WMAHA Awards Overview
At WMAHA, we celebrate the dedication, skill, and passion of our riders and community through a variety of prestigious awards. While the winners are announced in our yearbook and at the annual banquet, here’s a breakdown of the different types of awards we present:
Check the yearbook for the full list of this year’s winners and their remarkable achievements!
After the banquet and yearbook information below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each award type, including their significance and the legacy they represent. Scroll down to learn more about the different awards and the extraordinary accomplishments they celebrate.
- WMAHA Awards: These awards are based on points earned at community shows throughout the season, celebrating consistent performance and participation in a wide range of categories.
- Supreme Winners: These top honors are awarded to the highest point earners in specific categories, recognizing the standout performers of the year.
- Belt Buckle Awards: A highly coveted award at the community shows, Belt Buckle winners excel in their respective divisions, earning recognition for their skill and commitment.
- Class A Youth Equitation Awards: These awards are based on points earned at Class A shows, specifically recognizing excellence in equitation.
- Perpetual Trophy Awards: These trophies honor outstanding achievements and contributions in specific categories and are passed down each year, symbolizing a lasting legacy within WMAHA.
Check the yearbook for the full list of this year’s winners and their remarkable achievements!
After the banquet and yearbook information below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each award type, including their significance and the legacy they represent. Scroll down to learn more about the different awards and the extraordinary accomplishments they celebrate.
2024 Awards Banquet
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Join Us for the 2024 WMAHA Awards Banquet!
Celebrate the incredible achievements of our riders and community at the 2024 WMAHA Awards Banquet! Enjoy a fun-filled day with awards, food, and a silent auction. 📅 Date: Sunday, October 27th 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM 📍 Location: Johnson Park, 2600 Wilson Ave, Walker, MI 🍽 Potluck: Bring a dish to pass and enjoy a meal with friends and family. 🎁 Silent Auction: Great items will be up for grabs during the awards ceremony. RSVP: Please text Angie Scott at 616-886-6738 to confirm your attendance. |
2024 Printed Yearbook
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2024 WMAHA Awards Yearbook: A Season to Remember
We are thrilled to share that the 2024 WMAHA Awards Yearbook has been sent to print! Filled with the season's highlights, accomplishments, and the full banquet program, it’s a cherished keepsake that celebrates our amazing community. While the opportunity to purchase ads for this year has passed, we want to remind everyone how much your support means. By contributing through ads, members and businesses help fund the production of the yearbook and our annual awards banquet, keeping this cherished tradition going strong. |
Digital Version Coming Soon!
After the 2024 Awards Banquet, the yearbook will be available online in a digital format right here on this page, making it easy to browse and share. Be sure to check back and relive the highlights!
For now, you can explore last year’s digital yearbook from 2023 at the bottom of the page, published through Adobe InDesign.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we wrap up this year's yearbook, we encourage you to start thinking about the 2025 edition! Ads are not only a great way to celebrate your rider or promote your business, but they also help support the yearbook and banquet. Stay tuned for more information on next year's ad opportunities and secure your spot in our next memorable keepsake.
After the 2024 Awards Banquet, the yearbook will be available online in a digital format right here on this page, making it easy to browse and share. Be sure to check back and relive the highlights!
For now, you can explore last year’s digital yearbook from 2023 at the bottom of the page, published through Adobe InDesign.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we wrap up this year's yearbook, we encourage you to start thinking about the 2025 edition! Ads are not only a great way to celebrate your rider or promote your business, but they also help support the yearbook and banquet. Stay tuned for more information on next year's ad opportunities and secure your spot in our next memorable keepsake.
How to Participate in the Year-End Awards Program
There are two ways to become part of our Year-End Awards Program:
- WMAHA Membership through AHA
Automatically eligible when you become a WMAHA member through AHA. - Non-Members: Enrollment Form
Enroll by filling out an Enrollment Form (Adults: $10, Children: $5). This enrollment is not a WMAHA membership.
Points System for Regular WMAHA & Supreme Awards
Awards are given for one horse/one rider combinations based on points earned at community shows:
In case of a tie, the number of 1st places will be compared, followed by 2nd places if needed, until the tie is resolved.
- Class Champions: Champion and Reserve Champion are named in each class on the show bill (except championship classes, lead-line, training, and TBAs).
- Circuit Champions: Awarded in divisions such as Walk/Trot 10 years and under, Walk/Trot 11 years and over, 14-18 years, 19-49 years, and 50+.
- Supreme Champions: Starting in 2023, Supreme Champions are determined by totaling points from championship classes across all shows during the season.
- You earn one point for yourself and one for each horse you beat.
- Example: In a class of eight, 1st place gets 8 points, 2nd gets 7, and so on.
- Points are only awarded for horses placing 6th or better.
- Lead Line Riders: Do not need WMAHA membership for a year-end participation award. However, Walk Only class riders need WMAHA membership to qualify for awards.
In case of a tie, the number of 1st places will be compared, followed by 2nd places if needed, until the tie is resolved.
Belt Buckle WinnersWMAHA Belt Buckle Winners: Celebrating Excellence in Every Division
The WMAHA Belt Buckle Winners stand as the overall champions in their respective divisions, showcasing extraordinary skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. These individuals have excelled in competition throughout the year, earning the prestigious Belt Buckle title. Their achievements reflect the high standards upheld by WMAHA and serve as an inspiration to the entire community. Congratulations to these exceptional equestrians! |
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Perpetual Trophy Awards
Honoring Legacy and Excellence
Each year, we proudly award four prestigious perpetual trophies to high point winners at WMAHA community shows. These awards commemorate not only the dedication and talent of our participants but also the legacy of the individuals they are named after.
Each year, we proudly award four prestigious perpetual trophies to high point winners at WMAHA community shows. These awards commemorate not only the dedication and talent of our participants but also the legacy of the individuals they are named after.
Terry Budd Memorial Sidesaddle Charity ClassIntroduced in 2024, this special sidesaddle charity class is held annually at the Fall Classic show. Entry fees are donation-based, with proceeds supporting a different charity each year. Sponsored by Crestview Tack and WMAHA, with 2025 proceeds benefiting the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund.
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Purebred Arabian SaddleseatThis award, presented by the Simmons Family, honors the memory of Brenda Simmons-Matthews, who exemplified sportsmanship and encouragement. It is awarded to the WMAHA member and purebred Arabian horse with the highest points in Saddleseat classes.
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Purebred Arabian & Half Arabian HalterPresented in memory of Linda Mehney, a breeder whose horses earned numerous national awards in Halter competitions, this trophy is awarded to the WMAHA member and Arabian or Half Arabian horse with the highest points in the Halter division.
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Arabian & Half Arabian VersatilityIn memory of Marilyn Ebels, this award celebrates the versatility of Arabian horses. It is given to the WMAHA member and horse with the highest points across all divisions at WMAHA community shows.
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These perpetual trophies represent the commitment, excellence, and lasting impact of their namesakes, as well as the ongoing contributions of WMAHA members.
Youth Class A High Point Equitation Award
Recognizing Youth Achievement in Class A Competitions
The Youth Class A High Point Equitation Award acknowledges and encourages young riders who have excelled in AHA/USEF-recognized shows. Points are accumulated from all regions, including Youth and Canadian Nationals. Awards are given in the following age divisions:
The Youth Class A High Point Equitation Award acknowledges and encourages young riders who have excelled in AHA/USEF-recognized shows. Points are accumulated from all regions, including Youth and Canadian Nationals. Awards are given in the following age divisions:
- Walk-Trot (10 and under)
- 13 and under
- 14–18
- Youth and/or Canadian National Championship Classes:
- National Champion = 40 points
- Reserve National Champion = 30 points
- Top Ten = 20 points
- (Each class must have a minimum of 3 riders. If there are fewer than 3 riders, points earned will be halved.)
- Regional Championship Classes:
- Regional Champion = 30 points
- Reserve Regional Champion = 20 points
- Top Five = 10 points
- (Each class must have a minimum of 3 riders. If there are fewer than 3 riders, points earned will be halved.)
- "A" Rated Competitions:
Points are awarded based on the number of riders in the class, up to the top 6 riders:- 1st place: Points equal to the number of riders in the class (e.g., 10 riders = 10 points)
- 2nd place: 1 point less than 1st place, and so on, down to 6th place.
- Age Divisions: Riders are categorized by age as of January 1 of the current showing year.
- No Lead Line Classes: Lead line classes do not count toward points.
- Minimum Riders in a Class: For National and Regional classes, there must be a minimum of 3 riders for full points; otherwise, points are halved.
- Points Tracking: Points from all showmanship, medal, and equitation classes count toward this award.
- Membership Requirement: The exhibitor must be a WMAHA member in good standing.
- Final Decision: In case of any questions or disputes regarding the interpretation of these rules, the decision of the WMAHA Fall Classic Committee shall be final.
Past Award Winners
2023 Digital Yearbook
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2023 Digital Yearbook Awards Program: Celebrating the Heartbeat of Our Community
Welcome to our Digital Yearbook Awards Program, meticulously crafted to commemorate and celebrate the achievements, camaraderie, and invaluable contributions of our esteemed club members throughout the captivating journey of the 2023 season. This exceptional yearbook isn't just a collection of moments; it's a heartfelt tribute, aiming to highlight and honor the dedication and passion that define our community. Each page unfolds a narrative of shared triumphs and the bonds that make our club more than just a group of enthusiasts—it's a close-knit family. As you explore the digital pages, you're invited to relive the memories, applaud the successes, and join us in cherishing the remarkable moments that have shaped our collective experience. |
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Before 2023, WMAHA presented award winners on dedicated web pages. In 2023, we introduced the WMAHA Yearbook—a beautiful printed and digital keepsake capturing the season's best moments. While we may continue creating yearbooks in the future, you can still explore past web-based award pages below: