WNYDA Awards Program

The purpose of the WNYDA Awards Program is to recognize member achievements during the competition year.  Awards will be presented at the Annual WNYDA Awards Banquet.

AWARDS CRITERIA
COMPETITION YEAR: The WNYDA 2025 competition year runs from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL AWARDS

The owner(s) & rider of the horse must be a WNYDA member in good standing at the times scores are earned. A WNYDA member who leases a horse is considered to be the owner of that horse for award purposes.
The owner or rider must work eight (8) hours for a WNYDA show, program or serve on a committee during the competition year.  The Required Volunteer Hours Form must be submitted by December 1, 2025, to be eligible to win any award.  
If the owner completes the required eight (8) volunteer hours, then their horse is eligible for Horse of the Year Awards, but the rider is not eligible for the Rider of the Year Awards, unless the Rider has also completed the required eight (8) volunteer hours.

SCOREKEEPING AND SCORE REQUIREMENTS

Scores will automatically be pulled from USEF/USDF for recognized Rider and Horse of the Year Awards and Opportunity Awards. No need to submit scoresheets.  If you wish to opt out of year end awards, please email wnydadressage@gmail.com by December 1, 2025.
Scores for Rider Achievement must still be sent to the scorekeeper by December 1st using the form provided in the Rider Achievement section of the award criteria.
The age of the rider will be verified based on the recorded age per USDF guidelines to determine if the rider is competing for Junior/Young Rider, Vintage Cup Awards and Junior and Senior Challenge Series Show Divisions. 
Challenge Series Show scores count for the WNYDA Challenge Series awards and the Flying Change Horse of the Year Award (if required USEF/USDF scores are also earned) and the Upstate GMO Schooling Show Achievement award if additional score requirements from a 2nd participating GMO are also received. 
Only scores from USEF/USDF Recognized Competitions count toward awards for Rider Achievement, Horse of the Year, Rider of the Year, Joint Upstate High Point, WNYDA Opportunity Rider of the Year and Flying Change Horse of the Year (if required Challenge Series scores are also earned). 
Breed Division scores must be from a USEF Licensed DSHB Judge earned at a USEF/USDF recognized show. At least one of the scores submitted must be from a WNYDA Sponsored/Recognized Competition (when hosted/sponsored) to be eligible for WNYDA awards.
 A WNYDA Sponsored Recognized Competition is one with the WNYDA name and logo in the prize list. 
Classes restricted in any way, i.e. Breed, Novice, Opportunity, etc. do NOT count unless otherwise noted. Scores from Amateur Classes do count toward WNYDA awards, except as noted otherwise.  Scores from Opportunity Classes in USEF/USDF recognized shows count ONLY for WNYDA Opportunity Rider of the Year, but no other awards.

COMPUTATION OF SCORES

Awards are based on a median score, which is the middle score when all scores are placed in numerical order (except the Upstate GMO & Joint Upstate High Point; they use the average).
Awards will only be presented to median scores of 55% or higher (except for Challenge Series and Flying Change Horse of the Year).  And an average score of 60% for the Upstate GMO & Joint Upstate High Point.

AWARDS OFFERED

A.  Rider AchievementB.  Rider of the YearC.  Horse of the YearD. Challenge SeriesE. Breeding Division (DSHB)F. Darla TrophyG. Flying Change Horse of the Year AwardH. WNYDA Opportunity Rider of the YearI.  Upstate GMO Schooling Show Achievement AwardJ.  Joint Upstate High-Point Dressage AwardK. Materiale Horse of the YearL. OTTB Incentive Award

A.    RIDER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CRITERIA

These awards recognize the achievements of a rider, regardless of the horse(s) ridden at USEF/USDF recognized competitions.  No rider may win an award in each category more than once.  

The awards are offered at Training through FEI levels and require four (4) scores at that level. Scores can be collected in any year which can be verified via the USDF Scores website.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements)

For each category, a minimum of four (4) scores at 60% or higher must be recorded from two (2) different competitions and three (3) different judges. At least one (1) score must be from a WNYDA Recognized/Sponsored Competition.
For Training through Fourth Level, one score for each level must be from the highest test at that level.
Rider must have completed their eight (8) volunteer hours to be eligible.
Riders are responsible for submitting their scores to the scorekeeper on the Rider Achievement Award Form, along with the required volunteer hours form. 

B.     RIDER OF THE YEAR CRITERIA 

These awards recognize the achievements of the rider in a given competition year regardless of level competed in USEF/USDF competitions.  Awards are determined based on the scores for the horse/rider combination.  

Champion and Reserve Champions will be given a ribbon and prize. Champions will also have their name engraved on the perpetual memorial trophy housed at Houghton University. 

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements)

Awards may not be won by the same rider/horse combination at the same level more than one consecutive year unless there are no other eligible riders.
Rider must have completed their eight (8) volunteer hours to be eligible.

Trophies donated for the highest scoring rider are as follows:

Rider of the Year Awards	Qualifications
Overall Rider of the Year in memory of Captain Gyulay Nadasy	This award is given to any member with the highest median score from the winners of the Open/Professional, Vintage, Adult Amateur and Junior/Young Rider Awards.
Junior/Young Rider of the Year in honor of Major Anthony Rethy	This award is given to any Junior / Young Rider member with the highest median score. A competitor is a Jr/Young Rider until the end of the calendar year in which he/she reaches age 21. Scores must be earned in Open or Junior/Young Rider classes for the Junior/Young Rider Award.
Vintage Cup in memory of Ruth Fauldauer	This award is given to any member with the highest median score who has reached 50 years of age as of December 1 of the previous year. Scores must be earned in Open or Adult Amateur classes for Vintage Cup.
Adult Amateur WNYDA Millennium Board Trophy	This award is given to any Adult Amateur member with the highest median score. A competitor is an Adult Amateur if they hold a valid USEF membership card with Adult Amateur status. A competitor is an adult from the beginning of the calendar year in which he/she reaches age 22. Scores must be earned in Open or Adult Amateur classes for Adult Amateur.
Open/Professional trophy in honor of Reseda and Aberfoyle	This award is given to any Professional member with the highest median score. A competitor is a Professional if they hold a valid USEF membership card with Professional status. Scores must be earned in Open classes only for the Open/Professional Award.

C.  HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS CRITERIA

These awards recognize achievements of the horse, regardless of the rider in a given competition year in USEF/USDF competitions.   Awards are given at each level for Training through Fourth, one award for FEI levels and one Musical Freestyle Award.  

Champion and Reserve Champions will be given a ribbon and prize. Third (3rd) through sixth (6th) placed horses will receive a ribbon. Champions will also have their name engraved on the perpetual memorial trophy housed at Houghton University. 

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements). 

No horse may win Horse of the Year at the same level more than one consecutive year unless no other horse is qualified at that level. At FEI and Freestyle, a horse may win Horse of the Year more than one consecutive year if qualified at a higher level.  All scores must be from recognized USEF/USDF Competitions.
The highest median score will be used to determine the winner.  One (1) of the scores included in the calculation must be from a WNYDA Sponsored USEF/USDF Recognized show. The following scores are used as part of the determination of the median score:

Training, First and Second Levels – highest five (5) scores from at least two (2) shows, and three (3) different judges. One of the scores included must be from a WNYDA Sponsored USDF/USEF recognized show. Two (2) of the scores must be 55% or higher from the highest test within the level.
Third and Fourth Levels – highest three (3) scores from at least two (2) shows, and three (3) different judges.  One (1) of the scores must be from a WNYDA Sponsored USDF/USEF recognized show.  One (1) of the scores must be 55% or higher from the highest test within the level.
FEI and Freestyle (all levels) –  highest three (3) scores from at least two (2) shows, two (2) different judges.  One (1) of the scores must be from a WNYDA Sponsored USDF/USEF recognized show. One (1) of the scores must be 55% or higher. 

The perpetual trophies for the Horse of the Year Awards are listed below:

Level	Trophy	Original Trophy Donated by
Training	WNYDA Trophy in memory of Taffy	Donated by Sharon and Gary Grefrath
First	WNYDA Rufus Wesson Memorial Trophy	Donated by Andrea Linblad
Second	WNYDA Trophy in memory of Ida Mizelle Joseph	Donated by WNYDA in honor of Ida Mizelle Joseph, founder and first president 1974-1979
Third	WNYDA Third Level Champion Trophy	Donated by George & Ida Mizelle Joseph of Bridlewood Farm
Fourth	WNYDA Trophy in honor of Madame de Farge	Donated by Carl & June Batzing
FEI	WNYDA Trophy in memory of Dominick	Donated by Herbert & Jane Rissinger New base donated in 2025 by Deborah Kondoff
Musical Freestyle	WNYDA Musical Freestyle Trophy	Donated by Elsie Kellerman

D.  CHALLENGE SERIES AWARDS CRITERIA

These awards recognize rider achievement, regardless of the horse(s) ridden in a given competition year, at the WNYDA Challenge Series shows.  Awards will be split between Junior and Senior divisions. A Junior is 21 and under, a Senior is 22 and older years of age.

Awards are given for Champion and Reserve Champion for overall in the series and for JR and SR at each level. Third (3rd) through sixth (6th) placed riders get a certificate of recognition. The highest scoring rider regardless of age will have their name engraved on the memorial trophy housed at Houghton University.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements) 

A minimum of three (3) scores from at least two (2) different challenge series shows for any test at the same level at a WNYDA Challenge Series Show is required to qualify.  
Riders may qualify at more than one (1) level if the minimum of three (3) scores (from at least two (2) different challenge series shows) per level is met.
The median score will be used to determine award winners. Challenge series secretaries will submit scores on behalf of all riders. Riders do not need to submit scores.
Riders must complete the required eight (8) volunteer hours.

The Challenge Series Trophy is listed below.

E.  DRESSAGE SPORT HORSE BREEDING (DSHB) CRITERIA

This award recognizes the qualifying colt, gelding or filly from foal to three (3) years of age, and stallions and mares four (4) years old and older, in a given competition year.  

Champion and Reserve Champions will be given a ribbon and prize. Third (3rd) through sixth (6th) placed horses will receive a ribbon. Champions will also have their name engraved on the perpetual memorial trophy housed at Houghton University. 

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements). 

The final test score with total adjusted points (for conformation, movement and general impression) from a USDF Sport Horse Breeding Stock or Prospect (In-Hand) from USDF scores will be used.  
The highest overall score will count if the horse was also shown at the WNYDA Breed Show when WNYDA hosts a show in that calendar year. In years that WNYDA does not host or sponsor a USDF Breed Show scores from other USEF/USDF Breed show will count without the WNYDA requirement. 
Scores from an IBC Class and the Regional Finals Classes are excluded.
Required eight (8) volunteer hours for the horse's owner must be completed.
Horse must be owned by a WNYDA member in good standing but may be shown (handled) by a non-WNYDA member.
If enough eligible horses for this award, the year-end award may be split by age and/or gender based on the decision of the WNYDA board. Although the highest overall score would be listed on the trophy.

The DSHB perpetual trophy is listed below:

F.  DARLA TROPHY CRITERIA

The Darla Award is a trophy donated in 1999 by a group of friends in memory of Darla Schwark, a former Mendon Pony Clubber who went on to major league dressage in the Gladstone, N.J. area until her untimely death in 1998, at the age of 30.  While still living in this area, she was involved with many of us, training and teaching both horses and riders.  After moving to N.J., she made frequent return trips to visit family, and continued to teach and inspire.  

This trophy will be awarded to the rider with the highest FEI score of 60% or higher (not including Musical Freestyle) from the WNYDA Summer Festival show who is an active WNYDA member at the time of the competition. 

G.  THE FLYING CHANGE HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD CRITERIA

This award recognizes riders and their horses making the transition from schooling to recognized shows. 

Awards are given for Champion and Reserve Champion for JR and SR regardless of level.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements).

Minimum of two (2) scores, from any test, at the same level from WNYDA Challenge Series Shows AND a minimum of two (2) scores, from any test, at the same level from recognized USEF/USDF Competitions is required to qualify.
One of the scores used in calculations must be from a WNYDA Sponsored USDF/USEF Recognized show.
All scores must be earned by the same Horse/Rider combination.
Awards will only be presented to median scores of 60% or higher.
Riders must complete the required eight (8) volunteer hours.
The Champion may not be won by the same horse, at the same level, more than one consecutive year unless there are no other eligible winners. 

H.  WNYDA OPPORTUNITY RIDER OF THE YEAR CRITERIA

This award recognizes less experienced amateur riders in a given competition year.  An Opportunity Rider is defined as an adult amateur rider that enters Opportunity classes in WNYDA USEF/USDF Recognized Dressage Competitions.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements) 

Rider must be an amateur and not a professional. The rider must be recorded as an Amateur by the USEF/USDF.
Scores will be pulled from USEF Scores directly for WNYDA Sponsored competitions. 
Riders must complete the required eight (8) volunteer hours.
A minimum of four (4) test scores from at least two (2) different competitions and two (2) different judges from the WNYDA Opportunity Classes offered at WNYDA Sponsored USEF/ USDF Recognized competitions.
A rider may not win this award more than once.

The trophy for the WNYDA Opportunity Rider is listed below.

I.   UPSTATE GMO SCHOOLING SHOW ACHIEVEMENT AWARD CRITERIA

This award recognizes riders and their horses from all levels – Introductory and up with scores from GMO sponsored Schooling Shows.  Only one champion award will be given regardless of age or level.  

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements).

Submit two (2) scores from a GMO sponsored schooling show of at least 60% and above from two (2) different judges from two (2) different GMOs. 
Participating GMOs for this award are: Western NY Dressage Association, Cayuga Dressage & CT, Central NY Dressage & CT. 
Riders must complete the required eight (8) volunteer hours.
Report scores to the score keeper using the Upstate GMO Schooling Show Achievement Award form.

J.    JOINT UPSTATE HIGH POINT DRESSAGE AWARD CRITERIA

This award recognizes riders and their horses from all levels – Introductory and up with scores from USEF/USDF Recognized Competitions.  Only one champion award will be given regardless of age or level.  

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements).

Criteria:  Four (4) scores from USEF/USDF sponsored competitions at the qualifying level at least two (2) of the scores must be from two (2) different participating GMO sponsored shows and three (3) different judges. 
One of the scores must be from the highest test within the level. The 4 scores will be used in calculating the average (mean) score.
Participating GMOs for this award are: Western NY Dressage Association, Cayuga Dressage & CT, Central NY Dressage & CT
Only averages of 60% or higher qualify, with the same rider/horse combination.
Awards may not be won by the same rider/horse combination at the same level more than one consecutive year unless there are no other eligible winners.
Opportunity classes do not count towards this award.
Riders must complete required eight (8) volunteer hours.

K.   MATERIALE HORSE OF THE YEAR CRITERIA

This award recognizes the qualifying horse in a given competition year competing in the Materiale Classes.   

Champion and Reserve Champions will be given a ribbon and prize. Third (3rd) through sixth (6th) placed horses will receive a ribbon.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements).  Scores from the USDF Materiale Classes with be used.

Horse needs to have shown in at least one WNYDA recognized competition USDF Materiale class.  In years that WNYDA does not host or sponsor a Materiale Class, scores from another USEF/USDF Materiale Class will count without the WNYDA requirement. 
The highest score from any USEF/USDF recognized competition Materiale class will be used to determine the winner, even if the highest score was not obtained at the WNYDA recognized competition USEF/USDF Materiale class.
Owner and Rider must be a WNYDA member in good standing at the time score is earned with completed required eight (8) volunteer hours.

L.    OTTB INCENTIVE AWARD CRITERIA

This award recognizes any horse/rider combination of a WNYDA member in good standing competing on an OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbred).   

The horse with the highest median score will receive a prize and ribbon. Awards is sponsored by Kait Webster and Equine Exposure LLC.

Qualifying Requirements: (see rules regarding Eligibility and Score Requirements).

Award is based on median score (the middle score when all scores are placed in numerical order).  
This award is open to all levels and categories of riders (Junior, Senior, Open, Adult Amateur) and any level of horse (Intro through FEI).
Submitted scores must all be from the same level.
Scores must be earned at any WNYDA USEF/USDF Recognized show or any WNYDA Challenge Series show or any combination of those two.
Three (3) scores must be submitted from at least two (2) different judges.
Horse, rider and owner information must be submitted on the OTTB Incentive Award form along with the horses' Jockey Club number.
Owner/Rider must complete required eight (8) hours of volunteering.

Trophy	Original Trophy Donated by
Challenge Series Trophy	Dorothy Hokanson and Carol Lorenc

Trophy	Original Trophy Donated by
DSHB Horse Trophy	Donated by Black Points Farm

Trophy	Original Trophy Donated by
Darla Trophy	Donated by Marilyn Aldrich, Peg Barisone, Barb Ilardi, Elise dePapp, Anne and Erika dePapp, Linda Bean Torchia, Mary Seccombe, Carol Wallinga, Nancy Webber, Diane Tichell, Joyce Ulinski-Schmid and Stone Thistle

Trophy	Original Trophy Donated by
WNYDA Trophy in memory of Maybe Someday (Beau)	Donated by Linda Bean Torchia and Janet Connor

western NY Dressage Association