
Award Programs
Important changes effective 1/1/2024
Non-Members will no longer be allowed to compete in USAWE-licensed competitions. Non-members will still be allowed to ride “schooling rides” at regular (non-championship) licensed competitions, but can no longer compete without joining USAWE.
The Regional Leaderboard awards will honor the top two horse/rider pairs in each rider division (Open, Amateur, Youth) and Level (L1-L7), rather than the top three as in previous years.
There will be a name change of the recognition given to the top two National and Regional Leaderboard horse/rider pairs at each level (L1-L7) and in each rider division (Open, Amateur, Youth) from “National or Regional #1” and “National or Regional #2” to “National Leaderboard Champion [level][division]”, “National Leaderboard Reserve Champion [level][division]”, and “Regional Leaderboard Champion [level][division]”, “Regional Leaderboard Reserve Champion [level][division]”.
USAWE Annual Award Programs
Valid USAWE Membership and Horse Recording are required prior to competing in any USAWE recognized competition (with a one-week post-show ‘grace’ period to resolve pre-show processing issues). To earn points toward year-end awards, the show must be fully licensed (not provisional) prior to competition start date and valid USAWE Membership and Horse Recording are required prior to participating in any USAWE recognized competition. Show results must be submitted within one week following the competition. All show fees and required post-show reports must be submitted within two weeks post show.
The USA Working Equitation (USAWE) Competition Manual provides instructions and requirements for USAWE recognized competitions.
The U.S. Rules for Working Equitation provides the rules used for the sport in the United States.
The WAWE International Working Equitation Regulations govern International Competitions.
USAWE recognizes the performance achievements of horses and riders who compete in USAWE licensed Working Equitation competitions held in the United States, as well as our International members competing under USAWE licensed judges. The goals of our Award Programs include promoting the sport, encouraging horse and rider development and honoring the incredible partnerships that exist between Working Equitation horses and riders.
- National Leaderboard: Top ten horse/rider pairs in the following competition categories: Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”] Amateur, Open.
- Regional Leaderboard: Top three horse/rider pairs in the following competition categories: Junior[also called “Youth (7-17 years)”], Amateur, Open.
- National High Point Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”]: National #1 high-point junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”] regardless of competition category or level.
- National Breed Performance Champions: National #1 high-point equine in each of the sponsored breed divisions, regardless of competition category or level. This program uses the scores from the Leaderboard (top 4 scores/points from at least 2 judges).
- Lifetime Rider Medals – recognize the achievements of our members as they move up through the performance levels (L1-L7).
National & Regional Standings
The National and Regional Leaderboard Points are based on (Dressage trial and Ease of Handling trial Average % – converted to points using the “advancement points” criteria) + Speed trial points + (Cattle trial points earned, if any) during each show season’s licensed shows held Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 to rider/horse pairs with active USAWE Individual Membership and ridden on an equine recorded with USAWE.
National Leaderboard points are based on points earned at any licensed show, regardless of where it is held.
Regional Leaderboard points are based on the region where a licensed competition is held.
Horse/Rider Pair standings will be capped with the Top 4 show scores/points. Horse/Riders may compete in as many shows as they desire; however only the Top 4 show scores/placings will be used to determine Leaderboard standings. These scores must come from at least two different judges in order to qualify a rider for the Leaderboard standings.
Horse/Rider Pair must successfully complete each trial for their performance level without disqualifying to earn points toward the High Point Leaderboard (exception: failure to successfully complete the Cattle trial if offered shall not impact points earned in successfully completing the other trials).
Ties are broken at the end of the season using the sum of a Horse/Rider Pair’s Dressage & EOH percentages earned at the shows where they earned their Leaderboard scores.
The Cattle trial is optional for L2-L7 with individual horse/rider pair Leaderboard points earned if successfully completed. An individual horse/rider pair unsuccessful Cattle trial will not impact points earned in successfully completing Dressage, EOH and Speed trials.

Points accumulate for each year’s awards programs from January 1 – December 31 and are based on horse/rider pairs’ performance. To earn points toward year-end awards, the horse must be recorded with USAWE and rider must be a current USAWE member prior to the completion of the competition where the points were earned (with a one-week post-show ‘grace’ period to resolve pre-show processing issues), all show fees paid and results must be submitted within one week following the competition. For the performance to count, horse/rider pairs must successfully complete each trial offered without disqualifying (exception: failure to successfully complete the cattle trial if offered shall not impact points earned).
Points are based on scores (Average Dressage & EOH) and placings (Speed & Cow), converted to points.
Horse/rider pairs may compete in as many shows as they want; however, only their best 4 show scores/placings will be used to determine year-end standings.

Speed Trial (L2-L7)
For Performance Levels (L2-L7), successful Speed Trial horse/rider pairs (regardless of # of entries) without disqualifying (DQ), will earn points for placing without disqualifying using the conversion chart.
Cattle Trial (L2-L7) – Optional
For Performance Levels (L2-L7), successful Cattle Trial horse/rider pairs (regardless of # of entries) without disqualifying (DQ), will earn individual points for their individual (not team) placing using the conversion chart.
Horse/Rider pairs can accrue a maximum of 10 points per licensed competition if competing in four trials – (L2-L7) Dressage, EOH, Speed & Cattle; 8.5 points if competing in three trials – (L2-L7) Dressage, EOH and Speed; or 7 points if competing in two trials – (L1) Dressage and EOH.
National Top 10 Standings
Recognition will include website ranking, website article and Facebook announcements.
In addition, USAWE will recognize National #1 and National #2 High Point Horse/Rider Pair Champion/Reserve in each Performance Level (Introductory through Masters) in each division (Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”], Amateur, Open).
Each National #1 Champion and National #2 Reserve High Point Horse/Rider Pair will receive personalized embroidered item selected by recipient from association option(s) (i.e., Vest, Jacket, Sweatshirt, etc.)
Regional Top 3 Standings
Horse/Rider High Point Leaderboard recognition will include website ranking and Regional Top Three patches.
National High Point Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”]
National Leaderboard Points earned at all licensed USAWE shows will count toward this award, regardless of whether points are earned in a class specifically set up for juniors [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”], or are earned while riding against adults. All points earned during the show season (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31) will count. The winner is the Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”] USAWE member who earns the most points in the competition year. For 2023, juniors [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”] can accumulate Leaderboard points toward the National High Point Junior [also called “Youth (7-17 years)”] Award on multiple horses.
National High Point Breed Performance Awards
National High Point Breed Award recipients will be the highest scoring equine within a sponsored breed across all divisions and all levels based on points earned during the show season (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). Breed Awards are based on the points displayed on the National Leaderboard (rankings are based on the Top 4 scores/points earned under at least 2 judges during the competition year, regardless of number of competitions entered). Sponsors may impose additional criteria to qualify for the award they sponsor. Annual sponsorships cost just $40 and help to encourage people to participate in the sport.
To sponsor a Breed Award, please contact the Awards Committee at Awards@usawe.org
High Point Breed Awards Sponsors
Photo by Diana Inch Photography
Lifetime Rider Medals
USAWE offers Lifetime Rider Medal awards to recognize the achievements of our members as they move through the different levels of competition. Rider medals are based on the rider’s score, irrespective of horse. There is no time limit for the accrual of scores. Scores are only eligible if the rider successfully completed all trials without disqualifying (DQ) in the competition in which the score was earned. Contact awards@usawe.org for more information.
The Lifetime Rider Medal awards tracking sheet (below) is updated periodically throughout the year.
Pewter
To earn a Pewter Medal, a rider must earn a total of 8 qualifying scores in Introductory Level classes. Those scores must include:
(4) scores 60% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores 65% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
Of the qualifying scores, at least four (4) must be earned when competing under an “R”, “S”, or WAWE judge.
Bronze
To earn a Bronze Medal, a rider must earn a total of 8 qualifying scores in Novice Level classes. Those scores must include:
(4) scores 60% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores 65% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores (minimum) must be earned in L3 Novice B
Of the qualifying scores, at least four (4) must be earned when competing under an “R”, “S”, or WAWE judge.
Silver
To earn a Silver Medal, a rider must earn a total of 8 qualifying scores in Intermediate Level classes. Those scores must include:
(4) scores 60% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores 65% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores must be earned in L5 – Intermediate B
Of the qualifying scores, at least four (4) must be earned when competing under an “R”, “S”, or WAWE judge.
Gold
To earn a Gold Medal, a rider must earn a total of 8 qualifying scores in Advanced Level classes.
Those scores must include:
(4) scores 60% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores 65% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
All qualifying scores must be earned when competing under an “R”, “S”, or WAWE judge.
Platinum
To earn a Platinum Medal, a rider must earn a total of 8 qualifying scores in Masters Level classes. Those scores must include:
(4) scores 60% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
(4) scores 65% or higher (Dressage/EOH % averaged)
All qualifying scores must be earned when competing under an “R”, “S”, or WAWE judge.