Western Dressage 101

Western dressage integrates the historically validated principles of dressage with the best of Western stock horse tradition. It is a systematic and progressive system of training for the Western horse and rider in traditional stock tack with the purpose of enjoying a safe, pleasurable, versatile, and useful working horse. The hallmarks of the Western dressage horse are usefulness, rideability, willingness, safety, pure gaits, lightness, calmness, and steadiness. Western dressage provides the opportunity for horse and rider to demonstrate growth through a series of progressive elements by advancing from test to test and level to level as they develop in physical skill, mental maturity, and partnership. A Western dressage partnership should culminate in a happy, harmonious horse-and-rider relationship.

Recognized National Affiliate Association

Learn more about Western dressage by visiting the Western Dressage Association of America at westerndressageassociation.org. The mission statement of WDAA is to build an equine community that combines the Western traditions of horse and rider with Classical Dressage. WDAA honors the horse, values the partnership between horse and rider, and celebrates the legacy of the American West.