Awards

2022 Awards
The closing date for submitting all 2022 Maryland Dressage Association Year End Awards applications is December 1, 2022.

​Applications for Rider Achievement Medals, High Score Awards, and the Caitlin Ben Dror Memorial Educational Grants are to be submitted online. The application for Lifetime Achievement Medals must be submitted online and copies of tests mailed to Toni Over, 3228 Sudath Lane Jarrettsville, MD 21084. Please click on the appropriate places below.

The JBB Memorial Scholarship Application can be mailed to Toni Over, 3228 Sudath Lane Jarrettsville, MD 21084
Please postmark by December 1, 2022. Email submissions are also accepted by December 1, 2022 at toniover60@gmail.com
Please Note: MDA's Perpetual Awards do not require an application. These winners are selected from those who apply for MDA's other awards.
Maryland Dressage Association Lifetime Achievement Medals
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Apply by December 1,2022
COPIES OF TESTS MUST BE MAILED TO: Toni Over, 3228 Sudath Lane Jarrettsville, MD 21084 postmarked by December 1st of the awards year.
The Maryland Dressage Association has instituted Lifetime Achievement Medals modeling the USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Rider Medal Awards. The difficulty of earning any of these medals marks a prestigious achievement that will be a great honor to MDA riders for all of their years of success, hard work and dedication. 
The medal will be formally displayed in a shadow box with an engraved descriptive plate.
Eligibility
Rider must be a current Maryland Dressage Association member in good standing when scores are earned and applied for. Scores may be earned on one or more horses. Members are eligible to receive each Medal only once.
Applying for Awards
Rider must submit scores to the MDA on the official Lifetime Achievement Medal Award application form. Photocopies of the front and back of each test must be submitted with the application. The name and date of the competition, judge’s signature, the rider’s name and the score must be clearly visible. Do not send original tests, they will not be returned. MDA will accept test scores from 1997 to the present date.
All scores from MDA Schooling Shows may be used. Fifty percent of submitted scores may be earned at USDF/USEF Licensed competitions (exception for FEI -all scores may come from Licensed shows). All tests must be USEF or FEI tests. Restricted classes such as maiden, novice, and hors concours scores do not count for any awards, and freestyle scores do not count for non-freestyle rider awards. The scores from all shows must come from judges with following ratings: "r" or higher, First Level through Second Level, "R" or higher, Third and Fourth Level, and "S" or higher, Prix St George through Grand Prix. Scores from “L” Graduates will not count towards this award.

Riders are to submit the form after all of the required four or six scores are earned, rather than submitting scores one at a time.

Award Year
Scores are cumulative and need not be earned in one year.
The Lifetime Achievement Medal application and tests must be submitted to the current Lifetime Achievement Medal awards Chairperson before December 1st of the award year. Awards will be given out at the Awards banquet.

Bronze Medal Rider Awards
Must have six scores of 60 percent or higher:
  • Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
  • Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
  • Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
  • Score Equivalents
    • FEI Junior Preliminary Test = Third Level
    • FEI Pony Team Test = Second Level

Silver Medal Rider Awards
Must have four scores of 60 percent or higher:
  • Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides
  • Two at Prix St. George from two different judges and two different rides
  • Score Equivalents
    • FEI Junior Team and Individual Tests;
    • FEI Young Rider Preliminary, Consolation and Team Tests = Fourth Level>

Gold Medal Rider Awards
Must have four scores of 60 percent or higher:
  • Two at Intermediate I and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides.
  • Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides.
MDA Rider Achievement Medals
Note the High Score Award application and Rider Achievement Medals are on the same application
Apply online by December 1, 2022. No need to mail. Application is time-stamped.
Click Here to Apply

Eligibility:
  1. Eligibility for the Rider Achievement Medals is the same as the High Score Year End Awards
  2. The score will be computed based upon the average received in the declared division. Scores earned outside of your declared division and HC rides don't count.
  3. Only one application is necessary for both awards. Applications will need to be submitted by December 1,2022. Our new automated Awards Application will timestamp every submission.
  4. Medals will be given as follows:
    1. Bronze 55% to 59.99%, USEA 45% to 40.01%
    2. Silver 60% to 64.99%, USEA 40% to 35.01%
    3. Gold 65% and above, USEA 35% and below
MDA End of Year High Score Awards for Senior and Young Riders
Note the High Score Award application and Rider Achievement Medals are on the same application.
Apply online by December 1, 2022. Applications are time-stamped.
Click Here to Apply

Eligibility:
  • All riders must be members in good standing at time scores are earned.
  • Members must have earned 4 full work credits, which 2 full work credits must have been earned at an MDA schooling shows during the competition year. All work credits must be earned at MDA shows.
  • Horse/rider combinations may qualify and receive awards at two consecutive levels.
  • The five (three for Musical offerings) highest scores of 55% or higher (USEA 45% or lower) from any 2 tests of the level earned at shows by horse/rider combination in each division will be averaged for a final percentage upon which will be based the year ends.
  • Scores must come from at least 3 different schooling shows under 3 different judges (min. L judges) as listed on the schooling show list on the website.
  • Riders will have fifteen days after the posting of scores to verify their accuracy. Any disputes should be sent to the Schooling Show Chairman, for resolution. Volunteers are responsible for checking the work credit log periodically. Errors must be reported to the Schooling Show Chairman by December 1st. After that date, the work credit log is considered final and shall be used in determining awards.
  • Scores earned when riding Hors Concourse (HC) will not be used for Year End Awards
  • A year end Championship may be won by the same horse and rider combination twice at any given level. Upon winning the year end Champion award the second time, the horse and rider combination may no longer apply for or receive an award at that level.
  • Young Horses applying for YH division Year End awards must have proof of age and be 6 years or younger. If not registered a current coggins can be accepted as proof of age.
  • Horse/rider combination can only apply for a Maiden Year End award in the first year competing at that level.
  • Maiden is open to riders of all ages. Open is for adults (older than 21 yrs). Young Rider is open to riders 21 yrs or less.
  • Musical Freestyle, Pas de deux and Quadrille- Horse/Rider Combinations that advance to the next level will be allowed to apply for the Championship even if they have won it in previous years.
  • Riders must apply for these awards by submitting an application on the MDA Website - this is an automated application and will timestamp each submission. All submissions must be submitted by December 1,2022
High Score Divisions
Those applying for awards in the Young Horse Division must submit verification of the age of the horse before December 1 of the competing show season. Verifications are sent to the Schooling Show Committee- Adele Cohn, email at downcenterline.mda@gmail.com. Please reference the Showing Divisions page for more information on age verification.
Tests Ridden Hors Concourse (HC) may not be submitted.
Division
Scores Needed
Required Tests
Introductory
  • Maiden                         
  • Open                         
  • Young Rider​
5 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Scores must be earned from any two tests in the level.
Training thru 4th Level
  • Open
  • Young Rider
  • Maiden (Training)
5 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Scores must be earned from any two tests in the level.
FEI (PSG, I-1, I-2, GP)
  • Open
  • Young Rider
5 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
All scores must be earned at the same level.
Musical Offerings
  • Freestyle Open
  • Freestyle Young Rider
  • Pas de Deux
  • Quadrille
3 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Horse and Rider combinations are allowed to earn scores from two consecutive levels.
Young Horse
  • Open
5 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Scores must be earned from any two tests in the level.
USEA
  • TOC
5 scores of 45% or lower from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Scores must be earned from any two tests in the level.
WD/GD
  • TOC
5 scores of 55% or higher from 3 different shows under 3 different judges (L grad. Min)
Scores must be earned from any two tests in the level.
Perpetual Awards
The Perpetual Awards recipients are chosen from those who have applied for other Year End awards.

The Sterling Memorial Plate: Given to the highest scoring musical freestyle test performed during the show year at any MDA Show at First Level and up. An engraved silver plate will be held by the winner for one year. Minimum of one work credit required. NO application is necessary. Donated by Tracey Hurline and Walberth Farm.

The Whispering Spring Plate: Given to the highest scoring musical freestyle performed at Training Level at any MDA show during the calendar year. Engraved trophy to be held by the winner for one year. No application is necessary. Donated by Bobby Boyer.

The Big Mack Perpetual Award: Given to the highest scoring horse entered in year end awards at Training Level 3 in the Open, Young Rider, Maiden and Young Horse divisions. This award is donated by Linda Seybold in memory of her life long equine friend, Big Mack. No applications are necessary.

President’s Unsung Heroes Award: A special award will be given at the President’s discretion to those members whose extraordinary work behind the scenes goes unrecognized by any other award.

Nancy's Legacy Perpetual Award: Given to the highest scoring ride entered in year end awards.  All divisions and all levels included.  No application necessary.  Trophy to be held by the winner for one year.  Donated by Thornridge Manor in memory of Nancy DeVoe, a lifelong supporter of the dressage community.

Joyce B. Broccolino Memorial Scholarship - $300
This scholarship was established to honor the memory of Joyce B. Broccolino. A dear friend, valued member, and MDA board member. To promote and strengthen the quality of dressage and our association, financial assistance will be awarded to a senior member of the club in order that both knowledge and skill might be increased. The winning senior member will exhibit sustained interest in the MDA as evidenced by significant volunteer effort. The winning senior member will also exhibit good sportsmanship, integrity and a great effort to work for the good of MDA. This scholarship will be based on cumulative service to the club as well as the other criteria. The JBB Committee shall submit their selection and other candidates to the board for final approval before the awards banquet.
Apply and submit no later than December 1,2022: ​joycebroccolinoapplication_.pdf

Eligibility
  1. Applicant must be a current senior individual or senior family member, either riding or non riding, in good standing with the MDA. Applicants must have been members of the MDA for a full calendar year (January 1 to December 31) prior to the year of application. Members of the JBB Scholarship Committee are ineligible for this award. Prior winners who wish to reapply may do so by submitting only service which began after the prior scholarship was awarded.
  2. One Scholarship will be presented yearly and will be announced at the annual Awards Banquet.
  3. The application form should be typed or printed clearly and mailed/emailed to the JBB Chairperson, postmarked or electronically submitted no later than December 1, 2022.
  4. The JBB Scholarship Committee shall consist of a chairperson who is last years winner, one MDA member selected by the Executive Board of Directors, and one other MDA member. The committee will review all applications for accuracy and thoroughness select the winner and present the winner to the Executive board for final approval.
  5. By applying, candidates agree to share their scholarship experiences with other MDA members through the Newsline or by speaking at a General Meeting should they win. The winner further agrees to serve on the JBB Committee the following year.
  6. The JBB Scholarship applications should be mailed/emailed to the JBB Committee Chair, Toni Over, 3228 Sudath Lane Jarrettsville, MD 21084 Email: toniover60@gmail.com
Caitlin Ben Dror Memorial Educational Grants
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Up to four (4) $300 scholarships will be awarded each year. Two (2) to the highest averaging adult riders and two (2) to the highest averaging young riders. No more than 2 scholarships from each group will be awarded (2016 revision).
All current MDA members who are in good standing are eligible to apply for a grant to train with the instructors(s) of their choice to further their development as equestrians if they have met the work credit requirements for the calendar year. The Scholarship/Educational Grant Chair shall submit to the executive board the successful applicants for final approval before the Awards Banquet. Candidates will be judged based on service to MDA (60%) and five (5) test scores of any level (40%) at MDA shows. Weighing the work credits allows an applicant with a lower test average achieve a higher overall score for this award than a person with just a higher test average.

  1. Candidates must accurately and completely fill out the application for the MDA Education Grant and submit five (5) test scores of any level ridden under three (3) different judges. The scores must be from MDA shows and must include at least two different tests at their level. Introductory, Pas de Deux, Quadrille, and Musical Freestyle are not eligible. Work credits received during the year must be listed on the application. All work credits to be considered for the educational grants must be earned by the end of the last schooling show of the year.
  2. Example: Compute 40% average of test scores and add to 60% of work credits total. 0.4(5 test avg) + 0.6(total work credits) = final score Test Avg = 61.23 wk. cr. =2 0.4(61.23) + 0.6(2)=25.69 Test Avg = 58.62 Wk. cr = 4 0.4(58.62) + 0.6(4) = 25.84
  3. By applying, the candidates agree to share their educational experiences with other MDA members through the Newsline or by speaking at a General Meeting should they win. The winner of the grant agrees to provide the name of their chosen trainer or instructor for the purpose of payment by MDA directly to the source of instruction.
  4. Education grant winners are ineligible to reapply for a period of 3 years.
  5. The MDA General Education Committee shall consist of the Scholarship Chairperson and the highest composite scoring winners from the previous year. The Committee will review the applicants and present the winner to the Board for final approval. MDA Educational Grant applications should be applied for online by December 1, 2022.
Instructor of the Year
A special award will be presented to show MDA’s appreciation to instructors who encourage their students to participate in MDA shows. The recipient of this award is computed from the winners of End of Year High Score Awards in every division where a rider had indicated their primary instructor on their award application.
  • Seven (7) points are awarded for Championship
  • Six (6) points are awarded for Reserve Championship
  • Five (5) points are awarded for third place.
  • Four (4) points are awarded for fourth place.
  • Three (3) points are awarded for fifth place.
  • Two (2) points are awarded for sixth place
  • One (1) point is awarded for seventh place.
Writing Awards
Criteria Objective of Writing Awards
This Awards system encourages MDA members to share their knowledge and experiences of dressage and dressage-related activities with the membership. It promotes and sustains interest in MDA by members and attracts potential members who have activities with the membership. It promotes and sustains interest in MDA by members and attracts potential members who have access to the newsletter and or the Web site. By offering rewards to writers, MDA hopes to motivate its members to proactively accomplish the primary mission of education, of Gaining and Sharing Knowledge of Classical Dressage.

The Awards Criteria is designed with these objectives in mind.
Categories of Awards:
  1. Announcement and/or promotion of show, clinic or other MDA sponsored event.
  2. Review/Recap of show, clinic or other MDA event.
  3. Solicitation of help and/or participation in show, clinic or other MDA event.
  4. Article presenting a topic of interest to MDA members.
  5. Humorous article, which incorporates dressage, horsemanship or topic, related to performing MDA work, such as show scribes experience.
  6. Miscellaneous item (can be in a format other than prose.) For example, a cartoon expressing a dressage rider s point of view or a dressage crossword puzzle, or poem. (Will be judged for educational merit as well as entertainment value.)
  7. Educational article, which informs MDA readers about principles of dressage, horsemanship, or news which impacts MDA members, such as changes in USEF or USDF rules.
Rules for Entry:
  1. Publishing into either the Web site or the Newsline of original work of the member submitting the item: Publishing to subject to editor ‘s discretion and space available.
  2. An unlimited number of articles maybe submitted by each MDA member, but, must be original works of the author.
  3. Entries must be from the Newsline of MDA web articles published in the current calendar year.
  4. MDA reserves the right to publish all items submitted to the MDA on the Web and Newsline.
  5. Deadline for awards is the publish date of the November Newsline issue.

Judging Criteria: (Separate Young Riders Articles from seniors)
  1. Judges will be persons not associated with MDA; this will give All MDA members eligibility.
  2. Judges will score each entry from zero to 10 on each of the following points:
    1. Educational Value: enriches reader’s knowledge of dressage, horsemanship or enlarges the readers appreciation for the tasks entailed in performing dressage related activities such as the technical delegate s job functions, or the testing required to become a judge.
    2. Readability how easy is it to follow the thoughts being expressed in the article.
    3. Writing Style -fluency in language, ability to relate complex principles, coherency.
    4. Promotional value to MDA how the reader will perceive MDA when reading the article. Will pride in our organization be reinforced by reading the article?
    5. Creativity. Is the author skilled enough to convey information of an otherwise dry topic and capture the reader s attention? Note: the item being judged does not need to be evaluated on relevancy to MDA, dressage or related topic, since the editor performs this evaluation prior to acceptance.

Award Specification:
  1. Award to third place in each category for seniors and young riders.
  2. Certificate and/or ribbon for each award.
  3. Announcement of award recipients on the Web site and in the Newsline.