Show Recognition Class Division Options

Guide for Show Secretaries and Managers: Class Division Options and Reporting for WDAA Show Recognition

This guide outlines class division options for WDAA show recognition. How you set up and report divisions directly affects how members earn points in the Year-End High Point Program (YEHP, January 1 to December 31). Key divisions: Amateur, Junior, Open, Gaited Amateur, Gaited Junior, Gaited Open, Physically Challenged, Therapeutic Rider.
Eligibility Basics

Riders can compete without WDAA memberships but need them for YEHP points. Report every ride regardless of WDAA membership status.
Horses require free WDAA Horse Number from wdaapoints.org for points.
Physically Challenged/Therapeutic: Need WDAA Exceptional Rider Form; no usual cross-entry.
Gaited: Clear labels; gaited horses only. Otherwise, they fit Amateur/Junior/Open.

Class Division Options for Show Recognition
These options ensure show recognition compliance while influencing YEHP points – amateurs and juniors often want separate divisions for targeted earnings; survey them. Detail setups in prize lists/applications. Two main approaches:

Open Division Option (All Together):
Place all riders as one group, rider status ignored.
Recognized as Open (or Gaited Open); YEHP points apply there. Pros belong here but Open Division classes are open to all riders.
Suits small shows – simple, engaging.
Sample:
Intro Test 1 – Open
Basic Test 2 – Open
Level 1 Test 3 – Gaited Open

Note: “Everyone placed together; Open points for YEHP.”

Rider Status Division Option (Separated for Points):
Set up distinct classes so amateurs/juniors earn in their divisions – no pros/Open in mix.
Flexible paths:
Full Split: Separate class numbers (101 Amateur, 102 Junior, 103 Open).
Amateur-Junior Combo: Blend them, place as group, award by status. Open stays apart.
Labels: Tag clearly (“Intro Test 1 – Amateur-Junior”). Make sure rider status is clearly reported in results.

Mix with Open? YEHP points default Open – plan to avoid.
Sample:
Intro Test 1 – Amateur-Junior
Basic Test 2 – Open
Level 1 Test 3 – Amateur

Note: “Amateurs/Juniors separate; targeted YEHP points, no Open mix.”

Tips: Unique class numbers/labels or result splits for clarity and accurate reporting.
Rule: Amateurs/juniors + Open = Open YEHP points.
Unclear reporting? Defaults to Open – verify setups.