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.

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

AWARD YEAR: The official show year is November 1st through October 31st (i.e. November 1st, 2024, through October 31st, 2025). 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, except for Achievement Ribbons, which require four (4) hours of volunteer time. Exception – Masters Recognition Award – you do not need an additional eight (8) hours of volunteer time.

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.

The same horse and rider combination must be maintained throughout the show season. You must earn awards as a horse and rider combination.

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

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 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 Children Individual and Team Tests – equivalent to Second Level, Test 3
• 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
• FEI U25 Brentina Cup Grand Prix – equivalent to Intermediate II

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 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.

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 Champion placement for a High Score Award at any one level from Starter through Fourth level, and was champion with a median score above 70%, that same horse and rider combination may not apply again for High Score Award at that level. If the rider earned champion and had a median score less than 70%, they are eligible to apply again for High Score Awards at that level. At Prix St George through Grand Prix, the same horse and rider combination can win again regardless of score.

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.

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.

Masters Recognition Awards (applied with High Score Awards)

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.

How to submit an application

• Obtain a Dressage Score Record Form (see the Forms page) 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.
• Ensure you have all the volunteer hours you need, and submit your volunteer hour form(s) (see the Forms page) with your application. These forms are proof that your volunteer hours were completed. Additionally, volunteer hours are transferable from person to person and can be earned by people who are not ESDCTA members and transferred to an ESDCTA member for Year End awards. If you cannot complete your Year-End Awards volunteer requirements, we offer a volunteer hour buy-out program for $10/hour. Click here for Buyout info. For more information on volunteer requirements for Year End Awards, please visit our Volunteer Requirements for Year-End Awards page.
• You may email awards@esdcta.org 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, Dressage Seat Equitation, and Dressage Medals

• List the number of scores (as required) from highest to lowest including all information.
• Eight (8) hours volunteer time are required per award.

Achievement Awards

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

An Achievement Award is awarded to a competitor who has earned (1) score as indicated below. Do not submit more than one (1) score.

• Starter Rider, Western Dressage, and Intro through Second level – 60% minimum
• Third Level and Above – 58% minimum

Four (4) hours volunteer time is required per award.

Note: High Score Award recipients earning a Champion through Eighth place are not eligible for an Achievement Award 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 Award and does not need to submit additional scores.

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 2025, you cannot use scores older than those earned in show season 2015.

Bronze Medal

Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at Training Level as follows:

• 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 at least four (4) different judges
Scores must be from at least four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

Silver Medal

Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at First and Second Levels.

Three (3) scores must be from First Level as follows:

• A minimum of two (2) scores from First Level Test 3
• One (1) additional score from any First Level test

Three (3) scores must be from Second Level as follows:

• A minimum of two (2) scores from Second Level Test 3
• One (1) additional score from any Second Level test

Scores must be from at least four (4) different judges
Scores must be from at least four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

Gold Medal

Six (6) scores of 60% or higher at Third and Fourth Levels as follows:

• Three (3) scores from any combination of Third Level tests
• Three (3) scores from any combination of Fourth Level tests

Scores must be from at least four (4) different judges
Scores must be from at least four (4) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

NEW! Platinum Medal

Four (4) scores of 60% or higher at FEI Prix St. Georges and FEI Intermediare I as follows:

• Two (2) scores from FEI Prix St. Georges from two (2) different judges
• Two (2) scores from FEI Intermediare I from two (2) different judges

Scores must be from at least two (2) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

NEW! Diamond Medal

Four (4) scores of 60% or higher at FEI Intermediare II and FEI Grand Prix as follows:

• Two (2) scores from FEI Intermediare II from two (2) different judges
• Two (2) scores from FEI Grand Prix from two (2) different judges

Scores must be from at least two (2) different shows

Minimum of eight (8) hours of volunteer time

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.

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

Ninth place and below will receive 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, Junior, Amateur and Open categories may be combined or divided into one, two or three divisions at the discretion of the Awards Coordinator.

Applicable to all ages of Juniors and Amateurs who have not shown above Training Level Test 1.

Starter Rider – Walk/Trot

Five (5) scores from any combination of 2023 USDF Test A or 2023 USDF Test B. Do not submit more than five (5) scores.

• 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.

Starter Rider – Pre-Training (Walk/Trot/Canter)

Five (5) scores from any combination of 2023 USDF Intro C or 2023 Training Level, Test 1. Do not submit more than five (5) scores.

• 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.

Walk/Trot

Walk /Trot is open to all ages of Jr/YRs and Adult Amateurs who are NOT eligible for Starter Rider Awards. See the section above for information regarding the Starter Rider Awards, and what defines a Starter Rider.

Five (5) scores from USDF Intro Level Test A and Test B, specified as follows:

• Two (2) scores at Intro Level Test B from two (2) different judges
• Three (3) additional scores of any combination of either Intro A or Intro 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.

Pre-Training (Walk/Trot/Canter)

Pre-Training is open to all ages of Jr/YRs and Adult Amateurs who are NOT eligible for Starter Rider Awards. See the section above for information regarding the Starter Rider Awards, and what defines a Starter Rider.

Five (5) scores from USDF Intro Level Test C and USDF Training Level Test 1, specified as follows:

• Two (2) scores at Training Level Test 1 from two (2) different judges
• Three (3) additional scores of any combination of either Intro C or Training 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.

Training Level Through Fourth Level

Five (5) scores from the level specified 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 (can be any combination of tests from the 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.

FEI Levels: Prix St. Georges Through Grand Prix

One (1) score from the level. Do not submit more than one (1) score.

Eight (8) hours volunteer time per award.

Ties will not be broken.

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. Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

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

Ties will be broken using the highest freestyle score.

Musical Freestyle – Prix St. Georges Through Grand Prix

One (1) score from the level. Do not submit more than one (1) score.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per award.

Ties will not be broken.

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.

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. Ties will not be broken.

Pas De Deux – Training Level Through Grand Prix

Three (3) scores from the level. Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

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

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 application.

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. Ties will not be broken.

Quadrille and Quadrille Freestyles – Basic Through Grand Prix

Three (3) scores from the level. Do not submit more than three (3) scores.

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

Jr/YRs and Adult Amateurs only.

Awards may be earned 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.

Eight (8) hours of volunteer time per award/ level.

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

Jr/YRs 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