WDAA Year End High Point Program FAQ

YEHP Awards results are announced in February through WDAA newsletters and social media channels. Winners receive a commemorative certificate via email to celebrate their achievements.

No, you don’t need to submit your scores. Points for the Year-End High Point (YEHP) Program are automatically calculated from official show results submitted by show secretaries.

To be eligible, the horse must be enrolled with either a free WDAA horse number or enrolled in WHLPAP, and both the owner and all exhibitors must be active WDAA members at the time of the ride.

The WDAA Year-End High Point Program (YEHP) is a program that recognizes horses that excel in Western Dressage competition over the course of a competition year. Through the YEHP, horses earn points based on their performance at WDAA-recognized shows, with awards and recognition given to high-achieving horses in various divisions and levels. This program is free for members, offering a way for competitors to track their horse’s progress and accomplishments year-over-year. Non-WDAA members are not eligible to participate in YEHP.

The WDAA offers two horse-focused point programs: the Year-End High Point Program (YEHP-IYEHP) and the WDAA Horse Lifetime Points and Awards Program (WHLPAP). The YEHP recognizes annual achievements, awarding points based on a horse’s performance over a single competition year. The WHLPAP, a voluntary pay-to-participate program, tracks lifetime points and provides exclusive VIP-style benefits, such as milestone awards and event recognition. WHLPAP funds support the program itself and contribute valuable data used to enhance WDAA’s educational offerings.

You can view your enrolled horses by logging into the WDAA Points Member Home Page:
👉 https://wdaapoints.org/member-home/

From there, you can review your horse’s enrollment status, submitted forms, and participation in WDAA programs like YEHP and WHLPAP.

Log in directly to the WDAA Points site using your WDAA Membership portal user ID and password. The Points site is a separate system from the Membership Portal, but it uses the same login credentials.

Member Home Page ⋆ WDAA Points

Start with the official WDAA Show Calendar at westerndressageassociation.org/event-calendar-view—it’s your gold standard.

Show organizers often share exciting previews on social media or other channels before applying for recognition to spark interest and build attendance. If a show isn’t on the calendar yet, it has not been recognized (application may be pending).

For shows proudly listed on the calendar:

• Look for the official WDAA show recognition logo and assigned show number in the prize list or event details.
• Confirm entry forms request WDAA Member and Horse Numbers for smooth, accurate results reporting.
• Recognition is complete once approval, fees, and results are submitted in line with WDAA guidelines.

Viewing WDAA show results and tracking points is a benefit exclusively for WDAA members. While non-members are welcome to compete in WDAA-recognized shows, only members have access to individual show results, points, and year-end standings. Some aspects of overall results are visible to the public, but individual non-member data will not be displayed. To access your full competition records and track your progress, consider joining WDAA to unlock these and other valuable membership benefits.

To ensure accurate results tracking and eligibility for WDAA Year-End Points, make sure to include the following information on your show entry forms:

1. Horse’s Enrolled Name (same as on your WDAA Horse Number) and Horse Identification Number – This ensures correct point tracking under the WDAA system. Acceptable identification options include:
   • WDAA Horse Number – The unique ID assigned by WDAA.
   • Breed Registry Number – Use your horse’s breed-specific registration number (e.g., AQHA, APHA).
   • USEF Horse ID Number – For horses registered with the United States Equestrian Federation.
2. Rider’s Name and WDAA Member ID – Required to verify membership and eligibility for points.
3. Division and Level – Make sure you’re clear on the division and level you’ll be competing in, as specified by the show, to ensure points are allocated correctly.

Providing these details helps ensure your points are recorded accurately for the WDAA Year-End High Point Program.

The WDAA Year-End High Point Program (YEHP) and International YEHP (IYEHP) are free to participate in with an active WDAA membership and a WDAA-enrolled horse. There are no fees to join the program or to earn points.

Only administrative updates have a fee:

• $25 for a horse name change

• $40 for a transfer of ownership

These fees help cover the staff time required to update official records.
Please note: Show entry fees are separate and paid directly to event organizers.

YEHP points start accumulating once your horse is enrolled in the WDAA Year-End High Point Program and has competed in a WDAA-recognized show. Points will only count for shows that occur after enrollment, so be sure to register early in the season to maximize your points for the year.

Only WDAA members with enrolled horses (Free WDAA or WHLPAP number) are eligible. Points eligibility starts from the date of horse enrollment activation.

Yes, the YEHP Awards Program offers divisions by both Division and Level. Awards are given across levels from Introductory to Level 5 and divisions including Junior, Amateur, and Open. Additional categories, such as Exceptional Rider and Gaited Horse classes, are also recognized.

See full details on our program rules page: https://wdaapoints.org/wdaa-year-end-high-point-program-rules/

Yes, WDAA Year End High Point awards are available for various class types, including Dressage Tests, Freestyles, Rail Classes, and Equitation Patterns. See full details on our program rules page: https://wdaapoints.org/wdaa-year-end-high-point-program-rules/

Check the official WDAA show calendar first at westerndressageassociation.org/event-calendar-view. If a show is not listed, it is NOT or has not yet approved for recognition and will not count toward WDAA Year-End High Points.

For listed shows:

• Confirm the official WDAA recognition and show number appear on the prize list or event details.
• The show must meet all post-reporting requirements and results must comply with WDAA recognition rules.

Only verified, calendar-listed shows secure your path to year-end standings.

Only WDAA-approved classes at WDAA-recognized shows count toward the Year-End High Point Awards. Eligible classes include Western Dressage tests, rail classes, and pattern classes that meet WDAA approval standards.

No, scores do not have to be earned at the highest test of the level in the WDAA Year-End High Point Program (YEHP) or International Year-End High Point Program (IYEHP). Points are awarded based on class placing and the number of entries, regardless of which test within the level was completed. This allows participants to earn YEHP points at any test within their chosen level, provided the show is WDAA-recognized and meets all data requirements.

Check the official WDAA show calendar first at westerndressageassociation.org/event-calendar-view. If a show is not listed, it is NOT or has not yet been approved for recognition.

For listed shows:

• Confirm the official WDAA recognition and show number appear on the prize list or event details.
• The show must meet all post-reporting requirements and results must comply with WDAA recognition rules.

Only verified, calendar-listed shows secure your path to year-end standings.

Horses do not start earning YEHP points until they are signed up with a WDAA Horse Number, or enroll in WHLPAP. YEHP points from past shows cannot be applied retroactively. Only YEHP points earned in the current competition year, after the program is initiated, are eligible if the horse and rider meet the required criteria.

Points for Amateur, Junior, or Gaited divisions are awarded only when riders are placed together in a separate division. If a class combines divisions (e.g., amateurs with professionals, or juniors with adults) and all riders are pinned together, results count toward Open points only.

Exception: We offer an Amateur/Junior combined division where points are assigned based on the rider’s reported status (Amateur or Junior).

To earn points in a specific division otherwise, the class must be placed separately for that group. Classes that do not clearly identify the division, or combine Open riders with Juniors or Amateurs, will be applied to the Open division.

For a complete list of recognized divisions and full YEHP rules, visit: WDAA Year-End High Point Program Rules

The WDAA Year-End High Point Program is effective from January 1 through December 31 each year. YEHP points are earned at WDAA-recognized shows held within this period and reset annually at the start of the new competition year.

YEHP points default to the Open division when the show’s official results do not specify a division, such as Amateur, Junior, or Gaited.

Points will also go to the Open division if the show combines divisions—for example:

• Amateurs and Professionals

• Juniors and Adults

• Gaited and Non-Gaited horses
  —and places all riders or horses together in one class.

To earn points in a specific division, the class must be placed separately for that division.

Exception: We offer an Amateur/Junior combined division where points are assigned based on the rider’s reported status (Amateur or Junior). This must be clearly listed on the prize list to apply.

For full details, see WDAA Year-End High Point Program Rules.

Points in the YEHP are recorded based on the divisions listed in each show’s official results and in accordance with WDAA show recognition rules.

If a class is placed by division (such as Junior, Amateur, or Open), points are recorded in that specific division. If the results combine Amateur and Open riders into a single placing, points are applied to the Open division. If no division is specified in the official results, points also default to the Open division.

This approach ensures that points reflect how classes were actually placed at each show and helps maintain consistency and fairness across all events.

Your horse may appear on multiple Year-End High Point (YEHP) leaderboards if they have earned points in different divisions or levels throughout the competition year. WDAA tracks and displays points separately based on the division and level specified in each show’s official results. This allows for accurate representation of your horse’s achievements across various categories.

• Tie Breaking

  • Ties broken only for Champion and Reserve Champion (1st & 2nd places) in each Level/Division
  • Tiebreaker order:
    1. Most shows participated in
    2. Most 1st-place scores, then 2nd, and so on
    3. Earliest WDAA Horse Enrollment Date(earlier date wins)
  • Places 3–10: Ties stand. No tiebreak.

Points are based on class placings and the number of entries, with a maximum of 10 points for first place. For online shows, half points are awarded. The WDAA hosted WDAA Online International Challenge earns full points for YEHP.

WDAA accepts only official electronic show results submitted directly by the recorded show secretary. Riders cannot self-submit scores—ensure your show secretary submits results to WDAA after the show. WDAA shows are required to submit official results within 14 days of show end date. Points auto-accrue upon approval.

Once show results are submitted to WDAA (typically within 14 days after a show), points are expected to appear online within 4–6 weeks. This is part of a new process for us, so we’re using this guideline as we adjust to handling and processing volumes. We’ll refine these timeframes as we gain more experience with the new system.

WDAA Recognized online shows earn half points to reflect the different competition setting. YEHP points start at 5 for first place and continue at half points down to 10th place.

YEHP awards single points for all WDAA Live and WDAA-USEF recognized shows. WDAA online shows earn half points. Double points are not available. The WDAA hosted WDAA Online International Challenge earns full points for YEHP.

Online shows count as half points in the WDAA Year-End High Point Program to reflect the differences in competitive environment compared to in-person shows. This adjustment accounts for variations in judging, atmosphere, and competitive dynamics that can influence performance in a virtual setting. The WDAA hosted WDAA Online International Challenge earns full points for YEHP.

Eligibility First Points only count if:

• Owner & all exhibitors have active WDAA memberships.
• Horse is enrolled with a WDAA Horse Number (free) or Lifetime Number—points start after enrollment date. Pre-enrollment results don’t qualify for YEHP/IYEHP.

Timeline & Fixes

1. Show Secretary must submit official results to WDAA within 14 days of show end.
2. WDAA processes in 2–5 weeks (volume-dependent).
3. Check WDAA site after 6 weeks.
4. Contact show secretary if still missing—they confirm submission or fix it.

Secretary contact information is located on the Show Results Search page.

Important: WDAA only accepts corrections from the official show secretary of record. Riders cannot submit changes directly. The secretary must submit corrected results data—including horse and rider WDAA member numbers—to WDAA Show Recognition for review. WDAA reserves the right to adjust results to ensure compliance with recognition and program rules.

Once approved, points will update automatically to reflect the corrected results.

Secretary contact information is located on the Show Results Search page.

If a show does not submit official results to WDAA, no YEHP points will be awarded—regardless of your performance.

WDAA show recognition is conditional on full compliance with WDAA and USEF Western Dressage rules. WDAA reserves the right to revoke recognition, adjust results for compliance, or deny applications. Shows must submit results within 14 days of the show’s end date; WDAA is not responsible for errors or omissions in applications, prize lists, or results.

WDAA cannot accept late, incomplete, or unofficial submissions. Contact show management immediately to ensure compliance. Refer to the WDAA Show Recognition Rules and USEF Western Dressage Rule Book for details.

To calculate YEHP points, show organizers must provide specific data. Key items include Class Number, Class Name, Judge Name, Division, Level, Test, Score, Percentage, Horse Name, Exhibitor Name, Class Entries, Class Placing, Exhibitor WDAA Member Number, and Horse Identification options such as WDAA Horse Number, Breed Registration Number, or USEF Horse Number.

Show organizers must submit all required information as outlined in the WDAA Show Recognition Rules and meet all USEF Western Dressage Rules. We recommend applying for recognition 60 days or more before your event to ensure it is added to the WDAA calendar for members to view. Post-show results must be submitted within 14 days of the show’s end date.

Show managers are required to submit official show results within 14 days of the show’s end date to ensure timely and accurate points recording. For the 2026 show season, WDAA will begin Year-End Calculations on January 15, 2027. It is important to verify that all show results are submitted accurately and on time, as WDAA is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the submitted data, including results not submitted by show management.

Show secretaries are required to submit official results to WDAA within 14 days of each show’s end date to ensure timely point updates. For year-end tabulations in the WDAA Year-End High Point Program (YEHP), however, all show results for the competition year must be received by January 15th. Any results not received by this date will not be included in the final tabulations for YEHP awards.