2025 Encore Award Application

2025_encore_application.pdf
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Encore award

The Encore Award is awarded annually at the MDA Year End Award Banquet to the rider of an OTTB (Off-track  Thoroughbred) with the highest average percentage from dressage tests ridden between October 1 and  September 30. Riders must be a current MDA member and submit the Encore Award Application to be  considered for the Award. A rider cannot win the award twice on the same horse. A rider can win the award  multiple times on different horses. For the purpose of this award, the OTTB horse must have: 
  • The horse’s Jockey Club registered name and/or registration number, 
  • A lip tattoo or microchip confirming the horse’s identity, 
  • Raced at least once. (This will be verified with the Jockey Club prior to the banquet.) 
The qualifying scores can be achieved at either MDA Participating Schooling Dressage Shows, or USDF  Recognized Dressage Shows. Three scores from the same level will be averaged to determine the final rankings,  and scores from Schooling and Recognized shows cannot be combined. Scores from each type of show will be  weighted equally. Scores from all levels from Intro to Grand Prix can be used to qualify. All scores, regardless of  level, must be at least 58% or higher. Scores from Equitation, Western Dressage, Freestyle and Hors Concur  rides/classes will not be used. 

The qualifying average will be tabulated with three (3) scores: 
  • For Introductory to Fourth Level, one score must be from the highest test of the level. For FEI  levels, all scores will qualify, 
  • From three (3) shows held on three (3) different dates, 
  • The three (3) scores used must have been achieved before three (3) different judges. 

​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
  • 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