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:...

I guess the beginning is a great place to start. I grew up in Maine, the oldest of five, to a father who was in the military and a mother who was a housewife until the youngest of my siblings was in Junior-High school. We grew up on the other side of middle-class, OK, we were poor. I grew up watching spaghetti westerns in black and white on Saturday afternoons. I always loved the intrigue of being a Cowboy, pushing cattle up the Chisholm Trail, fighting bad guys and Indians. Next to the pony...

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,...

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....

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...

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...

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...

Lars Petersen and Marietta (SusanJStickle.com) Wellington, FL - Lars Petersen (DEN) and Mariett emerged victorious from Saturday night's FEI Grand Prix Freestyle 5*. The class was showcased under the lights of The Stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) Wellington 5*, presented by Diamante Farms. Second place went to Steffen Peters and Legolas 92, and Tina Konyot rode Calecto V to third place. Judges for the class...