AVDA Awards

AVDA offers awards based on dressage competition levels, horse breed, New to Dressage, Versatility, and our longest standing and most extravagant award, Volunteer of the Year!

These Perpetual Awards are for AVDA members only and awarded at our end of year holiday party. Our trophies have mostly been donated. If your breed of horse isn’t listed we will either find a new trophy or ask for a donation.

STAY TUNED FOR THE 2026 YEAR END AWARD APPLICATION!

Award Applications can be emailed to AVDAawards@gmail.com.
Year End Award Score Submission Forms can be submitted via email or in person to the Awards chair.

AVDA AWARDS POLICY (Revised 2023)

General Requirements for Horse-Rider Of The Year (Levels)

1.      Awards are based on a single horse-rider combination.
2.      The rider MUST be a member of AVDA in good standing at the time the scores are achieved.
3.      Volunteer Requirements must be met and are as follows:
a.      The rider must have 4 hours of volunteer work at an AVDA sponsored event or club related duty.
b.      The rider may designate a delegate to work for him/her.
c.      Volunteer hours must be submitted to the AVDA Volunteer Chair by November 1 to our Volunteer Coordinator Sarah Murphy.
d. Easy and fun way to earn hours: Attendance at any AVDA Meeting earns 1 hour!
Volunteer at any RMDS or AVDA sponsored event!                                                  
4.     Scores must be from a judge qualified for that level:
a.     Intro through Second – (L) or above
b.     Third and Fourth – (r) or higher
c.     FEI  – (S)
5.      Scores from Hors de Concour (HDC) rides will NOT count for awards.
6.      Scores from USDF, RMDS and Schooling Shows will count.
7. AVDA virtual show scores will count.
8.      Score Submissions can be mailed, emailed, submitted via the online google form or hand carried to the chairperson. A copy of the front of test with signature of judge must accompany the submission.
9.      A horse-rider combination may only have scores in one division for each level.
      A single horse-rider combination may qualify for and earn awards at a maximum of 2 consecutive levels in a single year.
10.   Scores MUST be earned during the current competition year.
11.   The AVDA Awards Chairperson must receive ALL score submissions by November 5.
12.   Perpetual trophies must be cleaned, polished and returned to the Awards chairperson no later than November 1 in order for the winner to be eligible for future awards.
3.   Scores will not count if a rider competes in a dressage class before a judge by whom he/she or his/her horse has been instructed, coached, or tutored with or without pay within 30 days of the day of the competition.
14.   The AVDA Award chair will calculate the initial results. A second AVDA member, typically the President or the President’s proxy, will verify the results before they are made official.
15.   All scores will be averaged.

AVDA Year End Award Qualification Requirements

Award Scores Shows Judges RMDS Shows Schooling Shows Highest Test
Intro - FEI 3 2 2 0 Yes 1
Breed 3 2 2 0 Yes 1
New to Dressage 3 2 2 0 Yes N/A 

INTRO – FEI LEVEL AWARDS
1.      3 scores
2.      2 shows
3.      2 different judges or judge combinations
4.      1 score MUST be from the highest test of the level
5.      The same horse-rider combination may not win more than twice at the same level and division

 FREESTYLE AWARD
1.      2 scores
2.      2 shows
3.      2 different judges or judge combinations
4.      1 score must be from an RMDS or higher recognized show

BREED AWARDS
1.      3 scores
2.      2 shows
3.      2 different judges or judge combinations
4.      1 score from the highest test of the level
5.      All riders must be from the same level and division
6.      Horse must be registered with appropriate breed organization (except grade horses)
7.      A copy of registration papers must be submitted to AVDA (except grade horses)
8.      Award presented for 1st place only
9.      AVDA currently has awards for the following categories: Quarter Horse; Arabian; Draft; Friesian; Grade; Holsteiner; Oldenburg; Paint; Pony; Trakehner; Warmblood; Thoroughbred                                        
10.   Other breeds will be awarded if applications are received, a trophy exists, or a new trophy is provided
11.   Trophy donations are always welcome

NEW TO DRESSAGE AWARDS

1. Same criteria as above for levels, awarded to a rider in their first year of showing dressage.
2. Limited to AA, JR and YR.
3. For Intro or Training Level only.
4. Awards for each division of AA, JR and YR.

DRESSAGE VERSATILITY AWARD
For the dressage rider using their education for enhancement in other equine disciplines.
Complete requirements can be found here

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
For the member who gives his/her time and talent to the club, elected by club members.