**NEW FOR 2025**
WDAMA Rookie of the Year
The WDAMA board is pleased to announce the establishment of a brand-new award, exclusively for new members: the Rookie of the Year.
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In an effort to encourage our newest members, this award will be offered to WDAMA members in their FIRST or SECOND year of membership ONLY. Unlike our more traditional year-end awards, which are based on performance, this award is based on participation. We want our newest members to get out there and do some Western dressage, and it is our hope that this award will encourage them to go out and participate in whatever way works for them. We are confident that once they "Enter A, working jog," they will be hooked!
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New members can earn credits for each type of Western dressage activity they do - whether attending a clinic, trying out our virtual shows, or showing locally at a schooling show, they can earn credits. At the end of the year, the rider with the most credits will be declared our Rookie of the Year ... and they will earn a snazzy custom jacket!​
Earning Credits for Participation
The following credit values have been assigned to various activities:
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5 credits for participating in a Western dressage clinic
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1 credit (per day) for auditing a Western dressage clinic
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4 credits per WDAA test at any WDAMA-sponsored show (virtual/in-person*)
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3 credits per WDAA test at any WDAA-recognized show (virtual/in-person*)
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2 credits per WDAA test at any schooling show (virtual/in-person*)​
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*We recognize the challenge in finding opportunities to show WD in the New England area, so we have elected to give equal weight to both virtual and in-person shows.
Reporting Participation in Western Dressage
Keep in mind: you only need to report your participation if you are in your first or second year of membership with WDAMA.
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Any time that you participate in a Western dressage activity - whether it's a show or clinic - we have made reporting easy: simply fill out the form below! (Note: you can fill out this form as many times as you need to throughout the year.)
Year End Awards
WDAMA's Year End Award program allows current WDAMA members to earn points for western dressage test scores (WDAA tests only) earned at schooling shows or WDAA and USEF rated shows and compete for end-of-the-year prizes.
It runs from January 1st (or the day you join) through December 15th. Participation is free for one level for each Rider/Horse combination. If you would like to submit for another level for the same Rider/Horse Team, there is a $10 annual fee. Riders can submit scores for a maximum of two levels, and those levels must be consecutive.
In 2025, a virtual awards banquet will be held after the end of the show year.​
In order to submit scores for year end awards, riders must be WDAMA/WDAA members in good standing. A rider must join WDAMA/WDAA prior to riding for points and are responsible for submitting their tests by December 15th.
To qualify for the year-end award, riders must:
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submit FIVE TESTS from at least three shows and two separate judges. Note that shows organized by WDAMA will count for two shows.
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Virtual and in-person show count equally!
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Riders can submit TWO TESTS per show for each level in which they are competing for year-end points.
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The five scores will be totaled and averaged to determine the winning rider/horse combination for that level/division.
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At least one of the five tests submitted must be the highest test of the level.​ The tests must be signed by the judge and copies may be submitted. (Scores will be verified with show management before qualifying for high point submission. In case of a discrepancy between the show scores submission and the rider’s submission, the show submission will prevail. It is the rider’s responsibility to check the recorded score at the show).​
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When submitting scores, a copy of the test's face sheet must be provided. This face sheet must contain:​
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Test ridden (e.g. WDAA Basic Level Test 3 – Amateur)
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Judge’s signature
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Date of show
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Your name
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Your horse’s name (the name you showed under)
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Final score points and percentage
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You do not need to submit the part of the test score sheet containing comments or individual movement scores!
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Year-End Awards will be given for each level (Introductory, Basic, Level 1-5), and for the following divisions:
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Open
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Adult Amateur
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Youth
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​No other specialty classes, such as Freestyle, WD Equitation, WD Suitability, or WD Hack will be counted towards these awards.
Individuals are eligible in the Youth division until the end of the competition year in which they reach the age of 18.
Year End Award Winners for 2024
Introductory Level Amateur
Champion - Catherine Anne Demick and Texas Whiz Kid SSH: 72.864
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Reserve Champion - Kim Gonzales and Raine: 69.317
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Introductory Level Open
Champion - Audrey Stamatelos and Don't Think Twice: 70.673
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Reserve Champion - Shannean Fields - Dakotas Dreamin': 65.077​
Basic Level Amateur
Champion - Rachelle Beauchesne and Glamorous Stats: 70.665
Level One Amateur
Champion -- Sis Bergeron Allen and Whispering In the Wind GCH: 63.940
Congratulations to all!
Good luck on your journey in 2025!