To sign up your horse show with Western Dressage classes for possible CAWDA recognition, please complete the application here:
https://cawda.org/cawda-mou
To receive CAWDA recognition, you must read and agree to the CAWDA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):
https://cawda.org/2026-cawda-mou
Requirements for CAWDA Recognized Shows
Please review the following requirements. This is a summary of the CAWDA rules and agreement for becoming a CAWDA Recognized Show.
- Show management must follow and use current USEF-approved Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) Competition Rules, including all rules regarding tack and attire.
- Eligible shows may be:
- WDAA Recognized Shows
- USEF Recognized Shows
- Schooling Shows
“Playdays” are not eligible.
- Prize lists must offer at least two WDAA classes at each of the following levels:
- Intro
- AWJ (12/1/26)
- Basic
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
- Level 4
- Level 5
- Level 6 (12/1/26)
- “Test of Choice” classes may count toward the two-class minimum requirement. Therapeutic Rider tests, Physically Challenged tests, Freestyles, and rail classes are optional.
- Breed shows may qualify for CAWDA High Point recognition if they include open classes. Breed-restricted classes do not count toward CAWDA High Point eligibility.
- Shows must be submitted for CAWDA High Point recognition at least 30 days prior to the show date.
- Show management must:
- Post participants’ scores at the show grounds during the show
- Return tests to participants before the end of the show, including:
- Judge’s scores
- Test ridden
- Comments
- Date
- Judge’s signature
CAWDA High Point Fees
- Show management must submit a $5 CAWDA High Point fee for each Western Dressage horse/rider entry (members and non-members). This is a per-entry fee, not a per-class fee.
- Shows may choose to charge exhibitors the CAWDA High Point fee.
- Fees must be submitted to CAWDA within 14 days after the conclusion of the show by:
- CAWDA
11033 Baldy Mesa Rd.
Victorville, CA 92392
- Within 14 days after the show, show management must also submit:
- All Western Dressage scores (member and non-member), or
- A website link to the scores
- Total CAWDA High Point fees collected
- Information may be submitted with show fees or emailed to:
CCollins@CAWDA.org
- Show management must post the CAWDA High Point flyer provided by CAWDA.
Insurance and Liability
- Show management must carry appropriate liability insurance.
- CAWDA is not responsible for any liability incurred at show venues and has no financial or legal interest in the show other than listing it in the CAWDA High Point Program.
- CAWDA reserves the right to deny recognition of any show or show series at its sole discretion.
Judge Requirements
- Shows must be judged by:
- A USEF-licensed Western or English Dressage judge, or
- A verified USDF “L” Graduate
- Show organizers are expected to verify all judge credentials before hiring.
- A list of verified judges may be requested from: CCollins@CAWDA.org
- Show management must notify CAWDA of the judge’s name at least 30 days prior to the show.
- Shows may request recognition before a judge is hired by listing the judge as “TBD.” However, the show will remain listed as “Pending Recognition” on the CAWDA calendar until a judge is confirmed.
Fair Play and USEF Standards
Western Dressage is governed by USEF rules promoting fair play in judging. Judges are expected to use common sense and fairness in applying the rules.
To protect competitors and CAWDA members, CAWDA will not recognize shows where the selected judge does not demonstrate fair and impartial judging practices.
Show management must ensure the judge is familiar with current USEF Western Dressage rules.
If CAWDA receives a protest or determines these requirements have not been met, the CAWDA Board reserves the right to:
- Deny recognition, or
- Disqualify scores from official CAWDA High Point standings after the show has taken place.
Cancellation of Agreement
CAWDA or show management may cancel this agreement with 30 days written notice.
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