"A Zip Away", owned by Shannon Pohl. KRC Western Dressage Show, April 2017
Many have asked about my journey into Western Dressage. Some have asked if it's Classical Dressage in Western tack. Others have asked if it's the same as Cowboy Dressage or Working Equitation.
A few years ago I, too, found the entry into this developing discipline a little confusing.
I've compiled a few resources and web links which have been helpful in my growing understanding of the required movements, rules and definition of Western Dressage.
The Western Style Dressage Association of Canada (WSDAC) provides tests for gaited horses and an explanation as to how they are scored. (Under the Rules/Tests section) They also have a Helpful Hints page under their Showing section.
www.westernstyledressage.ca
Horse Council BC (HCBC) provides a helpful resource in their rulebook as well as approved tests. (Look under Competitions and then Competition Documents). www.hcbc.ca
The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) has an excellent glossary of terms which includes an explanation of Gaits versus Paces. For example, the 3 beat lope can be ridden as a working lope, free lope, collected lope, or counter lope. www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-tests/
I have appreciated this definition provided by the Western Dressage University. It says,
"Western Dressage is defined as using classical dressage concepts and principles to train and develop the western rider and horse. The goal, specifically, is to develop cadence, balance, relaxation and the acceptance of the aids through the tried and true methods of classical dressage. Western Dressage is not intended to build a dressage horse, or put a western saddle on a dressage horse. It is merely the means by which we improve the stock horse and develop a well-rounded, disciplined horse regardless of its breed...
It has been said that Dressage is good for all breeds and disciplines. When we combine Western Horsemanship principles and Classical training to ride our horses, we develop a well rounded and balanced partnership. We build a brave, well broke horse." www.westerndressageuniversity.org/index.php/what-is-western-dressage
For anyone interested, Mission Creek Ranch will be hosting two Dressage Schooling shows in the next few months. Team El Centro will have 3 horses showing in Western Dressage. Dates and times can be found on our Events page. Feel free to stop by the shows. www.elcentroequine.com/events/