Western Dressage

Guthrie, Okla. – The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) recently concluded the 14th annual World Championship Show at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla. From September 15-19, the World Show brought together the top combinations in western dressage across 28 states, from Alaska to Florida and Massachusetts to California. With 155 world championship titles on the line, judges Carol Bishop (Gastonia, N.C.), Michell Combs (Peoria, Ariz.), Marie Maloney (Wichita, Kan.), Janice...

Tango and his mohawk Michelle Frank was raised in the saddle, literally and figuratively. Frank’s mother would sit her on the front of her saddle, and she soon found her way to her own stirrups. Frank used to jump when she was younger but found herself gravitating towards dressage. It didn’t take long for the technicality and elegance of the discipline to win her over. With a USDF bronze medal in hand, Frank had turned to western dressage after she started riding Aka Tango, a 2009...

Kelly Kraegel grew up in Southern California with little connection to horses, her only exposure coming from a neighborhood pony ride that came through for photos. Today, she is a respected trainer and owner of Cottonwood Creek Ranch in Oklahoma City, instructing future horse lovers with a focus on Morgans and American Saddlebreds. Back to the Beginning For her seventh birthday, Kraegel received riding lessons at a local ranch, an experience that would ultimately shape her future career. After...

Lexington, Ky . - US Equestrian would like to remind competitors that the USEF Western Dressage Seat Medal Final application is due on August 31, 2026. Hosted by the WDAA World Championship Show, at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., during September 15-19, 2026, the Medal Final will take place on September 15, 2026. The USEF Western Dressage Seat Medal Final program spotlights the growing discipline of Western Dressage and celebrates correct training and equitation. USEF member riders may...

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is pleased to announce the release of the USEF Western Dressage Seat Medal Final pattern booklet. The 2026 USEF Western Dressage Seat Medal Final will be hosted at the WDAA World Championship Show in Guthrie, Okla., on September 15, 2026. Established in 2025, the USEF Western Dressage Seat Medal program spotlights the growing discipline of Western Dressage and celebrates the correct training and equitation that goes into a successful partnership. The final is...

Nabisco and Elise Iafrate | ©US Equestrian Founded in 1896 in Devon, Pa., the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair began as a one-day event featuring approximately thirty classes. Now, 130 years later, it stands as the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed show in North America. Taking place May 20 – 31, 2026, this historic event draws equestrians from across the country, as well as local fans, for 12 days of world-class competition, exhibitions, and cherished traditions. Designated a...

For nearly a year, Linda Bird and her husband Lonnie searched for her next horse before they came across one she described as the almost-perfect horse. Young and handsome, the dark bay had basic under saddle training, but he was way above budget. Though he reacted dramatically to the simplest things, Bird clicked with the draft- cross gelding immediately during the trial ride. Linda Bird with Mocha. Photo courtesy of Linda Bird Despite the monetary disparity, Lonnie insisted they buy him...

When Mary Kate Fahy decided to bring home Ruby Slipperz, a then-3-year-old, green broke, Half-Arabian mare, she thought she was taking on a resale project. “I had a coming 2-year-old and a coming 3-year-old in the pipeline, but nothing to ride over the winter,” said Fahy. “So, I went searching for a project, and I found Ruby and bought her. I drove 10 hours to Ohio in the middle of winter to pick her up. She had been lightly started as a 3-year-old, then turned out for the...

Late summer is an exciting time across all breeds and disciplines. There are lots of horse shows and championship events to enjoy as we move toward the fall season. Be sure to set a reminder to watch your favorite events this month. August 15-17, 2025 USEF/EVUSA Vaulting National Championship Rancho Murieta, Calif. Individuals, Pas De Deux, and Squads will compete for national champion titles at the 2025 USEF/Equestrian Vaulting USA Vaulting National Championships. Held at the Murieta...

US Equestrian Chief Executive Officer Bill Moroney talks during the Board of Directors Meeting during the 2025 Annual Meeting. ©Zack Ryle/US Equestrian Lexington, Ky. – The USEF Board of Directors met on Saturday, January 25, during the 2025 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Lexington, Ky. During the meeting, the Directors heard progress reports from the past year, presentations on new and improved technologies, and made several important decisions that further the US Equestrian...

Lexington, KY – On December 2 – 3, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) hosted the 2024 National Breed and Discipline Affiliate Summit to review and discuss opportunities to work more closely together to achieve mutual goals and better understand how USEF can be a partner to their success. Educational presentations and open dialogue focused on the importance of working collaboratively to grow and protect the respective organizations, horses, and the equestrian industry....

Championship season is upon us, and some of the largest and most prestigious regional and national shows for national breeds and disciplines will take place this month. Tune in to the livestreams or attend in person to cheer on your favorite horses this September. September 9-14, 2024 AHA Sport Horse Nationals Wilmington, Ohio Arabians and Half-Arabian sport horses return to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio to compete for national champion titles in disciplines including hunters, jumpers,...