The Possibility of Awards

Spring has definitely sprung here in Maryland, and show season is rapidly approaching. I've had an eye turned towards new GMOs here in the DC area, with the consideration that we may try to go for some awards this year.

More blues please!

Of course, I ride a distinctly non-fancy thoroughbred with a serious aversion to pressure. As such, my expectations towards winning anything are incredibly low. I'm always happiest to have a fairly relaxed test free from major flaws and above 60%. That caveat spelled out, let's take a look at what I'm aiming Pig and I for this year:

GMO Awards: Potomac Valley Dressage Association

Logo shamelessly pulled
via PVDA.

1. The Thoroughbred Placement Resources High Score Schooling/Licensed Show Award
• Two awards: 1 for highest score in a PVDA recognized show, 1 for highest score in a PVDA schooling show.
• Qualify: Horse must be full thoroughbred, score must be received during current competition season (qualification deadline: Nov 15th), rider must be member of PDVA when score is earned.
2. Year-End High Score Awards
• Only scores earned at a PVDA recognized or schooling show will be counted.
• Season through Oct 31.
• Average score tabulated after highest and lowest score are dropped. Average score must be above 55%.
• Awards are split into divisions, mine being AA. Further split by level category.
• 8 volunteer hours with PVDA required for eligibility.
• Minimum of 7 scores from same rider/horse combo, and at least 2 different tests in the level.
• Rider must be a PVDA member.
3. Rider Achievement Awards
• Rider must be PVDA at time of earning scores, and proof of membership is required.
• Scores must be earned at a PVDA schooling show, or any recognized show.
• Qualifying scores: USEF First Level – 62%; USEF Second Level and above – 60%
• Four Qualifying Scores are required for each award.
• Scores must be earned from at least 3 different judges from at least 2 different shows.
• Schooling show judges must be at a least "L" level.
• Scores may be earned across multiple years.
• Scores may be earned on multiple horses.
• Rider may be awarded once only at each level in both the schooling show and recognized show categories.
• Rider is responsible for reporting scores.

National Awards: The United States Dressage Federation (USDF)

Logo shamelessly pulled via USDF

1. Bronze Medal (Need two 3rd level scores only)
• Rider must have a GM or PM USDF membership at time score received.
• Horse must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements (HID okay) and be registered with the USDF with the owner under which it is exhibited.
• Scores must be from USDF/USEF licensed shows only.
• Scores may be recorded on multiple horses.
• Scores must be submitted all at once, not as earned.
• Two scores of 60% or above needed at each 1st, 2nd, and 3rd levels.
• Scores must be from two separate rides at each level.
• Applications and $25 fee must be submitted by September 30 to receive award in calendar year.
2. Rider Performance Award (One score needed at 1st and 2nd)
• Rider must have a GM or PM USDF membership at time score received.
• Horse must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements (HID okay) and be registered with the USDF with the owner under which it is exhibited.
• Scores must be from USDF/USEF licensed shows only.
• Scores may be recorded on multiple horses.
• Scores must be submitted for each level all at once, not as earned.
• Awards given at Training, 1st and 2nd level only.
• Each level is a separate award and must be applied for separately.
• Four scores of 60% or above are needed from the level being applied for.
• Scores needed from four different judges at level being applied for.
• Scores needed from four separate rides at level being applied for.

Award eligibility is so complicated! But, being only two scores away from my Bronze feels really good. I hope we actually manage to knock that goal out this year!

Photo by Jen.

Are any of you aiming for any of these awards? Do you have your own GMO awards (or similar) that you are aiming for? How do you keep your scores and eligibility straight?!