As with all new things, as they develop, there are certain glitches and bugs that inevitably crop up. NAWD reviewed its 2012 tests for 2013 and has corrected errors and last week the WDAA announced that there were errors in calculating the point totals on some of their tests. An important notice to competitors who have ridden USEF Morgan Tests at 2013 shows came out in the WDAA newsletter and emails to members. They “…discovered minor errors in preparing the WDAA Western Dressage...

Although some of you may think Western Dressage is new; when I discovered the Western Dressage Association of America was formed 2 years ago, my first thought was “there is actually a name for it?” For well over 30 years, I have taught riders the wisdom of dressage to Western riders. Through the years, I have been contacted to resolve issues with horses and riders working on games, pleasure and reining. I have always addressed the issues the same. Learn the basics, understand the...

Amy Lewis and Sir Steinerman (David Honor) Lexington, KY - The final Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Training Session of Spring 2013 wrapped up Sunday at Oak Hill Farm in Lockport, Illinois. The two-day training session featured 11 horses between the ages of four and six and was once again led by USEF Young Horse Coach Scott Hassler. “We had a terrific training session at Oak Hill Farm in Illinois. There was once again a nice balance of U.S.-bred and imported horses,” said Hassler....

Recently on the NAWD Facebook page, discussion has centered on the terms “connection” and “collection” with riders, trainers and instructors piping in with comments. If you have not checked in with the Facebook discussions on the websites for all the organizations, I encourage you to do so. All of these comments are so valuable! This is a critical conversation and is truly at the root of the discussion that surrounds WD videos that are currently out there. Dressage...

Lexington, KY – Land Rover and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are increasing their partnership as Land Rover becomes the presenting sponsor of the prestigious equestrian event. The company will continue to be title sponsor of the Land Rover Tailgate and presenting sponsor of the NBC telecast of the Rolex Equestrian Championships presented by Land Rover. In its new role as presenting sponsor of the event, it will honor the top U.S. rider who comes closest to the optimum time on the...

One of the many wonders of Western Dressage is about the Journey. This Journey is one of education, growth, fun, friendships and of course, horses. Western heritage commonly references the tales shared out on the trail and around the campfire. These tales could be life changing experiences, important lessons, new knowledge, or just general fun. The Western Dressage Association® of America is inviting members to share the stories of their Western Dressage Journey. The WDAA is looking for...

Western Dressage clinics are rolling all over the nation. Here in the Pacific Northwest one clinic series has been endorsed by our USDF Region 6 Director, Donna Longacre. Her lifetime of experience in the dressage world combined with her judging experience in both dressage and western disciplines makes her uniquely qualified to comment on Western Dressage training and judging. I am so excited to have created a clinic series that carries such an endorsement as I continue to try to present...

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will be well represented at the Rolex/FEI World Cup Final April 24-28 as 11 American show jumpers will head to Göteborg, Sweden for the 2013 Final. After 25 North American World Cup Qualifying Events throughout the 2012-2013 season, the following riders have qualified in this order in their respective Leagues: East: Kent Farrington (Wellington, FL) will ride R.C.G. Farm's Uceko Uceko is a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding...

Last week I gave you some wonderful numbers that show the tremendous growth we have seen in Western Dressage over the last year. Almost 200 shows and events are already scheduled for 2013… 200! All those events are the brainchildren of people who want to help develop WD in their area. Most riders start by going to audit or participate in a clinic first or by becoming familiar with different philosophies and approaches to western dressage via the FaceBook pages or investigating the...

Lauren Barwick (CAN) and Off To Paris (Lindsay McCall) Wellington, FL - Opening day at the 2013 Adequan Global Dressage Festival WEF Dressage Classic CPEDI3*, presented by Today's Equestrian and Fellows, showcased many of North America's top Para-Dressage riders. Equestrians from Canada and the U.S. competed in the Team Test completing their first of three days of para-dressage tests. The friendly but competitive atmosphere between the countries was illustrated among the riders as they...