level rider who has the highest average percentage from scores ridden in recognized competitions. This award can only be won once by the same horse and rider combination.
Rosemary Herman Memorial Award
This award has been created in memory of Ms. Rosemary Herman who passed away in December 2010. Rosemary was one of the founding members of the Midwest Dressage Association and served as its first Treasurer. She was on many subsequent boards and served as Vice President and as Chairman of the Rules Committee. She became an American Horse Show Association steward in 1966 and later became a Technical Delegate in 1973 which fit into her interest in rules for organization and competitions. She strongly believed in this calling because as she stated, "There was a need because so many people seem uninformed about the rules." We will always have memories of her sitting at the Win-A-Gin Farms "In Gate" snack bar during the MDA Schooling Shows with a smile on her face enjoying every minute of the competition.
This award will be presented annually to a Midwest Dressage Association member and will be determined by the following criteria:
This award has been created in memory of Ms. Rosemary Herman who passed away in December 2010. Rosemary was one of the founding members of the Midwest Dressage Association and served as its first Treasurer. She was on many subsequent boards and served as Vice President and as Chairman of the Rules Committee. She became an American Horse Show Association steward in 1966 and later became a Technical Delegate in 1973 which fit into her interest in rules for organization and competitions. She strongly believed in this calling because as she stated, "There was a need because so many people seem uninformed about the rules." We will always have memories of her sitting at the Win-A-Gin Farms "In Gate" snack bar during the MDA Schooling Shows with a smile on her face enjoying every minute of the competition.
This award will be presented annually to a Midwest Dressage Association member and will be determined by the following criteria:
- A MDA member during the year for which the award is given
- A rider at least 50 years of age (as of January 1 of the award year)
- Test scores achieved from October 1st through September 31st
- Determined by averaging the three highest scores, from three different judges, from three participating dressage schooling shows on separate dates.
- If a tie occurs, the award will be given to the individual with the highest single score.
- Scores may be earned at any level (final average percentage to be determined by using a "weighting factor" of 1% added to the average score as level increases.
- Award is given only once to the same horse and rider combination at a given level.
Sonet Award
This perpetual frame and cash award is given to the Adult Amateur rider who has the highest average percentage from scores, First through Fourth levels, from MDA participating dressage schooling shows or recognized competitions. The cash award is to be used for continued education.
This trophy was sponsored by a MDA rider in honor of her late dressage mount "Sonet". His owner state, "He was a great friend who allowed me to train and ride through Grand Prix and save my life." Sonet lived to the age of 37.
This perpetual frame and cash award is given to the Adult Amateur rider who has the highest average percentage from scores, First through Fourth levels, from MDA participating dressage schooling shows or recognized competitions. The cash award is to be used for continued education.
This trophy was sponsored by a MDA rider in honor of her late dressage mount "Sonet". His owner state, "He was a great friend who allowed me to train and ride through Grand Prix and save my life." Sonet lived to the age of 37.
Encore Award
Awarded annually to the OTTB with the highest cumulative average percentage at the end of the competition season, October 1 through Sept 30
Awarded annually to the OTTB with the highest cumulative average percentage at the end of the competition season, October 1 through Sept 30
- Riders will need to complete and send in a completed Encore Award Application. They should be mailed/emailed to the Awards Chairperson. Applications can also be sent electronically. Scores will not be tracked until application has been received, reviewed and verified. It is suggested that the application be sent in early in the season.
- Scores from either "Participating Schooling Shows" or "Recognized Shows" may be used.
- Scores tabulated, must be all from the same type of show -Participating"/Recognized.
- Scores from Schooling "Participating "Shows and Recognized Shows cannot be combined.
- Scores from each type of show will be weighted equally.
- All scores regardless of the level must be higher than 58.000% to be used
- All levels from Intro to Grand Prix may apply.
- If enough applicants, sponsor will provide Reserve and Honorable Mention awards.
- The applicant must provide a copy of the horses' Jockey Club papers, lip tattoo or Jockey Club name that can be verified through the registry.
- The rider must be a current MDA member in good standing during the time that the scores were earned.
- A Rider cannot win the award twice on the same horse.
- A rider can win the award again if the scores earned were on a different horse.
- Score requirements that will be tabulated:
- Levels Introductory through 4th must have one (1) score from the highest test of that level, i.e. Test C, Test 3. etc.
- Scores from these levels must be a minimum of 58.000%
- Levels Prix St. George, Intermediate I & II, Intermediate A & B, Grand Prix & Grand Prix Special are one test levels. All tests scored will qualify.
- Three (3) scores from three (3) shows held on three (3) different dates
- The three (3) scores used must also be ridden under three (3) different judges.
- Scores from Equitation, WDAA (western dressage), Freestyles, and Hor Concur rides/classes will not be used.
Midwest Dressage Association Life Members
Section 1 - Purpose
To recognize and honor those individuals who in years past have shown a lifetime of dedication to the dressage community with distinguished service to the Midwest Dressage Association.
Section 2 - Nominations
Nominations shall be made by the general membership. Candidates will not be limited to riders, trainers, and instructors, as there are many instances of substantial contributions to dressage and the MDA by persons who have competed in the show ring. Consent of the nominees must be obtained.
Section 3 - Voting
Voting for the recipients shall be determined by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 - Notifications
This recognition may be made annually, if the Board of Directors determines that worthy candidates are available.
The recipient(s) shall be notified by mail or in person.
Section 5 - Benefits
Recipients will be given Life Membership status, which entitles them to be members in good standing for the rest of their natural lives.
Recipients of the Life Member Status
Gabor Foltenyi (deceased)
Lillian Zimmerman (deceased)
Maryal Barnett
Sue Hughes
Rosemary Herman (deceased)
Carolyn Van Cice (deceased_
Tom Bird
Dallas Bradbury
To recognize and honor those individuals who in years past have shown a lifetime of dedication to the dressage community with distinguished service to the Midwest Dressage Association.
Section 2 - Nominations
Nominations shall be made by the general membership. Candidates will not be limited to riders, trainers, and instructors, as there are many instances of substantial contributions to dressage and the MDA by persons who have competed in the show ring. Consent of the nominees must be obtained.
Section 3 - Voting
Voting for the recipients shall be determined by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4 - Notifications
This recognition may be made annually, if the Board of Directors determines that worthy candidates are available.
The recipient(s) shall be notified by mail or in person.
Section 5 - Benefits
Recipients will be given Life Membership status, which entitles them to be members in good standing for the rest of their natural lives.
- Dues will no longer be expected or accepted from Life Members.
- Life Members are free to attend any and all clinics, seminars, Annual Banquets and Meeting as a guest of the MDA.
- Life Members shall receive monthly copies of the MDA newsletter.
- Life Members shall receive specially designed membership cards.
Recipients of the Life Member Status
Gabor Foltenyi (deceased)
Lillian Zimmerman (deceased)
Maryal Barnett
Sue Hughes
Rosemary Herman (deceased)
Carolyn Van Cice (deceased_
Tom Bird
Dallas Bradbury
COMPETITIVE Programs
Schooling Show Year End Awards - Traditional Dressage
Effective 1/1/2022
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards - Traditional Dressage
The Midwest dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Introduction to Dressage—Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Training Level-- Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Training Level—Novice Horse
Training Level-- Novice Rider
First Level-- Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Second Level—Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members in good standing are eligible for the awards program. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championship awards may be won only once by any horse/rider combination in a given level in the same division. The horse/rider combination may continue to compete at that level but will no longer be eligible for the awards in future years. If the competitor changes divisions, (i.e. Amateur to Open) or moves up a level, they may compete for the championship at the new level.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open--Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse's previous performance or experience of the rider.
Adult Amateur--Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such according to the current USDF rules .Note: Adult Amateur and Junior/Young Rider are separate divisions and are mutually exclusive. There can be no crossover between the two.
Junior/Young Rider--Open to members who have not reached their 21st birthday as of January 1st of that year.
Novice Horse or Rider--A Novice Horse/Rider is considered to be any horse or rider in their first or second year of show dressage as of January 1st. Both may only show in this division for two years, regardless of their placing. Scores used must be from Novice Horse or Novice Rider classes.
Section 4 - Eligible Shows
Scores from any "Participating" MDA Dressage Schooling Shows will be used to determine Year End awards.
Section 5 - Tests
All tests must be the current USEF and/or FEI tests. A horse/rider combination can be entered only in two consecutive levels.
A horse which is being ridden by more than one rider can only enter the arena three (3) times a day regardless of level and rider.
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 31st of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Awards can only be earned at two (2) consecutive levels for each horse/rider combination within an award year. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
Is a separate individual award with different expectations from the class/level/division placings. A certificate of Recognition will be issued to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division.
Section 9 - Reporting Errors
Should a trainer, exhibitor, or parent in the case of a Junior/Young rider find an error in a score, a missing score, or a discrepancy between their records and the awards record, this should be reported within 10 days of finding the error to the Awards Chairperson. Members should be prepared with documentation to assist the awards chairperson in clarifying the situation. Only in a very rare exception will the "10 day rule" be waived. Especially if more than 10 days after the Awards presentation.
Suggestions to Members/Riders:
Effective 1/1/2022
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards - Traditional Dressage
The Midwest dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Introduction to Dressage—Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Training Level-- Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Training Level—Novice Horse
Training Level-- Novice Rider
First Level-- Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Second Level—Open, Adult Amateur. Junior/Young Rider
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members in good standing are eligible for the awards program. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championship awards may be won only once by any horse/rider combination in a given level in the same division. The horse/rider combination may continue to compete at that level but will no longer be eligible for the awards in future years. If the competitor changes divisions, (i.e. Amateur to Open) or moves up a level, they may compete for the championship at the new level.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open--Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse's previous performance or experience of the rider.
Adult Amateur--Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such according to the current USDF rules .Note: Adult Amateur and Junior/Young Rider are separate divisions and are mutually exclusive. There can be no crossover between the two.
Junior/Young Rider--Open to members who have not reached their 21st birthday as of January 1st of that year.
Novice Horse or Rider--A Novice Horse/Rider is considered to be any horse or rider in their first or second year of show dressage as of January 1st. Both may only show in this division for two years, regardless of their placing. Scores used must be from Novice Horse or Novice Rider classes.
Section 4 - Eligible Shows
Scores from any "Participating" MDA Dressage Schooling Shows will be used to determine Year End awards.
Section 5 - Tests
All tests must be the current USEF and/or FEI tests. A horse/rider combination can be entered only in two consecutive levels.
A horse which is being ridden by more than one rider can only enter the arena three (3) times a day regardless of level and rider.
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 31st of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Awards can only be earned at two (2) consecutive levels for each horse/rider combination within an award year. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
- Scores must be from one (1) horse/rider combination.
- Schooling show scores must be (mandatory for ALL divisions):
- from three different judges
- from three different shows
- on three different dates
- one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of the level shown (Introductory to Dressage Level, Test C, Training, Level Test 3, First, Level Test 3, and Second level Test 3)
- Introduction to Dressage through Second Level, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--minimum percentage score of 58.000%.
- All scores for Open and Adult Amateurs will be recorded, but only 58.000% and above will be tabulated for Year End Awards.
- Introduction to Dressage through Second Level, only for Junior/Young Rider and Novice Rider will not have a minimum percentage score.
- All scores for Novice Rider and Junior/Young Rider will be tabulated
- Exemption—If a horse/rider combination was to change divisions that combination would be eligible to repeat as champion in the same level but in a different /new division.
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
Is a separate individual award with different expectations from the class/level/division placings. A certificate of Recognition will be issued to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division.
Section 9 - Reporting Errors
Should a trainer, exhibitor, or parent in the case of a Junior/Young rider find an error in a score, a missing score, or a discrepancy between their records and the awards record, this should be reported within 10 days of finding the error to the Awards Chairperson. Members should be prepared with documentation to assist the awards chairperson in clarifying the situation. Only in a very rare exception will the "10 day rule" be waived. Especially if more than 10 days after the Awards presentation.
Suggestions to Members/Riders:
- Only scores from "participating" schooling shows will be tabulated for Year End Awards
- To assist show and award staff:
- Write your membership number on all of your entry forms. If show management does not make one!
- Use the same name for both horse and rider throughout the show season.
- Keep copies of ALL of your tests, in case there are questions.
- When show results are placed online or in the newsletter, CHECK to make sure your information is correct. Errors should be reported immediately to the awards committee.
- The award tabulation process is ongoing during the show season.
- All winners will be notified prior to the Annual Banquet.
Schooling Show Year End Awards - Para-Equestrian Dressage
Effective 1/1/2022
General Statement on Accommodating Riders with Disabilities
Exhibitors with physical or cognitive disabilities will be allowed to compete at all participating schooling shows. An exhibitor with a disability—whether competing as a para-equestrian or in other classes—will be provided with reasonable accommodations upon submission of a written request to show management. The exhibitor’s written request should describe the accommodation(s) for the exhibitor to compete safely. The request should also state that it is to be kept on file for the remainder of the show year. A new request will need to be submitted at the beginning of each show season. Request form can be found on the Midwest Dressage Association website - www.midwestdressage.org
Riders are expected to follow USDF/WDAA rules for attire, tack, saddlery and ASTM helmets. The ONLY exception is when it is part of their verified compensating aids.
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards - Para-Dressage
The Midwest dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS
Para-Equestrian—Open
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
Open to MDA members in good standing with a permanent disability. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championships awards may be won more than once by any horse/rider combination.Para-Equestrian competitors must submit the following form with their entry:
Members participating in MDA "Participating" Schooling Shows do NOT need to be USEF or FEI classified para-equestrian to be eligible for schooling show year end awards. Exhibitors will be allowed to perform a test of any grade level. If the horse and rider combination/s have attained 2 or more scores of 62% or higher in USEF/USDF or FEI competitions, they will be expected to perform tests that are at or above level. While not technically para-eligible, riders with cognitive disabilities may also be included in “Para-Equestrian Test of Choice” classes at schooling shows.
Section 3 - Compensating Aids
Riders with permanent disabilities should be allowed to use compensating aids of their choice at a schooling show. Exhibitors are responsible for supplying their own compensating aids. Compensating aids may deviate from USEF equipment rules for able-bodied dressage competitors. Compensating aids should not provide an advantage, but will enable the exhibitor to ride their test. Compensating aids must be safe for both horse and rider. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide a complete list of compensating aids they expect to use to the show management at the time of their entry. Show management can reserve the right to deny any proposed compensating aid they deem unsafe. Examples of standard compensating aids include:
Section 4 - Divisions
Open - Open to all Para-Equestrian (exhibitors with a permanent disability) members or guests. If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Section 5 - Eligible Shows
Scores from any "Participating" MDA Dressage Schooling Shows will be used to determine Year End awards.
Section 6 - Tests
Para Equestrian TOC (Test of Choice) will be offered at MDA Participating Schooling Shows. Scores must be from a Para Equestrian Test of Choice class. All tests must be the current FEI Para Equestrian tests.
https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/p-e-dressage/tests
Section 7 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 30th of the following year.
Section 8 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
A certificate of Recognition will be issued to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division. This a separate individual award with different expectations and regulations from the class/level/division placings.
Suggestions to Members/Riders:
Effective 1/1/2022
General Statement on Accommodating Riders with Disabilities
Exhibitors with physical or cognitive disabilities will be allowed to compete at all participating schooling shows. An exhibitor with a disability—whether competing as a para-equestrian or in other classes—will be provided with reasonable accommodations upon submission of a written request to show management. The exhibitor’s written request should describe the accommodation(s) for the exhibitor to compete safely. The request should also state that it is to be kept on file for the remainder of the show year. A new request will need to be submitted at the beginning of each show season. Request form can be found on the Midwest Dressage Association website - www.midwestdressage.org
Riders are expected to follow USDF/WDAA rules for attire, tack, saddlery and ASTM helmets. The ONLY exception is when it is part of their verified compensating aids.
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards - Para-Dressage
The Midwest dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS
Para-Equestrian—Open
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
Open to MDA members in good standing with a permanent disability. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championships awards may be won more than once by any horse/rider combination.Para-Equestrian competitors must submit the following form with their entry:
- Complete list of compensating aids using the MDA "Schooling Show Accessibility Form" (available on the MDA website) - OR - USEF or FEI dispensation certificates
- A copy of the FEI Para-Dressage test(s) they will perform
Members participating in MDA "Participating" Schooling Shows do NOT need to be USEF or FEI classified para-equestrian to be eligible for schooling show year end awards. Exhibitors will be allowed to perform a test of any grade level. If the horse and rider combination/s have attained 2 or more scores of 62% or higher in USEF/USDF or FEI competitions, they will be expected to perform tests that are at or above level. While not technically para-eligible, riders with cognitive disabilities may also be included in “Para-Equestrian Test of Choice” classes at schooling shows.
Section 3 - Compensating Aids
Riders with permanent disabilities should be allowed to use compensating aids of their choice at a schooling show. Exhibitors are responsible for supplying their own compensating aids. Compensating aids may deviate from USEF equipment rules for able-bodied dressage competitors. Compensating aids should not provide an advantage, but will enable the exhibitor to ride their test. Compensating aids must be safe for both horse and rider. It is the responsibility of the exhibitor to provide a complete list of compensating aids they expect to use to the show management at the time of their entry. Show management can reserve the right to deny any proposed compensating aid they deem unsafe. Examples of standard compensating aids include:
- Salute with head only
- Gloves not required
- Soft or hard hand hold on saddle
- Breast plate or neck strap
- Sitting or rising trot are both acceptable
- Elastic bands on stirrups
- Enclosed (cage) stirrups
- Magnetic stirrups
- No stirrups
- Split rein on a double bridle
- Elastic inserts in reins
- Knotted reins
- Use of voice
- Seat saver
- 2 whips
- Looped reins
- Connected bar rein
- Reins through ring on the saddle
- Strap—stirrup leather to girth or stirrup iron to girth
- Up to 13 “living letters” for riders with visual impairments
- Sign language callers
- Click Here for the FEI photo guide for compensating aids
Section 4 - Divisions
Open - Open to all Para-Equestrian (exhibitors with a permanent disability) members or guests. If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Section 5 - Eligible Shows
Scores from any "Participating" MDA Dressage Schooling Shows will be used to determine Year End awards.
Section 6 - Tests
Para Equestrian TOC (Test of Choice) will be offered at MDA Participating Schooling Shows. Scores must be from a Para Equestrian Test of Choice class. All tests must be the current FEI Para Equestrian tests.
https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/p-e-dressage/tests
Section 7 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 30th of the following year.
Section 8 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
- Schooling show scores must come from one rider/horse combination
- Schooling show scores must be from from three different judges, from three different shows, on three different dates
- SPECIAL NOTE - This is the first year of this program at MDA participating schooling shows. Because of the challenges para-equestrians face there will be no minimum percentage for the 2022 schooling show season.
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
A certificate of Recognition will be issued to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division. This a separate individual award with different expectations and regulations from the class/level/division placings.
Suggestions to Members/Riders:
- Only scores from "participating" schooling shows will be tabulated for Year End Awards.
- To assist show and award staff:
- Write your membership number on all of your entry forms. If show management does not a space - make one!
- Use the same name for both horse and rider throughout the show season.
- Keep copies of ALL of your tests, in case there are questions.
- When show results are place online or in the newsletter, CHECK to make sure your information is correct. Errors should be reported immediately to the awards committee.
- The award tabulation process is ongoing throughout the show season.
- All winners will be notified prior to the Annual Banquet.
Schooling Show Year End Awards - Western Dressage
Effective 1/1/2022
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards for Western Classes
The Midwest Dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbon through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Introductory Level—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Basic Level—Open, Amateur, Youth, Novice Horse, Novice Rider, Gaited
Level 1—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Level 2—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members in good standing are eligible for the awards program. Western Dressage classes are open to riders on horses, mules and/or ponies of any origin. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championship awards may be won only once by any horse/rider combination in a given level in the same division
The horse/rider combination may continue to compete at that level but will no longer be eligible for the awards in future years.
If the competitor changes divisions, (i.e. Amateur to Open) or moves up a level may compete for the championship at the new level.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open—Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse and rider's previous performance or experience of the rider.
Adult Amateur—Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such account of the current USEF and WDAA rules.
Youth—Individuals are eligible as Youth Exhibitors until the end of the competition year in which they reach the age of 18. Riders must meet the requirements of the WDAA and USEF Note: Adult Amateur and Youth Rider are separate divisions and are mutually exclusive. There can be no crossover between the two.
Gaited—The gaited horse will perform a saddle gait in place of the jog. The saddle gait selected should be the gait in which the horse is balanced and athletically comfortable performing. The saddle gait may be either a lateral or diagonal gait, timely and consistently performed. The tempo, rhythm and foot falls of the gait the rider chooses to perform must not change throughout the test. The gait the horse performs, should be able to be ridden in a working, lengthened, free and collected manner as the Western Dressage test specifies.
The saddle gait is a 4 beat lateral or diagonal gait, timely and evenly performed. The tempo, rhythm and foot falls of the gait they choose to show must not change throughout the test
Novice Horse/Rider—A Novice Horse/Rider is considered to be any horse or rider in their first or second year of showing western dressage as of January 1st. Both may only show in this division for two years, regardless of their placing. Scores used must be from a Novice Horse of Novice Rider classes.
Sections 4 - Eligible Shows
Participating MDA Dressage Schooling Shows in Western Dressage classes will be used to determine Year End Awards
Rules:
Section 5 - Tests
All tests must be the current WDAA/USEF tests. Horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels including freestyle, at any one competition. A horse being ridden by more than one rider can only enter the arena three (3) times a day regardless of level and rider.
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through to September 30th of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Awards can only be earned at two (2) consecutive levels for each horse/rider combination within an award year. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
Is a separate individual awards with different expectations from the class/level/division placings. A certificate of Recognition will be issues to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division.
Effective 1/1/2022
Section 1 - Schooling Show Year End Awards for Western Classes
The Midwest Dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbon through tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Introductory Level—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Basic Level—Open, Amateur, Youth, Novice Horse, Novice Rider, Gaited
Level 1—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Level 2—Open, Amateur, Youth, Gaited
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members in good standing are eligible for the awards program. Western Dressage classes are open to riders on horses, mules and/or ponies of any origin. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program. Championship awards may be won only once by any horse/rider combination in a given level in the same division
The horse/rider combination may continue to compete at that level but will no longer be eligible for the awards in future years.
If the competitor changes divisions, (i.e. Amateur to Open) or moves up a level may compete for the championship at the new level.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open—Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse and rider's previous performance or experience of the rider.
Adult Amateur—Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such account of the current USEF and WDAA rules.
Youth—Individuals are eligible as Youth Exhibitors until the end of the competition year in which they reach the age of 18. Riders must meet the requirements of the WDAA and USEF Note: Adult Amateur and Youth Rider are separate divisions and are mutually exclusive. There can be no crossover between the two.
Gaited—The gaited horse will perform a saddle gait in place of the jog. The saddle gait selected should be the gait in which the horse is balanced and athletically comfortable performing. The saddle gait may be either a lateral or diagonal gait, timely and consistently performed. The tempo, rhythm and foot falls of the gait the rider chooses to perform must not change throughout the test. The gait the horse performs, should be able to be ridden in a working, lengthened, free and collected manner as the Western Dressage test specifies.
The saddle gait is a 4 beat lateral or diagonal gait, timely and evenly performed. The tempo, rhythm and foot falls of the gait they choose to show must not change throughout the test
Novice Horse/Rider—A Novice Horse/Rider is considered to be any horse or rider in their first or second year of showing western dressage as of January 1st. Both may only show in this division for two years, regardless of their placing. Scores used must be from a Novice Horse of Novice Rider classes.
Sections 4 - Eligible Shows
Participating MDA Dressage Schooling Shows in Western Dressage classes will be used to determine Year End Awards
Rules:
- WDAA rules will be followed for gaits, movements, collection, submission, impulsion, use and effectiveness of the aids, appointments, WDAA Subchapter: WD-2 Gait, WD-3 Movements and Methods, WD-4 collections, Submission, Impulsion, Aids
- WDAA rules will be followed for tack, equipment, and rider attire. WDAA Subchapter WD-5 General, Tack, Illegal Equipment, Attire.
- Further information and details: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/NpmAWxkXY6M/wd-western-dressage
Section 5 - Tests
All tests must be the current WDAA/USEF tests. Horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels including freestyle, at any one competition. A horse being ridden by more than one rider can only enter the arena three (3) times a day regardless of level and rider.
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through to September 30th of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be a MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Awards can only be earned at two (2) consecutive levels for each horse/rider combination within an award year. Scores must meet the following conditions to be used for Year End Awards:
- Scores must be from one (1) horse/rider combination.
- Schooling show scores must be (mandatory for ALL divisions):
- from three different judges
- from three different shows
- on three different dates
- one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of that level, (Introductory Level Test 4, Basic Level Test 4, Level One Test 4, Level 2 Test 4.
- WD dressage hack and equitation will NOT be offered.
- Exemption—If a horse/rider combination was to change divisions that combination would be eligible to repeat as champion in the same level but in a different /new division.
Section 8 - Certificate of Recognition
Is a separate individual awards with different expectations from the class/level/division placings. A certificate of Recognition will be issues to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division.
USDF/USEF Recognized Competitions Year End Awards (National Rated Shows) - Traditional Dressage
Section 1
The Midwest Dressage Association offers championship awards and ribbons up to tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISONS
Training Level through Intermediate l--Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
Intermediate all through Grand Prix--Open
Freestyle Training through Fourth Levels--Open
FEI Freestyle--Open
Midwest Dressage Association does not offer year end awards in breed classes.
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members, in good standing, are eligible for the awards program. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open--Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse' previous performance or experience.
.Adult Amateur - Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such according to the current USDF rules.
Junior/Young Rider
Section 4 - Eligible Shows
All "recognized" shows must be licensed by either or both the USEF and USDF.
Section 5 - Tests
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 31st of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores
To qualify for awards at Recognized Show Training Level through Grand Prix, only scores from USDF/USEF recognized shows can be used.
For final tabulations:
b. from three different shows
c. on three different dates
d. one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of the level shown (Training Level Test 3 through
Fourth Level, Test 3)
e. Training Level through Fourth level tests must have scores of 58.000% or higher.
f. Prix St. George through Grand Prix tests must have scores of 58.000% or higher.
g. FEI Freestyle scores must be 58.000% or higher.
h. Freestyle scores can only be used for Freestyle awards.
i. Pony scores will be accepted if they are from shows open to all riders regardless of age and horses/ponies of any breed.
Section 8 - *The Certificate of Merit is a separate individual award with different expectations from the class/level/division placings.
Certificate of Merit
b. from three different shows
c. on three different dates
d. one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of the level shown (Training Level Test 3 through Fourth Level, Test 3)
Section 1
The Midwest Dressage Association offers championship awards and ribbons up to tenth place for the following:
LEVELS & DIVISONS
Training Level through Intermediate l--Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
Intermediate all through Grand Prix--Open
Freestyle Training through Fourth Levels--Open
FEI Freestyle--Open
Midwest Dressage Association does not offer year end awards in breed classes.
Section 2 - Eligible Competitors
All MDA members, in good standing, are eligible for the awards program. Membership dues must be received prior to the date of a show for the scores from that show to be eligible for the awards program.
- Riders may qualify for awards in only one division.
- If the competition does not offer Adult Amateur or Jr/Young Riders classes, your Open scores may be used toward your respective division. A show bill may be requested.
- Awards will be based on one horse/rider combination.
- Awards can only be earned at two (2) consecutive levels for each rider/horse combination.
- In Training through Fourth Levels, a horse/rider combination may win the level Year End Championship only once.
Section 3 - Divisions
If a competitor is found to be ineligible for a division and has received awards in a division, such competitor will be required to return said awards and will reimburse the MDA for the replacement costs and the costs of redistributing the awards and/or ribbons.
Open--Open to all members. There are no restrictions based on the horse' previous performance or experience.
.Adult Amateur - Adult members must have declared themselves to be adult amateurs on the MDA membership application and meet the requirements of such according to the current USDF rules.
Junior/Young Rider
- Open to members who have not reached their 21st birthday as of January 1st of that year.
- Note: Adult Amateur and Junior/Young Rider are separate divisions and are mutually exclusive. There can be no crossover between the two.
Section 4 - Eligible Shows
All "recognized" shows must be licensed by either or both the USEF and USDF.
Section 5 - Tests
- All tests must be the current USDF/USEF tests.
- Horses may enter no more than two consecutive levels, Freestyle levels included, at any one competition.
- A horse being ridden by more than one rider can only enter the arena three (3) times a day regardless of level and rider.
Section 6 - Show Year
The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st of the current year through September 31st of the following year.
Section 7 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores
To qualify for awards at Recognized Show Training Level through Grand Prix, only scores from USDF/USEF recognized shows can be used.
For final tabulations:
- Three scores from the same level will be used
- Scores for Opportunity, Hors Concours, Rider Test, and Breed Classes will NOT be accepted.
- Mandatory for ALL Divisions - Scores must be:
b. from three different shows
c. on three different dates
d. one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of the level shown (Training Level Test 3 through
Fourth Level, Test 3)
e. Training Level through Fourth level tests must have scores of 58.000% or higher.
f. Prix St. George through Grand Prix tests must have scores of 58.000% or higher.
g. FEI Freestyle scores must be 58.000% or higher.
h. Freestyle scores can only be used for Freestyle awards.
i. Pony scores will be accepted if they are from shows open to all riders regardless of age and horses/ponies of any breed.
- If the test is judged by two (2) or more people, the average score must be reported. Refer to USEF ruling regarding what constitutes a new judging jury.
- In order to be eligible for a year end award, the three scores must meet the following criteria.
Section 8 - *The Certificate of Merit is a separate individual award with different expectations from the class/level/division placings.
Certificate of Merit
- A certificate of Merit will be issued to all riders who have three (3) scores of 60.000% or higher at a given level/division.
- The scores must be:
b. from three different shows
c. on three different dates
d. one (1) of the scores must be from the highest test of the level shown (Training Level Test 3 through Fourth Level, Test 3)
- For multiple judges, see above, bullet 1.
2021 MDA Year End Awards
revised January 02, 2022
2021 Award Winners Coming Soon!