Ribbons will be awarded at each level (levels and Jr/Sr may be combined for MFS), divided into Junior/Young Rider (rider 21 or under as of Jan. 1, 2021) and Senior. Ribbons will be awarded to 10th place for Intro to 1st level, to 8th place for all other levels.

• Tests must be judged by a USDF L graduate or a US Equestrian r, R, or S judge.
• Scores from virtual shows or fix-a-tests may not be used.

• 4 scores all at the same level from tests ridden by the same horse/rider pair. ∙ At Intro Level, 1 score must be Intro B. Intro C is not required for year-end awards, but can be used.
• For Training thru the Fourth level, 1 score must be from the highest test of the level. 

FEI Levels, Musical Freestyles, Pas de Deux and Quadrille:

• 3 scores all at the same level from tests ridden by the same horse/rider pair. ∙ If submitting scores for Pas de Deux or Quadrille, all 3 scores submitted must be from the same horse/rider combination and the same team.

General Requirements:

• The owner must be a VADA member at the time the score is earned.
• If a test has been scored by more than one judge, the combined average score as calculated at the show will count. The scores MAY NOT be counted individually.
• Class may be open or IBC.
• Materiale and other under saddle classes DO NOT count toward this award. ∙ Amateur handler scores DO NOT count toward this award.
• 2 scores required, by the same horse.
• Scores must be earned at Licensed Shows.

Ribbons will be awarded at each level (levels and Jr/Sr may be combined for MFS), divided into Junior/Young Rider (rider 21 or under as of Jan. 1, 2021) and Senior. For senior riders at USEF and FEI levels, an open and adult amateur will be pinned separately (must provide a copy of current US Equestrian AA card to be eligible, otherwise you will be pinned in open). Opportunity classes will count for the level being ridden and may be mixed with non-opportunity classes for purposes of achieving the required number of scores. Ribbons will be awarded to 10th place for Training and 1st level, to 8th place for all other levels. 

General Requirements:

• Scores from all open shows (those without breed restrictions) will count toward awards. 
• If a test has been scored by more than one judge (i.e. judge at C and E), the combined average score as calculated at the show will count. The tests MAY NOT be counted individually. 

Intro through Fourth Level:

• 4 scores all at the same level from tests ridden by the same horse/rider pair. 
• 2 scores must be from the highest test of the level. 

FEI Levels (including FEI young rider, junior, children, and pony); Paraequestrian: 

• 4 scores all at the same level from tests ridden by the same horse/rider pair. 

Trainer of the Year

To be awarded annually to the trainer whose students have achieved success during the year at schooling or licensed shows. Award will be given to the trainer with the highest average student score as determined below: Note: No special form needs to be completed, simply include the name of your primary trainer where indicated on the award report form for schooling and/or licensed shows.

• The trainer must be a VADA member.
• The average score as submitted for schooling or licensed shows for each student will be the score used.
• The three highest average scores from students will be added and averaged to determine the trainer score.
• Scores can be from either schooling or licensed shows, but scores can only be counted from each student once.
• Freestyle scores are not eligible.
• One student must be riding First level or above.
• No more than one student at Intro level can be counted. 

NOTE: THE SAME TRAINER CAN NOT WIN IN CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

The High Score Adult Amateur Award

To be awarded annually to the adult amateur with the highest average score earned at licensed shows. One award will be given at US Equestrian levels and one award for FEI levels.

• Must be an adult amateur with USDF and US Equestrian (Must include a copy of Adult Amateur card or USDF printout with Amateur status verification with year-end award submission).

• The same horse/rider combination is only eligible to win in either the US Equestrian or FEI category.

  Intro level is excluded from this award. 

• Freestyle scores are not eligible.

Bred in Virginia (Award goes to rider, not breeder or owner) 

To be awarded annually to the horse/rider combination with the highest average at licensed shows riding a horse that was bred in Virginia.

• The horse must have been bred in Virginia (must include a copy of breed registration or other documentation showing the horse was bred in Virginia as part of the awards packet submission).
• The rider must be a member and meet volunteer requirements.
• Freestyle scores are not eligible.