A Guide to USDF Rider Awards Medals
The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) offers a range of awards to recognize the achievements of riders, trainers, and horses in the dressage community. These prestigious awards are highly valued by dressage enthusiasts across the country. Earning a USDF Rider award or medal is a significant achievement, reflecting a rider's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in dressage. For trainers, it's a testament to their expertise and ability to guide riders to success. For horses, it's a recognition of their athleticism, intelligence, and trust in their riders. In this article, we'll explore the USDF Rider Awards and Medals, what they represent, and what it takes to earn them. By the end you will have a deeper understanding of a Professional’s credentials when listed.
*USDF Rider Performance Awards:*
-Awards may be achieved at Training, First, and Second Levels
-Must have four scores of 60% or higher at the respective level:
From at least two different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions
From four different judges
From four different rides
*Bronze Medal Rider Awards:* Demonstrates a good understanding of dressage principles and can execute the movements required at First Level, Second Level and Third Level. The requirements are:
-Must have six scores of 60% or higher:
Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
*Bronze Medal with Distinction Rider Awards:*
-Must have been awarded the USDF Bronze Medal
-Must have six scores of 67% or higher:
Two at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
*Rider Award Medals “with Distinction”:* Are a higher level of recognition than the standard Rider Award Medals. It shows the rider has gone above and beyond the basic medal requirements.
-It means the Rider has met the standard requirements for the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal, AND the Rider has achieved:
At least two scores of 65% or higher (for Bronze and Silver)
Plus, for Gold, one score of 70% or higher
-It showcases riders who've gone above and beyond, demonstrating a higher level of mastery and consistency.
*Silver Medal Rider Awards:* Demonstrates a strong understanding of dressage principles and can execute the movements required at Fourth Level and Prix St. George. The requirements are:
-Must have four scores of 60% or higher:
Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Prix St. Georges from two different judges and two different rides
*Silver Medal with Distinction Rider Awards:*
-Must have been awarded the USDF Silver Medal
-Must have four scores of 67% or higher:
Two at Fourth Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Prix St. Georges from two different judges and two different rides
*Gold Medal Rider Awards:* Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of dressage principles and can execute the movements required at the Intermediate levels and the Grand Prix. The requirements include:
-Must have four scores of 60% or higher:
Two at Intermediate I, Intermediate A, Intermediate B, and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides
*Gold Medal with Distinction Rider Awards:*
-Must have been awarded the USDF Gold Medal
-Must have four scores of 67% or higher:
Two at Intermediate I, Intermediate A, Intermediate B, and/or Intermediate II from two different judges and two different rides
Two at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides
*Musical Freestyle Rider Awards:* Recognize riders who excel in the art of freestyle dressage, showcasing their horse's athleticism and training in a creative and choreographed routine.
Before pursuing your Musical Freestyle Awards, keep in mind the following requirements:
Musical freestyle rider awards can be awarded only after a rider has earned the respective USDF Bronze, Silver, or Gold medal.
Riders can earn a freestyle bar in the same year they are earning the respective medal.
*Freestyle Bronze Bar Awards:*
-Must have six scores of 65% or higher:
Two freestyle scores at First Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two freestyle scores at Second Level from two different judges and two different rides
Two freestyle scores at Third Level from two different judges and two different rides
*Freestyle Silver Bar Awards:*
-Must have four scores of 65% or higher:
Four freestyle scores at Fourth Level from four different judges and four different rides
*Freestyle Gold Bar Awards:*
-Must have four scores of 65% or higher:
Two freestyle scores at Intermediate I from two different judges and two different rides
Two freestyle scores at Grand Prix from two different judges and two different rides
*Diamond Achievement Award:*
-Awarded to all individuals that have:
Been awarded the USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals and
Been awarded the USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Freestyle Bars
To be eligible for USDF Rider Awards and Medals, rider and horse must meet the following requirements, which must be current at the time of competition.
Riders must have a Participating or Group Membership and be a member in good standing of USDF when scores are earned.
Owners must meet minimum competition eligibility requirements at the time the scores are earned.
Horses must have a USDF Horse Identification Number or a USDF Lifetime Horse Registration at the time the scores are earned. Exception: Horses competing only in breed restricted competitions.
USDF horse registration must be in the name of the current owner or lessee.
Horses must be exhibited in the name of the current USDF owner or lessee of record. If a lease is on file with USDF, the horse must be exhibited in the ownership of the lessee.
Additional Information
You must submit an online application and pay a fee.
Scores need not be earned in one year.
If two or more judges score one ride, the average of their scores counts as one score.
Scores may be used multiple times for progressive awards.
Freestyle scores only count for freestyle awards.
Riders may earn an award only once at each level.
Scores may be earned on one or more horses.
Awards may be earned in any order, except for the medals with distinction and freestyle bars.
Scores can be checked at USDFScores.com
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the USDF Member Guide or contact USDF directly.
At Moonlight Equestrian Center, we're proud to support riders and trainers in their pursuit of excellence in dressage. Our instructors have or are working towards the achievements I have listed above. I'm passionate about dressage and dedicated to helping my students achieve their goals in the sport. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, I'd love to help you on your dressage journey!
Below are some of my personal achievements and memberships:
Hana Poulin-Baker
Rider Performance Award - Training Level
Rider Performance Award - First Level
Rider Performance Award - Second Level
Bronze Medal Rider Award
Bronze Medal with Distinction Rider Award
Silver Medal Rider Award
Gold Medal Rider Award
Musical Freestyle Bronze Bar- pending application
USDF Certificate for Continuing Education
Safe Sport Certificate
Memberships:
USDF- United States Dressage Federation
USEF- United States Equestrian Federation
NEDA- New England Dressage Association
SMDA- State of Maine Dressage Association
NHDEA- New Hampshire Dressage & Eventing Association
AHS- American Hanoverian Society
AMHA- American Morgan Horse Association
IALHA- International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association
Work Cited
United States Dressage Federation. “USDF Awards Program.” USDF Rider Awards, 2019, https://www.usdf.org/awards/performance/rider-awards.asp. Accessed 23 October 2025.
