Lexington, KY (May 20, 2015) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced today the new Dressage Seat Equitation Rider Awards, to first be awarded in the 2016 competition year.  Available to both USDF Participating and Group Members, riding in any division, these awards are designed to recognize riders' achievements in equitation and will be awarded at three levels; Elementary, Accomplished, and Elite.  For each level, riders must earn five scores of 65 percent, 72 percent, and 80 percent, respectively.

            As with other USDF Rider Awards, scores do not expire and do not need to be earned within one competition year.  While the first USDF Dressage Seat Equitation Rider Awards will not be awarded until the 2016 competition year, scores from current or past Dressage Seat Equitation classes may be eligible.  Winners of these awards will receive a certificate of recognition as well as a specially designed USDF lapel pin, in yellow, red, and blue for the respective levels.

            USDF Awards Committee Chair Peggy Klump explained, "We are so pleased to be able to provide the well deserved acknowledgement and recognition to those individuals excelling in dressage equitation.  This is an important aspect to our sport and these awards further USDF's mission of recognizing achievements, as well as providing yet another national level honor to be bestowed upon not only USDF Participating Members, but Group Members as well, in any division of competition."

            For more information about the USDF Dressage Seat Equitation Rider Awards, or other USDF Rider Awards, visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at riderawards@usdf.org.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.