Dressage Year End Awards Rules and Information

Membership in ESDCTA is required for participation in the Year-End Awards. You must have been a member-in-good-standing at the time you earned the scores that will be applied towards any Year-End Award as well as when applying for any Year-End Award.

Starter Rider:

• Walk/Trot – using scores from USDF Intro A & USDF Intro B Tests
• Walk/Trot/Canter – using scores from USDF Intro C & Training Level Test 1

Starter Horse:

• Walk/Trot – using scores from USDF Intro A & USDF Intro B Tests
• Walk/Trot/Canter – using scores from USDF Intro C & Training Level Test 1
• Training level
• First level

Training Level through Fourth Level

Prix St. Georges, Intermediate, Grand Prix

Rider Test- Training through 2nd level

Western Dressage- Intro through Level 3

Musical Freestyles and Pas de Deux – Training Level through Grand Prix

Quadrille and Quadrille Freestyles – Basic through Grand Prix

High-Score Award: categories are divided as follows if entries warrant

1. Junior – Youth designation.

2. Amateur – Senior designation

3. Open – Senior designation

Additional designation:

4. Starter Rider – All ages but for Juniors and Amateur only

5. Starter Horse- For horses in first year showing the level applied for by Juniors and Amateurs only

6. Masters – Age 50 and older for Amateurs only

JUNIOR: A rider is considered a youth until the end of the calendar year in which he/she turns age 21.

AMATEUR: Senior designation, as defined by USEF. Amateur rider is considered a Senior from the beginning of the calendar year in which he/she turns age 22.

OPEN: Senior designation, as defined by USEF. Open rider is considered a Senior from the beginning of the calendar year in which he/she turns age 22.

STARTER RIDER: Regardless of age, a competitor is considered a Starter Rider if they have not shown above Training Level Test 1. The day a person competes over Training Level Test 1 they are no longer considered a Starter Rider and only tests ridden prior to that day can be considered for Starter Rider awards.

STARTER HORSE: For horses in first year showing the level applied for by a Junior or Amateur rider. If they have shown at a higher level, or shown at the level applied under a different rider, they are NOT Starter.

Masters Recognition Award

To be eligible, a rider must be age 50 or older by November 1st of the show season for which you are applying for a High Score Award – honor system applies.

This is not a “stand-alone” award – you must be applying for a High Score Award.

The award is determined by the highest median score of eligible applicants regardless of placement in the High Score Award standings, Champion through Sixth place. This Award cannot be won by the same horse/rider combination two years in a row at the same level.

Applicant must be an Amateur as defined by the USEF.

Apply by checking the box on the Dressage Score Record Form.

One award is given per level unless there is a tie – ties will remain unbroken.

There are no Masters Recognition Awards for Musical Freestyle, Pas de Deux or Quadrille.

An Achievement Ribbon is awarded to a competitor who has earned (1) score as indicated below:

• Starter Rider, Starter Horse, Rider Test, Western Dressage, and Training through Second Level – 60% minimum
• Third Level and Above – 58% minimum

Eight (8) hours volunteer time is required per award.

Submit a copy of 1 test cover page to include required information. Do not submit more than one (1) score.

Note: High Score Award recipients earning a Champion through Eighth place are not eligible for an Achievement Ribbon for that same horse/rider/level combination in the same year.

If a competitor has submitted scores for a High Score Award and did not place in the top eight places, that competitor will automatically be eligible for an Achievement Ribbon and does not need to submit additional scores.

AWARD YEAR: The official show year begins on November 1st, 2022 and ends on October 31st, 2023.

Applicants must submit a COMPLETED ESDCTA Dressage Score Record Form for the current year, Volunteer Forms, and the correct amount of test copies, per award, to be eligible for Year End Awards.

The same horse and rider combination must be maintained throughout the show season.

Scores received at all ESDCTA registered shows, both schooling and recognized, may be used towards Year-End Awards.

The following tests may also be used toward Year-End Awards, Medals and Achievement Ribbons as long as the score was earned at an ESDCTA registered show:

• FEI Pony Individual and Team Tests – equivalent to Second Level, Test 3
• FEI Junior Individual and Team Tests – equivalent to Third Level, Test 3
• FEI Young Rider Individual Test – equivalent to Fourth Level, Test 3
• FEI Young Rider Team Test – equivalent to FEI Prix St. George

Shows listed in the Omnibus or advertised in the newsletter are considered ESDCTA registered unless otherwise noted.

Shows that do NOT count toward Year-End High Score are regional shows not registered or hosted by ESDCTA, and out-of-region shows.

Multiple-day shows are considered one show – the date on which the show begins determines the date of the show for Year-End Awards.

If you are using scores from FEI classes or other classes where your ride was judged by two judges and the scores were averaged to achieve a final score, you cannot use each individual score – you must use the final averaged score.

If you are using scores from any championship show or championship classes where two tests were ridden and both scores were averaged to achieve a final score, you are to use each individual test score – not the final averaged score.

If you are using scores from any show where one ride was judged by two or more judges and the scores were averaged to achieve a final score, please list all judge names.

Scores must be from the current show season, to be earned between November 1st and October 31st of the year you are applying for a Year-End Award.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time is required for each Year-End Award. Exception – Masters Recognition Award – you do not need an additional eight (8) hours of volunteer time.

Applications for Year-End Awards must be received by the Awards Chairperson listed in the newsletter/website/Omnibus postmarked no later than November 15th.

Applications postmarked after November 15th will not be accepted and will be returned.

Year-End Awards will be presented at the ESDCTA Annual Awards Banquet.

Questions regarding ambiguity of the rules must be brought to the attention of the Board of Trustees by July 1st of the current show year to allow the board members time to discuss the situation.

Do not send “signature required” if using Fed Ex, UPS Overnight or Express Mail. Check the box on form “NO SIGNATURE REQUIRED” or use regular or priority mail.

For Schooling Shows

USDF L judge graduate – schooling show scores through 4th level

USDF L judge graduate with distinction – schooling show scores through Grand Prix

USEF r, R, and S – schooling show scores through Grand Prix

USEA r event judge – schooling show scores through 2nd level only

USEA R, S and international event judges – schooling show scores through 3rd level only

For Recognized Shows

USEF r – scores through 2nd level only at recognized shows

USEF R – scores through 4th level only at recognized shows

USEF S – scores through Grand Prix at recognized shows

A dressage score earned as part of a Combined Test, Horse Trial or any other multiphase Event competition cannot be used towards a Dressage High Score Award, Dressage Medal or Achievement Ribbon.

The same horse and rider combination may apply for a Year-End High Score Award at two (2) consecutive levels.

Once a horse and rider combination has earned a Masters Recognition Award or Champion placement for a High Score Award at any one level, from Starter through Fourth Level, that same horse and rider combination may not apply again for High Score Awards at that level. Exception – Prix St. Georges through Grand Prix – the same horse and rider combination can win again.

A horse or rider who has earned a Champion placement for a High Score Award at a specific level is eligible at that same level when paired with a different rider or horse.

Awards requiring 5 scores are determined by median score by dropping the two highest scores and the two lowest.

Awards requiring 3 scores are determined by median score by dropping the highest score and the lowest.

Awards requiring 1 score are determined by the single score.

In the case of Rider Tests awards, which require 4 scores, the median will be the mean (average) of the second and third scores.

A minimum median score of 55% is required for any Year-End Award.

Eight (8) places will be awarded, descending from the highest median score.

Ninth place and below will be eligible for an Achievement Ribbon.

Ties will be broken using the highest score of the highest test of the level unless noted otherwise.

NOTE: For all High Score Awards: Starter Rider, Starter Horse, Training level through Grand Prix, Rider Test and Western Dressage Junior, Amateur and Open categories may be combined or divided into one, two or three divisions at the discretion of the Awards Coordinator. If there are three or more applicants in any of the categories, (that is, junior, amateur or open), the division will be separated in this/these different categories.

Starter Rider – Walk/Trot
Starter Horse – Walk/Trot

Five (5) scores from any combination of 2023 USDF Test A or 2023 USDF Test B

• Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different judges
• Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different shows

Eight (8) hours volunteer time per award.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Ties will be broken using the highest score submitted.

Do not submit more than five (5) scores.

Starter Rider – Walk/Trot/Canter
Starter Horse – Walk/Trot/Canter

Five (5) scores from any combination of 2023 USDF Intro C or 2023 Training Level, Test 1

• Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different judges
• Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different shows

Eight (8) hours volunteer time per award.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Ties will be broken using the highest score submitted.

Do not submit more than five (5) scores.

Training Level Through Fourth Level
Starter Horse Training and First Level

Five (5) scores from the level as follows:

• Two (2) scores from the highest test of the level from two (2) different judges
• Three (3) additional scores from the same level

Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different judges.

Scores must be from a minimum of three (3) different shows.

Eight (8) hours volunteer time per award.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Ties will be broken using the highest score of the highest test of the level.

Do not submit more than five (5) scores.

Prix St. Georges Through Grand Prix

One (1) score from the level.

Eight (8) hours volunteer time per award.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Ties will not be broken.

Do not submit more than one (1) score.

Western Dressage Awards

Juniors and Adult Amateurs only.

Awards may be achieved at Intro, Basic, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 using the 2013 WDAA tests.

Must have five (5) scores to be eligible, two from the highest test of the level from two different judges, three additional scores from same level.

At least three different judges (Judges may be USDF L and above).

At least three different shows.

Scores must be earned in the award competition year.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per level.

Champion through 8th will be awarded at each level, ties will be broken using the highest score of the highest test of the level.

General Information
All General Requirements, Volunteer Requirements, etc., for Year-End Awards as stated above apply to Musical Freestyle Year-End Awards, with these additions or exceptions:

The same horse and rider combination must be maintained throughout the show season. Applicants for Musical Freestyle awards must also submit a non-freestyle qualifying score of a minimum of 55% from the highest test of the freestyle level or a higher level to demonstrate technical competence at the freestyle level.

The qualifying score cannot be used to determine median score.

Applicants do not need to ride a new qualifying score each year – an old score at the same freestyle level or a higher level will suffice.

Clearly mark the test that will be used for the qualifying score.

If you are using a score from a test that was judged by two judges, use the average of the two scores and send a copy of each test, indicating that the two scores have been averaged.

NOTE: For all Freestyle High Score Awards, Training level through Grand Prix, Junior, Amateur and Open categories may be combined or divided into one, two or three divisions at the discretion of the Awards Coordinator. If there are three or more applicants in any of the categories, (that is, junior, amateur or open), the division will be separated in this/these different categories.

Musical Freestyle – Training Through Fourth Level
Three (3) scores from the level:

• Scores must be from three (3) different judges
• Scores must be from two (2) different shows
• Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per award.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information. A copy of the cover page of the qualifying score test.

Ties will be broken using the highest freestyle score.

Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

Musical Freestyle – Prix St. Georges Through Grand Prix
One (1) score from the level.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per award

A copy of the test cover page to include required information. A copy of the cover page of the qualifying score test.

Ties will not be broken.

Do not submit more than one (1) score.

General Information
All General Requirements, Volunteer Requirements, etc., for Year-End Awards as stated above apply to Musical Freestyle Pas de Deux Year-End Awards, with these additions or exceptions:

The same horse and rider combinations must be maintained throughout the show season.

Teams consisting of Junior and Senior riders will be considered Seniors for awards. Each team member must submit a completed submission.

Membership and volunteer requirements same as for all awards.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per team member per award.

If you are using a score from a test that was judged by two judges, use the average of the two scores and send a copy of each test indicating that the two scores have been averaged.

If there are less than six team applications, there will be no delineation by level; if there are six or more team applications, then the levels will be separated into two divisions, Training through Fourth Level, and FEI.

Pas De Deux – Training Level Through Grand Prix
Three (3) scores from the level

• Scores must be from three (3) different judges
• Scores must be from two (2) different shows
• Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per rider.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information.

Ties will not be broken.

Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

General Information
All General Requirements, Volunteer Requirements, etc., for Year-End Awards as stated above apply to Quadrille and Quadrille Musical Freestyle Year-End Awards with these additions or exceptions:

Each team must establish a team name that must be maintained throughout the show season. Teams are not required to maintain the same horse and rider combinations.

Each team member must submit a completed submission.

Membership and volunteer requirements same as for all awards.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per team member.

A team that consists of both Junior and Senior riders will be considered Seniors for awards.

If you are using a score from a test that was judged by two judges, use the average of the two scores and send a copy of each test, indicating the two scores have been averaged.

If there are less than six team applications, there will be no delineation by level; if there are six or more team applications, then the levels will be separated into two divisions – Training through Fourth Level, and FEI.

Quadrille and Quadrille Freestyles Basic Through Grand Prix
Three (3) scores from the level

• Scores must be from three (3) different judges
• Scores must be from two (2) different shows
• Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per rider.

A copy of each test cover page to include required information. A copy of the cover page of the qualifying score test.

Ties will not be broken.

Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

Junior and Adult Amateurs Only

• Only scores earned in Dressage Seat Equitation classes are eligible.
• Judges can be USDF L and above.
• Scores earned beginning in the competition year 2015 are eligible.
• Scores do not have to be earned in one year.
• Riders may earn an award only once at each level.
• Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per level.

Elementary Level

• Must have five scores of 65% or higher
• From at least three different competitions
• From at least three different judges

Accomplished Level

• Must have five scores of 70% or higher
• From at least three different competitions
• From at least three different judges

Elite Level

• Must have five scores of 75% or higher
• From at least three different competitions
• From at least three different judges

ESDCTA Dressage Medals are offered to recognize those riders who have achieved consistent scores of 60% and higher regardless of size of competition or placement.

Requirements on Limitations on Scores Used from Previous Years
Scores need not be earned in one year, but cannot have been earned more than ten (10) years prior to the current show year for which you are applying for a Medal. For example – if you apply for a Medal in show season 2016, you cannot use scores older than those earned in show season 2007.

Bronze Medal Requirements
Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at Training Level

A minimum of three (3) scores must be from Training Level Test 3

Three (3) additional scores from any other Training Level tests

Scores must be from four (4) different judges

Scores must be from four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

Silver Medal Requirements
Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at First and Second Levels

Three (3) scores must be from First Level
A minimum of two (2) scores from First Level Test 3
One (1) additional score from any other First Level test

Three (3) scores must be from Second Level

A minimum of two (2) scores from Second Level Test 3
One (1) additional score from any other Second Level tests
Scores must be from four (4) different judges

Scores must be from four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

Gold Medal Requirements
Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at Third and Fourth Levels

Three (3) scores from any combination of Third Level tests
Three (3) scores from any combination of Fourth Level tests
Scores must be from four (4) different judges

Scores must be from four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

How to submit an application

• Obtain a Dressage Score Record Form (available on ESDCTA website) and fill in top portion completely, including show name and date, judge name and signature, rider name, horse name and score.
• For each award that you are applying for you must submit a separate application form with photocopies of tests attached. For instance, if you are using scores being applied to a Dressage Medal as well as a High Score Award, you must make the additional photocopies so all your submissions are complete. If you are using averaged scores, include copies of all tests and clearly indicate the final score.
• If you have misplaced a test: it is up to you to obtain confirmation from the show secretary to include the above information – do not send your application without this information – your submission will be considered incomplete. A USDF Year-End Standings print-out can be used as a last resort if you cannot locate test or obtain written show secretary confirmation. If you cannot locate a test, or get the show secretary’s confirmation of your score, or if the score will not be on a USDF Year-End Standing print-out, do not use that score.
• You may email [email protected] or mail your award submissions. Do not send “signature required” if using Fed Ex, UPS Overnight, or Express Mail. Check the box on form “NO SIGNATURE REQUIRED”, or use regular or priority mail.
• Applications must be postmarked no later than November 15th; late entries will not be accepted.

Dressage High Score Awards (Starter – Grand prix, Pas de Deux, Quadrille, Musical Freestyle & Dressage Medal)

• List the three (3), four (4), or five (5) scores (as required) from highest to lowest including all information.
• Eight (8) hours volunteer time are required per award.

Achievement Award

• List one (1) score including all information.
• Four (4) hours volunteer time are required per award.

ALL Dressage Year-End Awards applications must be postmarked no later than November 15th; late entries will not be accepted.