Awards & Medals
SMDA Members are eligible for Year-End Awards, Achievement Medals, and a few other special awards. We host an annual awards banquet each January to celebrate the accomplishments of our members!
Year-End Awards
- Year-End Awards are given for 1st through 6th place for Junior, Adult Amateur, and Open at each level: Intro, Training, First, Second, Third, Fourth, FEI, Freestyle, Western Dressage, and Test of Choice (if entries warrant).
- JR, AA, and Open is defined by USEF GR 1306.
- High Point Awards are given for Junior, Adult Amateur, Open, and Intro (AA or JR/YR) for the highest average score of the season, following requirements below.
- Western Dressage Intro and Basic count towards Intro High Point; Western Dressage Level 1 and above are considered toward JR/YR, AA and Open High Points.
Year-End Award Requirements
- Rider must be a member of SMDA before his/her first show of the season for scores to count.
- The same horse/rider combination must submit four scores from four different judges (L judge or higher) for any test within the level.
- Two scores must be from SMDA hosted shows at the Hollis Equestrian Park.
- All scores must be from SMDA sponsored shows and/or SMDA affiliated shows.
- All tests qualify for year-end awards. The average score of all four tests must be above 55%. Re-Ride scores are NOT accepted.
Perfect example of Year-End Award scores for First Level
Submitting Scores
- Scores submitted from SMDA affiliated shows must include a test scoring page or copy of the test if not electronically scored.
- You must submit the Year-End Awards Rider Report Form and submit by November 15.
SMDA Rider Achievement Medals
Medals are one-time rider achievement awards, designed to recognize accomplishment up the levels.
Bronze Medal
2 scores for Intro Level
3 scores for Training Level
Scores must be 60% or higher
Silver Medal
3 scores for First Level
3 scores for Second Level
Scores must be 60% or higher
Gold Medal
3 scores for Third Level
3 scores for Fourth Level
Scores must be 60% or higher
Platinum Medal
3 scores for FEI Level
Scores must be 55% or higher
Medal Requirements
- Riders can earn scores on different horses and across multiple show seasons.
- Riders can submit scores for any test within the specified level.
- Within each level, scores must be from different judges – L judge or higher.
- Riders must be SMDA members: 1) at the time the scores are submitted; and 2) beginning in 2014, at the time the scores are earned.
- Beginning in show year 2014, scores must be from an SMDA sponsored show or an SMDA affiliated show.
- Scores from show year 2013 and earlier are grandfathered to include any schooling or recognized dressage show in Maine. If all scores submitted are from grandfathered shows (pre 2014), at least two of the scores must be from an SMDA sponsored or SMDA affiliated shows.
Submitting Scores
- Riders must submit photocopies of their tests (front and back).
- Riders must complete the Rider Medals Report Form and submit by November 15.
Other Awards
High Scoring Thoroughbred Award
This award is given to the highest scoring Thoroughbred competing at any level, with the highest average score in accordance with the annual awards requirements. This award is sponsored by Augusta Van Tongeren in honor of her late Thoroughbred gelding, The Capt.’s Reddie.
Robyn Cuffey Standardbred Award
This award is given to the highest scoring Standardbred competing at any level, with the highest average score in accordance with the annual awards requirements. This award is sponsored by Turning Leaf Farm in honor of the late Robyn Cuffey, who did so much for the Maine Dressage community.
Volunteer of the Year
This award is given to a deserving SMDA member for his/her volunteer efforts and commitment to SMDA.