Rosemary Herman Memorial Award
The Rosemary Herman Award was established in memory of Ms. Rosemary Herman, a founding member of the Midwest Dressage Association who passed away in December 2010. Rosemary played a vital role in MDA’s early years, serving as its first Treasurer, later as Vice President, and as Chairman of the Rules Committee. Her dedication to the structure and fairness of the sport left a lasting mark on the organization.
Rosemary’s passion for rules and organization led her to become a USEF Steward in 1966 and later a Technical Delegate in 1973. She embraced this work wholeheartedly, often saying, “There was a need because so many people seem uninformed about the rules.” She also competed in lower-level dressage, balancing her governance work with her love of riding.
Remembered as a woman of warmth, energy, intelligence, and strength, Rosemary was a steadfast supporter of dressage and of MDA. Many fondly recall seeing her at the “In Gate” snack bar at Win-A-Gin Farms during MDA Schooling Shows, always smiling and enjoying every moment of the competition. This award carries forward her legacy of service, knowledge, and joy in the sport.
Eligibility
To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current MDA member during the award year.
- Be 50 years of age or older as of January 1 of the award year.
- Compete at any level (see Nomination & Selection for details).
- Not have previously earned this award with the same horse-and-rider combination at the same level.
Nomination & Selection
- Award year runs from October 1st (previous year) through September 1st (current year).
- The three highest scores from three different judges across three participating dressage schooling shows are considered.
- If riders are tied, the award goes to the individual with the highest single score.
- To account for increasing difficulty, a 1% weighting factor is added to the final average score as the competition level increases.
- The award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet to honor the member’s contributions.
Recipients of the Rosemary Herman Memorial Award
2024 - Kimberly Robbins & DIF Aftensang
2023 - Colleen Navarre & Murphy's Irish Stout
2022 - Susan Ruth & Levi
2021 - Karen Suit & Just So
2020 - Cynthia DeRousie & Saintly Obsession
2019 - Lee Thome & LaDarius
2018 - Leslie Richardson & Achatex
2017 - Marie Domke- Dewitt & Blond Hijinx
2016 - Lee Thome & My Fling
2013 - Shannon Dempich & Paprika
2012 - Jan Nierzwick and Martin P
2023 - Colleen Navarre & Murphy's Irish Stout
2022 - Susan Ruth & Levi
2021 - Karen Suit & Just So
2020 - Cynthia DeRousie & Saintly Obsession
2019 - Lee Thome & LaDarius
2018 - Leslie Richardson & Achatex
2017 - Marie Domke- Dewitt & Blond Hijinx
2016 - Lee Thome & My Fling
2013 - Shannon Dempich & Paprika
2012 - Jan Nierzwick and Martin P
