Excellence in Performance - In-Hand
(Miniature Donkeys)

Changes in red are effective as of 01/01/2015

To be eligible for an Excellence in Performance – In Hand, the Owner must be a member of the American Donkey Association at the time the points are earned. An Excellence In Performance – In Hand is awarded to one Donkey. Points earned by one donkey are not transferable to any other donkey. There is no time limitation to attain this award. An owner may obtain an unlimited number of Excellence In Performance – In Hand awards but only one per donkey. The points assigned to one Donkey can be accumulated by multiple Owners provided each owner is a member of the American Donkey Association when the points accrue.

An Excellence in Performance – In Hand requires at least 75 points. The 75 points must be attained from at least three separate NMDA shows and points awarded by at least three different NMDA licensed judges.

Eligible Classes for this designation are listed below:

In-Hand Trail
Showmanship
Snigging
Lead Race
Hurry Scurry
Scramble
In-Hand Jumping
Coon Jumping

These Classes may be Pre-Green, Green or Open.

Points will be recorded for each placement in Eligible Classes for shows approved and sanctioned by the National Miniature Donkey Association.

Note: If the American Donkey Association is unable to obtain full results for an NMDA sanctioned show from either the Show Chairperson or NMDA, the Event will not be eligible towards the Excellence Program, until received.

In counting the number of eligible Miniature Donkeys in competition, a Miniature Donkey that is disqualified, or that is dismissed, excused or ordered from the ring by the judge, or from which all awards are withheld, shall not be included for that class.

Points are awarded as follows:

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High Point (Pre-Green, Green or Open) - 3 points in addition to the points earned above for class placement.
Reserve High Point (Pre-Green, Green or Open) - 2 points in addition to the points earned above for class placement.

NOTE: If your Donkey receives High Point or Reserve High Point, the above points can be used towards your Excellence-In-Hand and Excellence-Driving, except for the Pre-Green High Point and Pre-Green Reserve High Point. For Pre-Green, those points may only count towards your Excellence-In-Hand.

It is the responsibility of the Owner to keep records of their specific Donkey’s points. When the Owner believes they have accumulated 75 points for a title of Excellence in Performance-In Hand, they need to complete the “Application for Excellence in Performance - In Hand” form (available from the American Donkey Association). Placements and points will be verified against NMDA records.

Once verified and rendered to be accurate, the American Donkey Association shall award the applying Owner and Miniature Donkey with a title of Excellence in Performance – In Hand. Final decision on awarding of points will be determined by the American Donkey Association.

A Processing Fee may apply.

Click here for a form to keep up with your in-hand points.