The Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association is pleased to announce new year-end awards to be presented annually at the MSEDA Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. Voted on unanimously by the Board of Directors, these additions to the already robust year-end awards program are intended to drive membership, increase volunteer hours, and recognize the hard work and dedication of our community.

The following awards are live and will be awarded for the first time at the 2026 Awards Banquet at the Shelbyville Conference Center on January 30th, 2027.

In order to be in contingent for Year-End Awards, all riders must be MSEDA members and complete their mandatory volunteer hours.

COMBINED TEST PERPETUAL TROPHIES

Similar to MSEDA’s High Point Trophies for Dressage and Horse Trials, three new trophies will be added on recognizing the Combined Test High Point Junior Rider, Combined Test High Point Senior Rider, and the Combined Test High Point Master Rider. These awards are given to the rider in each category who has amassed the highest number of points. If you are interested in sponsoring one of these perpetual trophies, please reach out to awards@msed.org.

YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE

A year end award ribbon will be awarded to the young dressage horse who has achieved the highest score. Riders must submit scores on a signed test. Tests must be emailed to theadmin@mseda.org by November 1st of the competition year in order to be eligible. Ties will be broken by the highest collective scores, followed by the highest first movement. Eligible tests are materiales, 4yo, 5yo, and 6yo tests.

PONY AWARDS

These new perpetual trophies will highlight the versatile ponies in the MidSouth Region. Each year the highest scoring pony in dressage and eventing will be awarded a perpetual trophy. In order to qualify for these trophies please email a copy of your pony card to theadmin@mseda.org. Don't have a pony card? No problem! Fill out this form and have your veterinarian sign it and email it to theadmin@mseda.org. Once the pony is 8 the pony status is permanent with MSEDA.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

Often overlooked, good sportsmanship is the foundation of competition. Each year MSEDA will award a sportsmanship award to a MSEDA member who's been nominated by one of their peers for exemplary sportsmanship. If you have a person you think is deserving please send a short description of what they did to deserve the award and a photograph to awards@mseda.org. Please note that all nominations may be recognized on MSEDA's social media.

“This award is given to the competitor that demonstrates good sportsmanship, horsemanship, and a positive attitude at the shows. This is a rider that puts their horse first, and is the one that has a smile, even after a rough day. Their horse is well cared for, and they are well turned-out, and prepared when competing.This is the competitor that cheers for fellow riders, and that is willing to help others. This person understands that it is about the journey, and the relationships with their horses, and their friends.” Tracy Scott, Co-Chair of the Awards Committee explains.

Also voted on by the Board of Directors, MSEDA is thrilled to announce the new Medal Program. Recognizing both Eventing and Dressage Riders, the Medal Program was created with the goal to recognize riders' growth throughout their career, similar to national award programs. Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals will be awarded in both Eventing and Dressage disciplines.

“Our medals programs have been modeled after the USDF and USEA programs. We are truly excited to offer this program to our members and give everyone an opportunity to earn their bronze, silver and gold medals locally” said Kerri Sweet, Co-Chair of the Awards Committee.

Dressage Medal Program

The award may be achieved at an MSEDA-sanctioned show at Training, First, Second, Third, and Fourth Levels. Riders must earn scores of 60% or higher at the respective level at United States Dressage Federation (USDF) events, or 63% or higher at the respective level at schooling events. Qualifying scores must be achieved by the same horse-and-rider pair; scores from multiple horses may not be combined. The rider must be a current MSEDA member who has completed their volunteer hours, and the horse must be activated for that rider. Eligible scores may be earned at any MSEDA-sanctioned event beginning January 2026. All scores, along with the judge’s signature, must be submitted via email to theadmin@mseda.org by November 4 of the competition year in order to receive the award at that year’s banquet.

Eventing Medals

The award may be achieved at an MSEDA-sanctioned show from Starter through Intermediate levels. Riders must submit either three different scores earned at a horse trial, four different scores earned at a mini trial, or a combination of four total scores. Scores may be achieved on different horses. The rider must be a current MSEDA member who has completed their volunteer hours, and the horse must be activated for the rider. Eligible scores may be earned at any MSEDA-sanctioned event beginning January 2026.

You can learn more about the medal program at mseda.org/Medals-Program