Awards Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for being considered for the Year End Awards?

All awards require the 6 hour volunteer or $100 non-volunteer payment commitment. 

Member requirements for CTDS mini shows: Minimum of 3 mini shows (highest test of the level up to 2nd level, USDF recognized test) and volunteer minimum of 6 hours or pay the $100 non-volunteer fee on membership form.

Member requirements for CTDS members who show at recognize events. Must attend 3 CTDS events and volunteer minimum of 6 hours or pay the $100 non-volunteer fee on the membership form. Must also ride in the Bluebonnet Classic in years that it is offered. Must have 3 scores at the highest test of the level, (USDF recognized test or FEI test scores) at recognized shows from 3 different judges.

Do my scores automatically go to the Awards Coordinator?
The CTDS mini-show scores automatically go to the Awards Coordinator. Scores for Recognized Shows are sent to CTDS by USDF after Regional Championship.

Are board members eligible for year end awards?
Board members are not eligible for awards voted upon by the board itself.

How many Year End Awards are there and what are they?
Year End Awards can be divided into awards for showing, and involvement/contribution.

Showing Awards for year end: For CTDS mini-shows awards are given for each division for 1st-3rd place for Lead-in -2nd level. USDF awards are given from Training to Grand Prix. Awards are also given for Champion and Reserve Champion for each level and division for both mini-shows and USDF Shows.

There are also the following showing awards:

• Masters Award: awarded to the highest age of horse and rider combined receiving the highest percentage in any one (1) test at either the CTDS mini show or USDF recognized shows.
• Rookie Cookie Award: Horse and rider in the first year of showing. Recipient to be determined by the Board.

Involvement/Contribution Awards include the following:

• Best Attendance Award. It is awarded to the member who attended the most the CTDS events during a member year.
• Best Supporting Individual Award. Individual who has given special support to CTDS or its members during a membership year. Individual is selected by the board. The recipient need not be a current CTDS member. 
• Champion and Res. Champion (High Point of the day) This is awarded to the 2 highest scores in each division no matter the test ridden at each show. ( Leadline, intro, DSE, WD and Eventing are excluded). This award is available to every rider ONCE A YEAR. Once you have received this distinction you are not eligible the rest of the year. A rider can be awarded champion and res. champion at the same or different shows. Award winners will receive award at Year End Banquet and must be present to receive award.

What is the timeline for the show season?
The timeline for show scores to count towards Year End Awards is November 1st of the previous year, to September 30th of the current year.

How are the scores figured for awards?
For mini-shows and Recognized Shows, it is the average of the 3 highest scores from the highest test of the level under 3 different judges. Minimum acceptable score of 55%.

What scholarship awards are available?

Awarding a  $500 scholarship to an Open, Adult Amateur and Junior member per year. The scholarship is given as a credit towards any CTDS recognized event. In the event of a tie the $500 will be split evenly among the winners

If a horse and rider ride the same test twice, which score counts?

The highest scored test will be used for placement of the class and year end awards, lowest score with be HC (not recorded). 

If someone else rides my horse in a show, will her scores count towards my end-of-year award?
No. Only the physical rider of the horse at the time of the show may use the scores for Year End Awards.

When are the awards distributed?
The awards are distributed at the CTDS Year End Banquet.