Awards and Scholarships

The Morgan Dressage Association sponsors four unique programs designed to both further the training and education of members and their Morgans in dressage, and to celebrate the achievement of members and their mounts in the world of competition. We offer yearly scholarships and three distinct awards programs.

MDA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Morgan Dressage Association Scholarship Program provides monies to help further the training and education of memberships and their Morgans in the sport of dressage. Please click here to see eligibility requirements and program details.  We have been awarding these scholarships every year since 2005. Applications can be emailed to mda@morgandressage.org or submitted online.

Past and Present MDA Scholarship Award Winners

MDA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

The Morgan Dressage Association “Awards of Excellence” are given to the five highest scoring Morgans at Training through Grand Prix levels in officially recognized competitions, including para-dressage, musical freestyle and dressage sport horse breeding classes, during the competition year (Nov. 1 through Oct. 31.). Horses must be registered Morgans, ridden, handled or owned by an MDA member.  Applications can be submitted online. Please click here to see award eligibility requirements.  If you prefer, you may print and send this printable application.

THE MDA MORGAN BREEDER AWARD

In recognition of the efforts of Morgan breeders to breed horses with specific talent for the sport of dressage, we are offering a new award for the breeder of the highest scoring Morgan horse entered in the Awards of Excellence.  The winner of this award will receive a championship ribbon and an MDA embroidered ball cap. Please click here to see award eligibility requirements.

THE MDA AMATEUR OWNER SYNERGY AWARD (Sponsored by Brenda Thoma)

In addition to the Awards of Excellence, and Morgan Breeder Award, the Morgan Dressage Association offers a special award for Amateur Owners called the Synergy Award.  It is given to the the highest averaged score from among the Individual Level MDA Awards of Excellence (Training through FEI) that also meets the following additional requirements:

— Riders must compete on a horse registered only to them or to their immediate family.

— Competitors must be recognized as USDF amateur riders.

— The score submitted must meet or exceed 65%

— Scores from USDF Rider (equitation) classes and Musical Freestyle classes do not apply.

The winner of this award will receive a custom embroidered fleece cooler as recognition for their teamwork, sponsored by Brenda Thoma. Awards of Excellence applications can be submitted online. Please click here to see award eligibility requirements. If you prefer, you may print and send this printable application.

Congratulations to past MDA Awards of Excellence Winners:

2023    2022   2021   2020   2019   2018     2017     2016     2015     2014    2013     2012     2011     2010    2009     2008   2007    2006    2005    2004    2003     2002     2001     2000     1999

MDA SCHOOLING/MORGAN SHOW YEAR END AWARDS

The Morgan Dressage Association offers “Schooling/Morgan Show Awards” to be awarded to the five highest scoring Morgans at Introductory through Grand Prix levels competing at schooling or breed shows, including musical freestyle and para-dressage tests, during the competition year (Nov. 1 through Oct. 31). Horses must registered Morgans, ridden or owned by an MDA member.  Please click here to see eligibility requirements and then apply online.  If you prefer, you may print and send this application form.

Congratulations to MDA Schooling/Morgan Show Awards Winners:
2023 2022 2021 2020

MORGAN DRESSAGE SHOW HIGH POINT AWARDS *New for 2022*

The Morgan Dressage Association is sponsoring an award for the highest score achieved by a Morgan horse in a single traditional dressage test at dressage shows run by Morgan breed shows. Please contact the show manager to find out if they are offering this high point award at your show. All winners during the year who are MDA members and won at Training Level or higher are eligible for the overall end of year high point award.

Congratulations to MDA Morgan Dressage Show High Point Winners:

2023 2022

OTHER AWARDS

AMHA Open Competition Program. The American Morgan Horse Association honors individuals who promote the Morgan breed in open competition through their Open Competition Program. For Year-End Awards in dressage, five scores from the same level must be submitted. In addition, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallions are given to honor life-time achievements. A Half-Morgan Open Competition Program is also available. Please visit the AMHA Open Competition page for more information and details.  Below is a list of Silver, Gold and Platinum Medallion recipients (courtesy of the Morgan Sport Resource).

Database of Morgans that have earned AMHA Open Competition Program Silver, Gold or Platinum Medallions.

USDF Adequan®/All-Breeds Awards. The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) also recognizes excellence in the sport with their All-Breeds Awards. Individuals and their Morgans compete at all levels—from Training through Grand Prix in several divisions. Please visit the USDF and AMHA websites for more details and requirements. Past USDF Adequan All-Breeds Winners and USDF Horse Of the Year rankings are listed here (courtesy of the Morgan Sport Resource)