National Youth Recognized Dressage Awards

2026 National Youth Recognized Dressage Awards Sponsorship Information 

2026 Awards Standings  - As of 4/1/2026

The Youth Dressage FUNdation, Inc. is proud to continue our National Youth Recognized Dressage Awards Program to encourage youth participation in recognized dressage shows. Registration in this nationwide year end awards program is FREE of charge again for 2026, thanks to our amazing sponsors, and will be awarded by rider's age and level. 

Introductory classes and Opportunity classes are eligible for these awards and do not require memberships through USDF or USEF for the horse or the rider. 

Awards divisions are as follows, using FEI age rules. The rider’s age is the age they will turn this calendar year. 

Youth = 12 & Under

Teen =  13-17 years old

Graduate = 18-21 years old *If a rider will turn 22 years of age in 2026, they are NOT eligible for awards. (Sorry!)

Awards will be given for each division at each of the following levels: 

Introductory Level

Training Level

First Level

Second Level

Third Level

Fourth Level

*NEW FOR 2026* Dressage Seat Equitation

*NEW FOR 2026* Musical Freestyle Awards

***FEI equivalencies are not applicable for these awards.***

Riders must register by August 31, 2026 to be eligible for year end awards. The form can be found here: REGISTRATION FORM

For Intro through Fourth Levels:

In order to qualify riders will need a minimum of 4 scores from the same level at 2 or more days of USEF recognized shows. There is no minimum required score. The highest 4 scores in the level will be averaged for each horse/rider combination. Each horse/rider combination is eligible for awards at 2 consecutive levels. If a horse/rider combination qualifies at more than 2 levels, only the two highest levels will be counted for awards. Ties will not be broken.

For Dressage Seat Equitation & Musical Freestyle Awards: 

In order to qualify, riders will need a minimum of 2 scores at 2 or more days of USEF recognized shows. There is no minimum required score. The highest 2 scores for DSE and MFS earned throughout the season will be averaged for each horse/rider combination. These awards will be divided by age only, not by level. Ties will not be broken. 

Scores from Introductory and Opportunity classes may be used and will be placed within their respective levels. 

The show year will follow the USDF calendar beginning on October 1, 2025 and continue through October 4, 2026 (to account for Regional Championships which fall just outside of the USDF competition year). Scores from the entire competition year will be used, as long as a rider is registered by August 31st.

Scores will be tracked by the FUNdation and updated monthly using a spreadsheet which will be posted on the FUNdation website and also on social media. Be sure to like and follow our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/R1YDTC 

This program is FREE to all eligible youth dressage riders. However, riders must agree to volunteer a minimum of 1 hour during the show year. You may volunteer for any nonprofit organization.

Need some ideas for volunteering?

• Contact your local GMO and volunteer at a horse show.

• Help at a local animal shelter or rescue.

• Volunteer at a nursing home or hospital.

• Help at your local food pantry or soup kitchen.

• Volunteer at a therapeutic riding facility.

Towards the middle of October, riders will receive an email to verify scores, confirm volunteer hours, and submit a photo (if desired) for an awards video. Failure to submit the required form by the deadline will result in being removed from the final standings. 

Any questions about the program or sponsorship should be sent to Jennifer Koch at youthdressageshows@gmail.com. 

Thank you to our Sponsors of the 2026 National Youth Recognized Awards Program!