PAWDA Award programs

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Updated Award Program 1.1.2026

 - Must be a current PAWDA member during the membership year when scores are earned 

- Scores may come from WDAA recognized shows which may be WDAA “schooling shows” (WDAA recognized but NOT USEF recognized) or WDAA USEF shows

•  Schooling shows that are NOT WDAA recognized will no longer count towards any awards. Members who have earned scores towards a medal (scores never expire) in the years 2021-2025 while they were members of PAWDA may use those scores toward a medal

- WDAA online virtual show scores may be included, they must be WDAA recognized and judged by a WDAA “r” or “R” judge as prescribed by the level ridden. 

• Online scores must be from PAWDA online shows, WDAA Online International Challenge, US National Dressage Classic Regional Championship, USDNC National Championship 

- Scores must be submitted at one time via online application which is open September-November 30th

- Award Fee: 8 volunteer hours per award 

•  Hours can be earned through service at one of PAWDA’s events or board activities or having others join our group (4 hours per completed membership, must be a new member). 
•  Up to 4 hours can be transferred to another member
• Hours can be bought out at $10 an hour 
• Members are responsible for tracking their own hours 
• Volunteer  hour submission form: https://form.jotform.com/253317775040152

Medal Program Rules:

- See General rules above. In addition:

- Scores may be earned from WDAA live recognized shows OR WDAA online virtual shows (see criteria for virtual shows above) 

- Scores may be earned on multiple horses

- Scores never expire and medals may be earned out of turn

- Scores submitted must be 65% or higher

- Scores must come from a minimum of two (2) different judges

Bronze Medal

• 6 scores of 65% or higher. 2 scores at intro level and 4 scores at basic level OR 6 total scores at basic level

Silver Medal

•  6 scores 65% or higher. 3 scores at level 1 and 3 scores at level 2

Gold Medal

•   6 scores 65% or higher. 3 scores at level 3 and 3 scores at level 4 or above

Freestyle Bronze

• 4 scores of 65% or higher. 2 scores at intro level and 2 scores at basic level OR 4 scores at basic level

Freestyle Silver

• 4 scores of 65% or higher. 2 scores at level 1 and 2 scores at level 2

Freestyle Gold

• 4 scores of 65% or higher. 2 scores at level 3 and 2 scores at level 4 or above

Therapeutic Bronze Medal

• 4 scores of 65% from either Leadline Walk Only test or Coached Walk Only test 

Therapeutic Silver Medal

• 4 scores of 65% at either Leadline A or Coached 1 or 2 Test

Therapeutic Gold Medal

• 4 scores of 65% at either Leadline B or Coached 3 Test 

  High Point Program Rules

- See General rules above. In addition: 

- There is no limit to the number of horse/rider combinations for which a rider may submit scores and horses may be ridden by multiple riders. Each horse/rider combination must be entered separately and pay a separate registration fee

-  A single horse/rider combination may apply for year-end award in two consecutive levels

- A single horse/rider combination may only win High point champion a maximum of two times at any single level

- Qualified scores for the year may be earned between December 1 and November 30th

- Placing will be determined by average score

- A champion and reserve champion will be awarded in each section of each category with ribbons for first through 6thplace, which may be increased for large divisions

- In case of a tie, the tie will be broken by the highest average harmony scores, then the highest average of all coefficient scores 

- Recognition will be offered at the following levels:

• Intro
• Basic
• Levels 1 through 5, split by level
• Musical Freestyle
• Rail classes and pattern classes
• Therapeutic 

- Introductory, basic and level 1-5 will be split into the following divisions:

• Amateur, open, youth (18 or under as of December 1st)

- Musical Freestyle, Rail/pattern classes and therapeutic not be split into divisions unless entries permit doing so

• 5 more entries in each division will permit splitting these classes 

PAWDA Live Recognized Show High Point

• A horse rider/pair must submit a total of 5 tests from 2 different shows
• Placing will be determined by average score
• Scores must be from shows that are WDAA recognized live in person 
• At least one score must be from the highest test of the level

PAWDA Online Virtual High Point

• A horse rider/pair must submit a total of 5 tests from 2 different shows
• Placing will be determined by average score
• Scores must be earned from WDAA live recognized shows OR WDAA online virtual shows (see criteria for virtual shows above) 
• At least one score must be from the highest test of the level