Awards for Morgans through USDF

Awards for Morgans Through
the United States Dressage Federation

The United States Dressage Federation offers a variety of award programs to reward achievement in dressage. In the USDF awards system there is an award of achievement goal for nearly every type and level of rider, starting with the USDF Qualified Rider Patch for achievement at Training Level, on up to USDF Grand Prix Horse of the Year. In between are the popular USDF Rider Medals (gold, silver and bronze), USDF All-Breeds awards and many more. Visit the USDF web site for more information. The following is a summary of information included on the site directly related to awards for registered Morgan Horses competing in USDF-recognized dressage competitions.

Most USDF awards are based on the quality of a horse’s performance as demonstrated by the record of scores earned that year in competition. USDF awards were designed to reward those horses which consistently earn good scores, regardless of whether they ever win a class.

All-Breeds Awards

The American Morgan Horse Association sponsors the Morgan All-Breeds Awards and AMHA presents a special award to the highest scoring Morgan at each level in addition to USDF certificates.

Awards at Training, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Levels have the following requirements:

Minimum of eight scores
Two scores 55% or higher from the highest test of that level
Four different judges
Four different competitions
No more than two recognized competitions held at the same location on consecutive days.
The median score must be 55% or higher to qualify.

Awards at Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, and Grand Prix (excluding Freestyle Levels) have the following requirements:

Minimum of four scores
Four different judges
Four different competitions
No more than two recognized competitions held at the same location on consecutive days
Median score must be 55% or higher to qualify.

Eligibility for All-Breeds Awards

To be eligible the horse must be registered with USDF at the time the scores are earned. The owner must be a Participating or Business Member at the time the scores are earned. Memberships and horse registrations shall begin upon receipt of the application forms and all necessary fees. The rider must be a Participating Member at the time scores are earned. The horse must be a registered Morgan and a copy of the AMHA registration must be submitted to USDF prior to the end of the award year.

Recorded Scores

All eligible scores will be recorded. At Training, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Levels, the top 80% of these scores will be used in calculating the median. At Prix St. Georges, Intermediare I, Intermediare II, and Grand Prix Levels, if four or five scores are recorded, they will all be used in calculating the median. If six or more scores are recorded, the top 80% will be used in calculating the median. Eligible scores must be from open, adult, junior/young rider, adult amateur, or ABIG/USDF qualifying classes, OR the same classes restricted to Morgans in USDF recognized divisions and judged by AHSA judges. If scores are earned in both types of classes, the combination of the scores will be used in calculating the median.

Award Year and Presentation

The award year is Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. No changes will be made to award standings after Nov. 1. All Breeds awards will be presented at the Annual USDF Convention or mailed to recipients following the convention.