I hear about dressage medals, bronze, silver, gold, but have no idea how they are achieved. Could someone enlighten me please.
You can look this up online. The Canadian and American systems are slightly different.
Basically, you need to earn qualifying scores at multiple dressage tests. I think American Bronze is Training First Second with scores of at least 65%, I think it’s 2 scores at each level from different judges? Must be recognized shows. I know Gold takes you up to Grand Prix so Silver is in the middle.
I understand both ammies and pros are quite invested in these in the US. They aren’t so much in Canada where pros put effort into getting their Equine Canada instructor credentials instead.
So basically anyone can accumulate scores over time without having to win or even place in a class. It’s admirable but not an earth shattering accomplishment that definitely shows perseverance and competency (not to diminish the accomplishment but sometimes people get confused and think it means an Olympic medal).
In Canada the 3 tiers of EC rated shows are also called Bronze (local), Silver (provincial) and Gold (national).
And of course the Olympics Pan Am games and probably other smaller competitions award Gold Silver Bronze as First Second Third.
But the Gold Silver Bronze riders medals in USEF and EC are not competition medals but rather accrued scores medals.
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This is completely incorrect for USDF medals. I suggest the OP look it up and not rely on internet strangers.
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Thank you for the link which I had no idea where to find!
Thanks Silly
USDF is the award giver, not USEF.
Shows are sanctioned by USEF.
The close names cause a ton of confusion. There is a lot of info you need in the Member Guide if you are going to show
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No, this is incorrect and I think this is what makes getting medals so frustrating for a lot of riders - the misinformation that circulates. A lot of time, training and money is involved in achieving medals, so please, if you aren’t certain, refer people to the USDF Member Guide in the most current year. It will lay out all the qualifications needed.
@colorfan, check out pages 16-18 of the Member Guide in Sillyhorse’s post.
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In the US:
There are rider membership requirements and horse requirements. Otherwise,
Bronze, First, Second, and Third levels. two scores each level of 60% from two different judges. does nt have to be different shows.
Silver, two scores of 60% from two different judges at each of FOurth Level and PSG
Gold, two scores 60%, two different judges, at each I-1, I-A, I-B, or I-2, and GP
The 65% level gives you a medal “with distinction”, new this year.
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The information for the US is very interesting. It gives a medal some perspective.
Since I am in Canada I will check with EC.
thank you
