Year End Award Qualification Rules
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2025 MIDWEST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Midwest Dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place. The requirements are the same across classical, para, and western dressage.
Section 1: Eligibility:
Section 2: Eligible Shows
Section 3: Tests:
Section 4 - LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Classical MDA Participating Schooling Shows:
Western MDA Participating Schooling Shows:
USDF/USEF Recognized Competitions (National Rated Shows) - Classical Dressage
Section 5 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be an MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Social members must upgrade to a full member by September 30th in order to be eligible for the current year end awards. 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:
Classical: 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)
Western: 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.
Eventing: one (1) score must be from Test A and one (1) score must be from Test B
SCORE REQUIREMENTS
Classical: Introduction to Dressage through Second Level, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--minimum percentage score of 58.000%.
Western: Introduction to Dressage through Level 2, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--minimum percentage score of 58.000%.
Eventing: Starter thru Intermediate, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--maximum percentage score of 42.000%.
Introduction to Dressage through Second Level (Level 2 for Western),(Starter – Intermediate for Eventing), only for Junior/Young Rider will not have a minimum (maximum for eventing) percentage score.
Special Note: Because of the challenges para-equestrians face there will be no minimum percentage for para-equestrians.
Section 6 - Certificate of Recognition for schooling shows
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 7 - Certificate of Merit for Recognized shows
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 from three different judges, on three different dates. 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 8 - 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:
Appendices:
Qualifying Volunteer Hours: SEE FORM HERE
New for 2025 all those wishing to qualify for year-end awards must submit 4 hours of volunteering. These hours can be earned at any time during the competition year (Oct 1st – Sep 30th). Volunteer hours must be from an activity listed on our volunteer page and be signed off by a competition or educational event manager or an MDA board member.
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities and activities.
Division Definitions:
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 at the MDA’s expense.
Para Dressage: Open to MDA members in good standing with a permanent disability. Para-Equestrian competitors must submit the following form with their entry:
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.
The Midwest Dressage Association sponsors a championship award and ribbons through tenth place. The requirements are the same across classical, para, and western dressage.
Section 1: Eligibility:
- 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. Social memberships must be upgraded to full membership by Sep 30th in order to be eligible for awards.
- Championship awards may be won only once by any horse/rider combination in a given level in the Junior and Amateur divisions. Once a Junior or Amateur of any given level wins a championship, they can still qualify for the same level the following year but must move to the open division. 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. Open riders can ride the same level indefinitely and qualify for a championship award.
- The show year for all MDA awards will be October 1st through September 30th.
- Scores must be submitted by the rider or owner by Oct. 15th for both recognized and schooling shows. The MDA will verify the scores with show management, but only the submitted scores will be counted towards the year-end award program. New for 2025, the MDA will no longer automatically record scores.
Section 2: Eligible Shows
- Scores from any "Participating" MDA Dressage Schooling Shows will be used to determine Year End awards for western and classical schooling awards.
- Scores from any USDF Recognized dressage show will be used to tabulate the recognized show awards.
- Note: Eventing test scores must be from an MDA participating schooling show. Scores from recognized USDF and USEA will not count toward year end awards.
Section 3: Tests:
- All classical tests must be the current USEF and/or FEI tests.
- All western tests must be the current WDAA/USEF tests.
- All eventing tests must be the current USEA/USEF 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.
- 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 4 - LEVELS & DIVISIONS:
Classical MDA Participating Schooling Shows:
- Dressage Seat Equitation — Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider, Leadline
- Sporthorse In Hand (Pilot Program)—Open, Junior
- Introduction to Dressage—Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- Training Level—Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- First Level— Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- Second Level—Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- Test of Choice Eventing (Starter - Intermediate) —Open, Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- Para-Equestrian (Both Rated and MDA participating schooling shows)—Open (Please see appendices for additional Para-Equestrian information)
Western MDA Participating Schooling Shows:
- Introductory Level—Open, Amateur, Junior
- Basic Level—Open, Amateur, Youth
- Level 1—Open, Amateur, Junior
- Level 2—Open, Amateur, Junior
USDF/USEF Recognized Competitions (National Rated Shows) - Classical Dressage
- Training Level through Intermediate l--Open, Adult Amateur, Junior/Young Rider
- Intermediate II through Grand Prix--Open
- Freestyle Training through Fourth Levels--Open
- FEI Freestyle--Open
Section 5 - Qualification Requirements and Minimum Scores Eligible for Year End Awards
Awards recipients must be an MDA member, in good standing, at the time the scores were earned. Social members must upgrade to a full member by September 30th in order to be eligible for the current year end awards. 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.
- Show scores must be (mandatory for ALL divisions):
- from three different judges
- on three different dates
Classical: 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)
Western: 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.
Eventing: one (1) score must be from Test A and one (1) score must be from Test B
- A minimum of four volunteer hours from the MDA approved volunteer opportunities list
SCORE REQUIREMENTS
Classical: Introduction to Dressage through Second Level, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--minimum percentage score of 58.000%.
Western: Introduction to Dressage through Level 2, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--minimum percentage score of 58.000%.
Eventing: Starter thru Intermediate, only for Open and Adult Amateur divisions--maximum percentage score of 42.000%.
Introduction to Dressage through Second Level (Level 2 for Western),(Starter – Intermediate for Eventing), only for Junior/Young Rider will not have a minimum (maximum for eventing) percentage score.
Special Note: Because of the challenges para-equestrians face there will be no minimum percentage for para-equestrians.
Section 6 - Certificate of Recognition for schooling shows
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 7 - Certificate of Merit for Recognized shows
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 from three different judges, on three different dates. 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 8 - 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 submitted scores from "participating" schooling shows will be tabulated for Year End Awards. Please ensure all scores are submitted by Oct. 15th to be included in the awards program.
- 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.
- All winners will be notified prior to the Annual Banquet.
Appendices:
Qualifying Volunteer Hours: SEE FORM HERE
New for 2025 all those wishing to qualify for year-end awards must submit 4 hours of volunteering. These hours can be earned at any time during the competition year (Oct 1st – Sep 30th). Volunteer hours must be from an activity listed on our volunteer page and be signed off by a competition or educational event manager or an MDA board member.
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities and activities.
Division Definitions:
- 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.
- Leadline--Open to members aged 8 years and under. Riders must be designated as leadline riders for the MDA season and may not compete for any other awards. Leadline is only available for Dressage Seat Equitation classes, and a percentage score from the judge must be provided and signed. Riders are required to submit three scores from three different dates. Competitors may ride any horse. Leadline is open to Western & English riding.
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 at the MDA’s expense.
Para Dressage: Open to MDA members in good standing with a permanent disability. 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
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.