Educational Programs
Thoughtfully designed programs to support aspiring horse and rider teams within our organization.
NVWDA Ride & Learn Education Fund
$250 Financial assistance provided to (1) Open, (1) Adult Amateur, (1) Junior, (1) Therapeutic, and (1) Therapeutic Junior members for use toward the purchase of educational and professional development activities such as lessons and clinics.
NVWDA Judging Journey Scholarship
A $1K financial assistance scholarship presented once per year to one AA, Open, or Therapeutic/Exceptional Adult member in good standing to support pursuits of a small “r” or large “R” judging credential.
NVWDA Pathway to World Show Competition Grant
A $1K once-per-year financial Grant for use toward attending/competing at the WDDA World Show – available to (1) Open, Adult Amateur, Junior, Therapeutic, or Therapeutic Junior member who has met the program’s qualifying requirements.
Achievement Programs
Recognition based programs, designed to celebrate and encourage the unique journeys of each horse and rider team within our organization.
(YEHP) High Point LIVE Show Series Awards
An Annual Live Award banquet that recognizes NVWDA members for their accomplishments participating in NVWDA-recognized live Shows.
BREED High Point Awards
Breed High Point Awards are given annually to recognize NVWDA members and their horses for their accomplishments participating in NVWDA Recognized Live & NVWDA Scenic Saddle Virtual Shows.
SINGLE High SCORE of the YEAR Live Show Award
Horse/Rider Name, Level, and Score engraved on a SCORE of THE YEAR Perpetual Award Trophy, highlighting each Division’s single highest score recorded during a NVWDA Recognized Live Show.
(YEHPV) Year-End High Point VIRTUAL Show Series Awards
An Annual Competition with an official Year-End results posting on the NVWDA website, recognizing NVWDA members for their accomplishments participating in NVWDA Scenic Saddle virtual Shows.
LIVE Show Legacy Awards
An award presented to riders who have won a Champion or Reserve Champion Title for a period of two years or more in the same level, who tie or exceed the High Point Champion score in that same Level.
Volunteer Awards & Appreciation Raffle Drawings
NVWDA proudly honors its volunteers. Special awards are presented annually to the top volunteers based on total hours contributed. Members and non-members are eligible for prizes.
VIRTUAL Show Legacy Awards
An award presented to riders who have won a Champion or Reserve Champion Title for a period of two years or more in the same level, who tie or exceed the High Point Champion score in that same Level.
Rider Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum & Diamond Medal Program
Elegant Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals achieved by meeting the requirements of each distinctive levels.
WDAA WLHPAP Award Program Awareness
We provide awareness and promote Western Dressage Association of America’s Horse Lifetime Points and Awards Program through our state affiliate.
Grandfather Medal Program
New NVWDA members can submit test scores from previous shows recognized by other state affiliates within the first 90 days of joining to qualify for NVWDA Medals, provided they meet the requirements for each level.
Rider Bronze Freestyle, Silver Freestyle, and Gold Freestyle Medal Program
Elegant Bronze Freestyle, Silver Freestyle, and Gold Freestyle Medals achieved by meeting the requirements of each distinctive Freestyle level.
2026 Scenic Saddle Virtual Shows Kick Off January 9!
NVWDA’s Scenic Saddle Virtual Show Series will offer riders the opportunity to compete in seven total shows throughout the calendar year. Large “R” judges will judge all shows. Exhibitors can win valuable $50, $75, $100, or $125 High Point gift cards from Tractor Supply Company, Chewy.com, or Amazon.com. The more rides per show, the greater the High Point Gift Card amount.
Become a Member and Compete for Valuable Prizes in NVWDA’s Scenic Saddle Virtual Show Series.
FAQ
Are Virtual Members eligible for NVWDA’s Education Programs?
YES, Virtual members are eligible and can apply to any NVWDA Educational Program.
Are all membership levels required to contribute volunteer hours annually?
NO, 2026 General Memberships (Open/Adult Amateur) require 8 hours of volunteer hours. (Junior, Junior Therapeutic/Exceptional, and Adult Therapeutic/Exceptional riders) are required to complete 2 hours of volunteerism annually. Virtual Members are encouraged but not required to complete volunteer hours.
Why does NVWDA require Membership Volunteer Hours?
NVWDA is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization. Providing volunteer hours gives NVWDA much-needed logistical support, and electing to contribute in lieu of volunteer hours provides NVWDA with vital financial support, enabling it to deliver a variety of high-quality educational resources and fellowship-focused events each year. The Nevada Western Dressage Association will annually evaluate its volunteer hour requirements to ensure they align with the organization’s mission and ongoing goals.
What if I live in a remote area and cannot easily access live volunteer opportunites?
Volunteerism can be achieved in various ways, from performing live services at events and shows to contributing administrative-type services from a home or remote office location. A variety of “Remote Volunteer Assignment” tasks will be available for consideration by January 2026. Committing to a “Remote Volunteer Assignment” enables members to fulfill their annual volunteer hours at a pace and timeline that suits their schedule. Contact Jean Wolff, NVWDA Secretary (jean.w@NVwda.org) to inquire about “Remote Volunteer assignments.”
NVWDA also offers memberships for purchase that include contributions in lieu of volunteer time that fulfill the annual volunteer requirements.
If i purchase a Membership now, does it cover me for the 2026 calendar season?
YES, because of our mid-year official launch time period, all levels of membership purchased in 2025 will begin immediately and carry through December 31, 2026. NVWDA’s calendar season runs January 1 – December 31 annually.
Why is the Founding Pioneer Membership only available for purchase through October 31, 2025?
Founding Pioneer Memberships are a limited-time offering tailored for community-minded partners willing to take a leap of faith in NVWDA’s journey during the initial 24/7 Kickstarter phase. Founding Pioneer Memberships will not only help fund vital programs but also support grassroots membership sign-up activities and awareness campaigns necessary to make our organization’s information more accessible on social media and via the NVwda.org website. Founding Pioneers will receive a limited-edition jacket, an appreciation plaque, and other valuable benefits. Contact any NVWDA Board Member to inquire about investing in a Founding Pioneer Membership today before the October 31, 2025 close date. Beginning November 1, 2025, Lifetime Memberships will still be available for purchase.
Can Virtual Members apply for NVWDA educational programs?
YES, Virtual Members are eligible and can apply to all of NVWDA’s Educational Programs, as well as all “Virtual” Achievement Programs. Virtual Members may not compete in LIVE Show Series Achievement Programs.
Official NVWDA Achievement Guide
Get the most out of your membership! Familiarize yourself with our educational, achievement and volunteer programs.