Last updated: January 2026
Awards Overview
The Great Lakes Distance Riding Association (GLDRA) recognizes outstanding achievements
by riders, horses, and volunteers through annual and lifetime awards.
Awards are based on participation, mileage, performance, and contribution to the sport.
- Year-End Awards recognize top competitors in Competitive, Endurance, and Limited Distance divisions.
- Mileage Awards honor cumulative distance milestones achieved by riders and horses in GLDRA-sanctioned events.
- Special Awards (Legend Cup, Rookie of the Year, Best Condition, etc.) highlight exceptional accomplishments each season.
- Programs & Forms outline award criteria, milestone items, and nomination requirements.
This page displays recent award years (2019–2025). Historical awards and retired programs
are available on the Archive page.
Programs & Forms
Earned Awards (Mileage Item List)
Quick reference
| Miles | Award |
|---|---|
| 200 | Certificate (personal & equine) |
| 500 | Patch (personal & equine) |
| 1,000 | Buckle (personal) |
| 2,000 | Picture frame (equine) |
| 3,000 | Sweatshirt |
| 4,000 | Clock |
| 5,000 | Shirt |
| 6,000 | Embroidered item (winner pays; awards person previously paid $40) |
| +1,000 | Additional awards at 1,000 mile intervals |
Versatility Award (UMECRA / GLDRA Sponsored)
Rules
Each horse/rider team must complete minimum 2 events in each category:
Competitive, Limited Distance, Endurance.
Nomination must be submitted before the beginning of the last scheduled ride of the season.
Competitive, Limited Distance, Endurance.
Nomination must be submitted before the beginning of the last scheduled ride of the season.
Recent Award Years
2024
- 2024 Awards Packet — Not provided
2023
2023 Mileage Awards Personal
| Person | Award |
|---|---|
| Shane Darga | 200 – Certificate |
| Pam Darga | 200 – Certificate |
| Shane Darga | 500 – Patch |
| Pam Darga | 500 – Patch |
| Ilona Jarvi | 500 – Patch |
| Karen Jarvi | 500 – Patch |
| Jan Wylie | 1,000 – Belt Buckle |
| Diane Maxey | 4,000 |
| Linda Hamrick | 18,000 |
| Diane Meinders | 18,000 |
2023 Mileage Awards Horse
| Horse | Award |
|---|---|
| Ainia DCR | 200 – Certificate |
| Spot On The Diamond | 200 – Certificate |
| Ecliptic Azraff | 200 – Certificate |
| Al-Marah Fox Romeo | 200 – Certificate |
| Spot On The Diamond | 500 – Patch |
| Ecliptic Azraff | 500 – Patch |
| Dose | 1,000 – Picture Frame |
| Lumiere WW | 1,000 – Picture Frame |
| Kulta | 3,000 – Halter |
[table “16” not found /]
2022
2022 Personal Distance Mileage
| Person | Award |
|---|---|
| Karen Jarvi | 200 – Certificate |
| Ilona Jarvi | 200 – Certificate |
| Lisa Germann | 10,000 |
| Diane Meinders | 17,000 |
2022 Mileage Awards Horse
| Horse | Award |
|---|---|
| Westwind Little Big Man | 200 – Certificate |
| Dynamo Dash | 500 – Patch |
| Westwind Little Big Man | 500 – Patch |
| LW Constant Sohn | 2000 – Rump Rug |
[table “13” not found /]
2021
- Hall of Fame (Person / Horse) — Posted (partial)
- Rookie of the Year — Not posted
- Legend Cup — Not posted
2020
- Hall of Fame (Person / Horse) — Not posted
- Rookie of the Year (ROTY) — Not posted
- Legend Cup — Not posted
2019
- Year End Final Standings
- Hall of Fame (Person / Horse) — Posted
- Rookie of the Year
- Legend Cup (Highest mileage horse) — Yo Dusty (730 miles)