SMDA hosts an annual awards banquet each January to celebrate the accomplishments of our members.

SMDA Year-End Awards

• Year-End Awards places 1-6 are given 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).
• High Point Awards are given for Junior, Adult Amateur, Open, Intro (AA or JR/YR)for the highest average score (four scores) of the season. 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.
  • *NEW* FOR 2022 and forward; Intro High Point will be awarded to the highest scoring AA or JR/YR in the Intro category. This is to match our schooling show protocol.

Year-End Award Requirements 

• Year-end awards are given for Junior, Adult Amateur, and Open at each level. JR, AA, and Open is defined by USEF GR 1306.
• 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 a minimum of four scores from four different judges (L judge or higher) for any test within the level. Four best scores are averaged.
• High Point Intro (JR/AA), High Point JR, High Point AA, High Point Open  awards are given based on the highest average score (four scores) for any one level, as submitted on the Rider Report form.
• At least two scores must be from SMDA sponsored 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% to qualify.
• When you submit scores from SMDA affiliated shows, you must submit photocopies of your tests (front and back).
• 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. Riders can earn scores on different horses.
• Riders can submit scores for any test within the specified level. Within each level, scores must be from different judges – L judge or higher.
• Scores from show year 2013 and earlier are grandfathered to include any schooling or recognized dressage show in Maine. Beginning in show year 2014, scores must be from an SMDA sponsored show or an SMDA affiliated show. 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 show.
• 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.
• Riders must submit photocopies of their tests (front and back).
• Riders must complete the Rider Medals Report Form and submit by November 15.

Medal Requirements

• SMDA Bronze Medal
  Two scores for Introductory Level and three scores from Training Level. Scores must be 60% or higher.
• SMDA Silver Medal
  Three scores for First Level and three scores for Second Level. Scores must be 60% or higher.
• SMDA Gold Medal
  Three scores for Third Level and three scores for Fourth Level. Scores must be 60% or higher.
• SMDA Platinum Medal
  Three scores from FEI Level. Scores must be 55% or higher.

Other Awards

Volunteer of the Year

The Volunteer of the Year Award is given to a deserving SMDA member for his/her volunteer efforts and commitment to SMDA.

High Scoring Thoroughbred Award

The High Scoring Thoroughbred Award is given to the highest scoring Thoroughbred ridden by an SMDA member competing at any level. The high score will be calculated as the average of 4 tests under different judges, at any SMDA or SMDA-Affiliated shows throughout the season. This award is sponsored by Augusta Van Tongeren in honor of her late Thoroughbred gelding, The Capt.’s Reddie.

2023 SMDA Year End Award Recipients

2022 SMDA Year End Award Recipients 

2021 SMDA Year End Award Recipients 

2020 SMDA Year End Award Recipients 

2019 SMDA Year End Award Recipients 

2018 SMDA Year-End Award Recipients 

2017 SMDA Year-End Award Recipients

2016 SMDA Year-End Award Recipients

2015 SMDA Year-End Award Recipients