Note to self: The Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” applies to many things. When teaching a WD clinic be prepared for anything! This week’s blog comes from Vancouver Washington on the Columbia River where the “Discover Western Dressage” clinic is being held as a fundraiser for Silver Buckle Ranch. The Buckle is a non-profit youth ranch that houses Clark County’s disabled riding program. It is a pleasure to be here and to know that the clinic proceeds will be used...

From its inception, the Western Dressage Association® of America has maintained a focus on education. Our member’s quest for knowledge to learn Western Dressage is why the WDAA continues to create opportunities that will benefit the partnership of horse and rider. Just in the last few months, several exciting offerings have become available that will further pave the Western Dressage Journey for all. In May, WDAA joined HorseShow.com ’s new Online Coaching program to offer a...

Tuesday June 11, 3013 will be the last day USEF will hear comments via email regarding the choice of organizations that will represent Western Dressage as the official recognized affiliate organization. This is a critical time in the development of the discipline and your input is very important whether you are a western rider, a dressage enthusiast, judge, breeder, trainer, or participant in any aspect of the equine industry. NAWD President Jen Johnson shares the following food for thought:...

An Equestrian Weekly guest blog post from Liam Killen of the Equestrian Creative Network Creative thinking has long been prized and praised, but the need for creative thought and execution has never been more valuable or vital for brands. And this need is no less urgent in the equestrian sector. For our highly specialized brands, it's not good enough to resort to the same old clichés in whichever field of creative work we're commissioning. We need new thinking for our writing,...

Susan Artes on Zamiro (Maria Morgan) La Canada Flintridge, CA - Twelve riders rode clear into the jump off. Entering with two horses Susan Artes atop Zamiro put down two spectacular clean rounds in tonight's $25,000 Grand Prix, part of the GGT Footing Grand Prix Series! Returning after eighteen years Susan Hutchison entered the $25,000 Grand Prix with three horses, all of which soared into the jump off. Jumping clear both rounds she placed second, third, and fifth. Full results of the class...

Christilot Boylen and Dio Mio (Susan J. Stickle) Wellington, FL - Canadian rider Christilot Boylen earned top marks with Dio Mio in the FEI Intermediare-I Freestyle CDIO 3*. Boylen and Dio Mio earned an astounding 75.500% to finish first during Saturday's competition. Caroline Roffman (USA) and Her Highness O were second with a 74.050% and fellow American Kimberly Herslow finished third with a 73.625% aboard Rosmarin. Judges for the class were: Linda Zang at E, Evi Eisenhardt at H, Joan...

McLain Ward stands center as the victor of the 2013 Gene Mische American Invitational, while second place Reed Kessler (right) and third place Sharn Wordley (left) celebrate their top three finishes in the class (V.Valenti/The Book LLC) Tampa, FL - For over four decades Raymond James Stadium has been home to the $200,000 Gene Mische American Invitational, presented by G&C Farm. The class has made history as a tradition and landmark of the showjumping world, and Saturday was no exception. It...

South Carolina proved to be the best in the SEC when they won the first ever SEC Equestrian Championship over the weekend. Now they're No.1 in the NCEA Coaches poll rankings as well (Cory Burkarth) Lexington, KY – South Carolina has made a historic leap to return to No.1 in the NCEA coaches poll. With wins over the top two ranked teams in the country, the Gamecocks won the inaugural SEC Equestrian Championship over the weekend, and voters noticed. Previously ranked No.6, the Gamecocks...

Georgia freshman Leylan Gleeson earned Equitation over Fences MOP Honors during the Bulldogs win over South Carolina. That win helped propel Georgia to the No.1 Ranking (Lauren Shamon) The first NCEA Coaches Poll of the spring season was released Wednesday and, as predicated , there was quite a shake up at the top. The Georgia Bulldogs have jumped Auburn University to reclaim the No.1 Ranking, and Oklahoma State has broken the SEC’s stronghold on the top three spots. The Cowgirls...

The Western Dressage world is abuzz with dressage talk. The hot topic of the moment seems to be progressive training, especially as it has to do with pyramids and scales. Pyramids are extremely stable structures that rely on strong, broad foundations and which rise to a point, a pinnacle if you will that represents a point of focus. Without the foundation, the pyramid loses strength. The intrinsic nature of the structure itself necessitates culmination in a point. The pyramid is the perfect...