The Equestrian Canada (EC) Dressage Committee is pleased to announce the redesigned and revamped Dressage Awards & Recognition Program has officially launched.

The Canadian dressage community is encouraged to participate in the Dressage Awards & Recognition Program, created to put the spotlight on outstanding athletes, horses, breeders and individuals. All EC Sport Licence Holders who purchase a dressage affiliate membership are eligible to participate in the program.

How it Works

Participation is simple and easy through online registration. Once registered, participants can track and submit scores obtained at EC sanctioned dressage competitions through a user-friendly online portal.

• Lifetime Registration is $50 per rider and $100 per horse (horse registration fee transferable upon sale).

Awards

Once registered, scores and/or nominations can be submitted for a wide range of existing and new awards.

Existing dressage awards that have been incorporated into the program include:

Achievement Awards
• Rider and Horse achievement awards presented to those who reach the score threshold at each level from Training Level through to Grand Prix at EC or FEI sanctioned competitions.

The “Eight” Award
• Recognizes improvement of riding skills by awarding those who earn eight scores of ‘8’ for the collective marks on a test for Rider’s Position and Seat or Rider’s Correct and Effective Use of the Aids.

Lauren Dilanni Rider Freestyle Awards
• Presented in memory of Lauren Dilanni, this award recognizes riders who earn three scores of 67% or higher in each level of Freestyle competition from Second Level to Grand Prix.

Newly created awards joining the program include:

Made in Canada Breeder Awards
• Awarded to breeders to recognize the achievement of performance excellence by Canadian bred horses. A minimum of five scores must be submitted for consideration, and the recipients will be determined by the highest average of the five scores.

Horse of the Year Awards
• Recognizes performance excellence in all levels from Training Level to Grand Prix by awarding horses with the highest average after submitting five scores for consideration.

Athlete of the Year Awards
• Recognizes performance excellence in three categories – Junior, Amateur and Professional in all levels from Training Level to Grand Prix. The awards are based on the average of five scores submitted for consideration.

Horsemanship & Sportsmanship Awards
• Presented to individuals who embody the integrity and true spirit of good horsemanship toward their equine partners, and good sportsmanship toward their fellow competitors. Candidates can be nominated by submitting letters of endorsement/support from five individuals.
• Registration in the awards program is not required for Horsemanship & Sportsmanship recognition.

The Century Award
• Recognizes dressage riders and horses competing at any level whose combined age totals 100 years or more.
• Competitors do not need to be retested in the awards program to qualify and be recognized with the Century Award.

For full information on the Dressage Recognition & Awards program, click here.