I have been promising to update readers on current trends in the Western Dressage world. One way of keeping track of what WD is doing, where it is going and who is doing it is to track events. NAWD, CD and WDAA all maintain calendars of clinics and shows around the country. By analyzing those calendars we have a simple method of tracking what is happening. The information is limited by the fact that show and clinic organizers must report their event to the organization for inclusion on these...

Steffen Peters with Legolas 92 (Lindsay McCall for HorseGirlTV.com) Del Mar, CA – “Now there’s an international dressage horse,” announced CDI 3* commentator Axel Steiner as Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 finished their impressive freestyle at the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI3*. With a final percentage of 78.075%, the duo of Steffen Peters and Legolas 92 captured the Grand Prix championship above Güenter Seidel and Coral Reef Wylea who scored a 74.375%....

Kathleen Raine with Breanna (Lindsay McCall for HorseGirlTV.com) Del Mar, CA - Accuracy, elasticity, and quality describe the championship rides in Saturday’s 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI-YJ3*. Steffen Peters and Dutch Warmblood, Vaya Con Dios, earned the FEI Intermediaire I Test championship solidifying the dressage partnership for this past show jumper. Twenty year-old Amelia Child and Veto garnered the win in the FEI Young Rider Individual Test adding a top score to her...

Steffen Peters with Legolas 92 (Lindsay McCall for HorseGirlTV.com) Del Mar, CA - Once again the 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI-YJ3* held at the Del Mar Horse Park was packed with competitors. Unfortunately, the inclement weather made for creative changes to the dressage show schedule. Without the use of the outdoor rings, the show was moved indoors and proceeded as promised. The CDI classes featured many of the top riders in the U.S. showcasing their finest of mounts. For the...

Del Mar, CA - The 2013 Rancho Valencia Dressage Affaire CDI-YJ3* launched into action at the Del Mar Horse Park on Thursday, March 7th. The main Rancho Valencia arena maintained a constant horse-in horse-out repetition and the exciting FEI Jog marked the official start of the CDI competition. With an eerie sky threatening rain throughout the morning, the FEI Jog was moved ahead of schedule. Eighteen horses stepped forward passing without hesitation preparing them for Friday’s (CDI) FEI...

The Western States Cowboy Dressage weekend in Medford Oregon was held February 16 and 17. It was a very informative and educational weekend with Eitan Beth-Halachmy and a great cast of presenters that included renowned veterinarian Dr. Robert Miller, Modern Vaquero cowboy Jeff Sanders and VERY brave riders from all over the northwest. The event was presented by the Oregon Western Dressage Association, an affiliate of WDAA, despite the split between WDAA and Cowboy Dressage last fall. It was...

This weeks blog comes to you from beautiful British Columbia Canada. I try to bring you news and fun stuff no matter where I am in the world. I have a perfect opportunity to share a Western Dressage story from a reader that has a Canadian link and I think you will enjoy it. Remember, if you would like to share your story, send it to me via email at [email protected]. When the perfect moment comes, I will share your story too! Dear Ms. Binder, In the USEF Weekly Newsletter for...

I am thrilled to say the Cowboy Dressage Judges Orientation was a huge success on Friday, February 15th in Medford, OR. A stellar cast of presenters spoke on various topics to fifty plus attendees, most of whom were women. I was surprised there were not more men since it is Cowboy Dressage, but was very happy to see that at least seven states were represented including two individuals from as far away as Wisconsin. Beginning with the video called “From Then to Now” and proceeding to...

This week I want to update you about some exciting new programs coming in 2013 for Western Dressage enthusiasts. As this discipline continues to develop, more tests are available, more shows are available, and more award programs vie for participation. The show and clinic calendars are filling up for the year and so much is happening. In January our local WSH Zone added year end awards for Western Dressage following the inclusion of Western Dressage as a subdivision of Dressage on the...

Facebook is an unending super highway of material for use in a myriad of applications. I am always amazed by several things. First, how we can consider people we have never seen or maybe even spoken to directly as “friends.” Second, how we are able to use social networking to very positive effects from fund raising for good causes to arranging emergency transportation for rescue horses. Third, how easy it is to learn from so many people who are willing to share really great...