Why NVWDA Show Recognition?
Whether you are a seasoned show management company or just getting started in Western Dressage, NVWDA offers a variety of recognition programs to enhance your event.
NVWDA State Recognition gives show exhibitors the opportunity to obtain NVWDA Rider Medals, NVWDA Live Show Year-End High Point Awards, NVWDA BREED Awards, apply for rider education scholarships, and more.
Applying for Nevada State Recognition is simple.
Choose a state recognition program to support your goals. Complete the application, email it to Events@NVwda.org, and pay any applicable processing fees.
The Nevada Western Dressage Association Board of Directors will review your application within three (3) business days to determine your event's eligibility.
NVWDA Welcomes New Event Partnerships.
NVWDA proudly delivers a robust 2026 state-sanctioned live show event calendar that includes a variety of geographically accessible events spread across both NV and UT.
NVWDA is accepting applications from private barn facilities, clubs, and event promoters seeking to add NVWDA state recognition value to their program.
Scores earned at NVWDA-recognized shows count toward NVWDA Member Year-End High Point; Breed, Division, Score of The Year, and Level Achievement Programs.
NVWDA has five (5) recognized divisions: Adult Amateur -Open - Junior - Junior Therapeutic/Exceptional - Adult Therapeutic/Exceptional.
- private barn or facility events
- local clubs, organizations
- local and regional breed shows
- USEF recognized shows
Nevada (Light) Recognized Program
Great for private facilities/barns interested in hosting a collaborative classic dressage schooling & NVWDA State-Recognized Western Dressage event.
NOTE: Dual carded USEF "R" and Classic "S" judges offer increased value and rider interest for these show types.
WDAA recognition preferred, but not mandatory.
Nevada (Standard) Recognized Program
Great for established shows/clubs/breed organizations hosting events - interested in adding Western Dressage classes to their venue.
- western pleasure
- working equitation
- mounted shooting
- trail classes
WDAA recognition preferred, but not mandatory.
Nevada (Plus) Recognized Program
Great for established Clubs/Show Series/Breed Shows that are familiar with
WDAA-Recognition, seeking to add NVWDA State-Recognition to its program.
NOTE: A WDAA recognition # is required at the time of Nevada (Plus) Recognition application submission.
NVWDA Does Not Charge Members Score Recording Fees.
At Nevada Western Dressage Association, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our exhibitors as they showcase their skills in NVWDA-recognized events. NVWDA does not charge fees for tracking and rewarding member scores at the end of the season.
NVWDA is dedicated to providing a transparent, supportive environment free of petty fees or insignificant financial burdens.
Show Secretaries Simply E-mail Us Your Your Test Scores.
At Nevada Western Dressage Association, we believe that our members should focus on their riding, not navigating unnecessary post-show administrative tasks. NVWDA does not require members to scan and submit show test score sheets obtained during NVWDA-recognized shows. NVWDA requires Show Secretaries to e-mail verified rider class scores completed during their show to the Official NVWDA Score Keeper (within 10 days of show closing.) We take it from there!
NVWDA-Recognition Requirement Highlights
- 2026/2027 Seasons Western Dressage class judge requirements: the judge must hold a
WDAA Train the Trainer, USEF WD “r,” or “R” card. For the year 2028 and beyond, a
USEF WD “r,” or “R” card is required. WDAA Train-the-Trainer credential will no longer be accepted. - Nevada (Light & Standard) WDAA Recognition preferred, not mandatory.
Nevada (Plus) WDAA Recognition is required at the time of application submission.
(PLEASE NOTE: WDAA charges a $45 recognition application fee.) - Completed NVWDA-Recognition application.
- $45 (1-day show) application fee, or $75 (2-day show or more) application fee, due at the time of application submission. ($45/$75 fee becomes non-refundable upon approval by NVWDA)
$45 (1) Day Payment Link $75 (2) Day or More Payment Link - Applications must be submitted a minimum of 45 days before the proposed event date.
Applications received less than 45 days prior to the event will incur a $50 rush processing fee.
$50 RUSH Processing Payment Link - WD classes to include current WDAA Western Dressage tests, including Therapeutic/Exceptional. See: https://www.westerndressageassociation.org/wdaa-tests
- NVWDA logo, website (www.NVwda.org), and “NVWDA-Recognized” to be listed on the show premium.
- A western dressage tack/equipment check is required for one-third of WD classes at
each show. See WDAA Equipment Check Procedure Guide. - A full-size 20x60m dressage court arena and a 6'-8' (minimum size) judge's table/space outside of the dressage court located behind "C" is needed.
- A separate, minimum-sized 20x40m warm-up arena is needed.
- Class results are to be emailed to NVWDA in WDAA-approved template format within 10 days following show closing.
- A Non-Member fee (in show prize list) is appreciated, but not mandatory.
- 7-day NVWDA member priority registration for WD classes appreciated, but not mandatory.
- Event Promoter to display (1) 8'x3' WDAA Nevada State Affiliate banner during the event, appreciated, but not mandatory. NVWDA to supply banner(s) to the promoter.