Vi Hopkins trophy

The Vi Hopkins Trophy was established in 2003 through the generosity of Chris Snow to honor Ms. Violet Hopkins for her extraordinary impact on the sport of dressage. Vi was a lifelong dressage enthusiast, a charter member of the Midwest Dressage Association, and a respected judge and instructor. She dedicated her life to the classical training of horse and rider, and many of today’s top professionals credit their foundation to her guidance and commitment.

Vi’s influence extended far beyond Michigan. She established a trust fund that supported the USDF/Hopkins Dressage Seminar for Instructors, which later evolved into the nationally recognized USDF Dressage Symposiums. These annual events, hosted at her Tristan Oaks Farm in Union Lake, Michigan, featured mounted sessions, lectures, and demonstrations led by world-renowned instructors such as Sweden’s Major Anders Lindgren and the United States’ Sally Swift.
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Today, the Vi Hopkins Trophy carries on her legacy. This award is presented annually to the Adult Amateur Training Level rider with the highest average percentage from recognized competitions submitted to MDA. To ensure broad recognition, the trophy may only be won once by the same horse-and-rider combination.
 

Eligibility

To be considered for this award, nominees must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Adult Amateur member in good standing with the Midwest Dressage Association.
• Compete in Training Level at MDA recognized competitions
• Accumulate the highest number of documented volunteer hours within the award year.
• May not have received this award as a horse-and-rider combination previously

Nomination & Selection

• Award year runs from September 1 (previous year) through October 1 (current year).
• The award is presented at the Annual Awards Banquet to honor the member’s contributions.

​Recipients of the Vi Hopkins trophy

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2024 - Heather Vitta & Laird
​2023 - Nicola Tucker & Pandora
2022 - Jennifer Clooten & Winhorses' For Amour
2021 - Kennedy Parker & Leeuw
2020 - Kristan Schank-Tuccarione & Sugar Play It Smart
2019 - Kennedy Parker & Ice Breaker
​2018 - Jennifer Moyne & Ephraim
2017 - Ingrid Baranski & No One Better
2016 - Valarie Boatman & MSU Superstitious+
​2015 - Jennifer Clooten & Knight Raider CRA​
2014 - Marissa Klimkiewicz & FRF Backtalk
2013 - Andrea Bruce & Gauguin 
2012 - Caitie Illich & Prince Figaro 
2011 - Michelle Davidge & Ek Taj Mahal
2010 - Kristy Hume & Fiesty Star
2009 - Melissa Wanstreet & Pulsar
2008 - Barbara Butman & Del Piero Van De Leennakker
2007 - Heather A. Jones & Celestial Shadow
2006 - Laura Hagen & Absolut' Teyn
2005 - Carol G. Giles & Romeo
2004 - Amy Dahlgren & Patriot
2003 - Joan Williams & Teddy's Day