The answer to this question is a simple, but detailed one. The Western Dressage Association® of America chose to pursue and become a nonprofit organization for many reasons, including fulfillment of our educational mission, greater opportunities for private funding and benefits of tax exemption… but the primary motivation was for YOU! When an organization applies for nonprofit status it states that it is declaring that its association is motivated by other goals then making a profit....

Superman and John Ingram (Anne Gittins Photography) Wellington, FL - Superman and John Ingram clinched the championship title during day two of competition for the Hunt Limited Amateur-Owner Hunter Over 35 division at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF). Ingram, of Nashville, TN, and his eleven-year-old Holsteiner gelding were third and second over fences during day one of competition and secured their victory with two blue ribbon performances on day two in the under saddle...

How can you practice anything on your horse when there’s six inches of snow on the ground, it’s below freezing, the wind is blowing, and you’re not blessed with an indoor arena? Here in Colorado, we often have beautiful, sunny days where we can exercise our horses outdoors for hours. On other days, not so much. As a friend of mine said, "it’s not how you ride your horse; it’s how you live your life." He was referring to work you can do off your horse, such as...

What is the next frontier in the equestrian world? According to Dr. Jim Warson, Equestrian Medicine Specialist and author of The Rider’s Pain Free Back , “its rider health and development. The horses are as good as they are going to be in our lifetimes, so this is where the action is. Rider health and conditioning make us worthy of the horses that we spend so much time and money on”. Dr. Jim Warson with his beautiful horse, Gallahad Golden Warrior, “Trigger” Dr....

What is the equestrian demographic in North America? Surveys reveal it consists of women who, after a career, raising children, or both, have either returned to riding or are pursuing it as a life long dream. I fall into this demographic, having returned after both a career and children, and once again after major surgery. But where do we go to find training, a supportive community and a purpose in this endeavor? After much exploration, I was lucky enough to find Western Dressage through the...

This is a truly thrilling time to be a part of Western Dressage and the Western Dressage Association® of America! I recently had the opportunity to chat with Cliff Swanson, who has been instrumental in many facets of the program, including authoring and editing the new tests, working with the Rules Committee, developing the Train The Trainers™ Program and conducting a wonderful series of Skill Set Clinics. Cliff also sits on the Advisory Board for the WDAA. According to Cliff,...

USEF Dressage Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg with Rebecca Cohen at the training session. (Carol Cohen) Lexington, KY - The first of two USEF Elite Youth Dressage Training Sessions for 2012 wrapped up Sunday at Shannondale Farm in Alpharetta, Georgia. The two-day training session, made possible by a generous donation from Kristen McDonald and the Marquis George MacDonald Foundation, was led by USEF Dressage Youth Coach Jeremy Steinberg. The invitation-only session included eight of the top youth...

Excited WIHS fans on Barn Night show their spirit! Washington, D.C . - The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is pleased to announce “What’s Your Dream?” as the theme for this year’s Barn Night. Barn Night, presented by Dover Saddlery, will be featured on Thursday, October 25, during the 54th annual WIHS. The competition will be held on October 23-28, 2012, at Verizon Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Returning sponsor Dover Saddlery is excited to be a part of...

Mette Rosencrantz enjoyed her three CDI class wins with "Mosegaards Rico" at Woodside. (Jennifer M. Keeler) Woodside, C A - Despite the pressure of National Championships in Gladstone, NJ hovering less than one month away, beautiful weather and a spectacular setting in California allowed dressage riders and horses to enjoy themselves at the Woodside Spring Dressage CDI*/Y/J in Woodside, CA, May 18 - 20, 2012. As a valuable qualifier for the Northern California region, horses and riders competed...

Lexington, KY - The exciting jumper action continued tonight at the Alltech National Horse Show as the best Junior and Am ateur-Owner riders gathered at the Alltech Arena to compete in the evening's Welcome Stakes. Kaitlin Campbell and Rocky W took the winning honors during the Chansonette Farm $10,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper Welcome, and Lillie Keenan earned the top call during the Sleepy P Ranch $10,000 Junior Jumper Welcome. The Chansonette Farm $10,000 Amateur-Owner Jumper Welcome Stake...