USDF Recognizes Accomplishments for Riders of All Ages

As part of our celebration of riders age 50 and over, we previously shared two under utilized awards offered just for this group of competitors, and are resharing it now as the competition and awards year comes to a close.

Most sports are separated into junior and senior age groups for competition and awards. There is then further division of the senior age group into open/professional and amateur divisions. While this is also the case with dressage, USDF has further broken down the senior category to offer recognition for those over age 50 (Vintage Cup Award) and age 60 (the Master’s Challenge Award).  

Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup Awards

Recognizing those ages 50 and over, the Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup Awards is a year-end award for those who are competing at Training Level through the FEI Levels, in the adult amateur and professional divisions.

Horse and rider pairs competing at Training Level through Fourth Level must earn eight scores from four different judges, at four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions, with a median score of 60%, or higher, to qualify for Vintage Cup awards. Additionally, two of the eight scores must be 60%, or higher, from the highest test of the level. 

FEI Level Vintage Cup competitors must earn a minimum of four scores from four different judges, at four different USEF-licensed/USDF-recognized competitions, and earn a median score of 60%, or higher.

USDF members over the age of 50 must submit a Vintage Cup declaration to be eligible for this award. This declaration is due by September 30 of the award year, and eligibility will be maintained until USDF is notified otherwise. To be eligible for the Adult Amateur Vintage Cup division, riders must be designated as an Adult Amateur with USEF. Those without adult amateur designation will be considered in the professional division.

Master’s Challenge Awards

Recognizing the accomplishments of those 60 and older, the Master’s Challenge Award is a USDF Rider Award, meaning scores can be earned cumulatively. Master’s Challenge participants must be USDF Participating or Group Members when scores are earned, have their birthdate on file with USDF, and earn the required scores after turning 60. 

Master’s Challenge Awards are awarded for excellence at each of the levels, Training through Fourth and FEI. Four scores of 60%, or higher, from four rides, in front of four judges are required for Training through Second Level Master’s Challenge recipients, while three scores of 55%, or higher, from three judges and three different rides are required for the Third and Fourth Level, and FEI Level Master’s Challenge Award. For the Master’s Challenge Award, the FEI Levels are combined, and scores may be earned from one level or a combination of the levels. 

To have your Master’s Challenge Award officially recognized, a Rider Performance Award Application must be submitted.

Both Adequan®/USDF Vintage Cup and Master’s Challenge award recipients are eligible for recognition in the annual yearbook edition of USDF Connection and on stage at the USDF Salute Gala and Annual Awards Banquet, held in conjunction with the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention.