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 first in a series of Western Dressage Clinics. The first features Jec A. Ballou, acclaimed Western Dressage clinician and author of 101 Dressage and Western Dressage Exercises. For this clinic, riders have a fantastic opportunity to submit a video of any Western Dressage test, ridden at home or at a live show. Jec will add her evaluation and commentary to the videos, provide coaching feedback and suggest training exercises for improvement. Online clinics are open to riders of all ages and ability as well as horses of all breeds and types granting a universal opportunity to explore the discipline.

Further education related to understanding the tests came from working closely with Dressage Illustrated to offer books featuring diagrams and descriptions of the WDAA Western Dressage tests by level.  Dressage Illustrated’s diagrams are a proven valuable educational tool for riders as well as a respected reference for judges. The books include definitions of the gaits and movements to improve the rider’s understanding and the judge’s evaluations. In addition to being conveniently sized, they are designed to withstand consistent use and travel. One of our members explains, “I love these books and have used them for years. It's really terrific that the WDAA will have their version available... and they won't get damaged by arena dust, coffee cup stains and spilled sodas!”



The WDAA Train the Trainers™ program wrapped up its second session in May 2013. Thirty four additional trainers, clinicians and instructors join the wealth of resources across America available to those discovering Western Dressage. Participants in the Train the Trainers™ program are exposed to an intense study and review of the discipline; exploring the defining characteristics of Western Dressage, the expectations of the tests, the value to horse and rider and the mission of the WDAA. These individuals bring home the ability to further the education of horses and riders in their Western Dressage journey.

The needs of a rider can also benefit from another WDAA creative offering. Dr. James Warson, well respected physician, neurosurgeon, equestrian medicine specialist and WDAA Advisory Board member is joining the team of educational bloggers.  Dr. Warson will be headlining a column titled “The Doctor Is In”. Topics are open to all things related to the health and wellbeing of riders, with highlighted specializations including persons returning from disease, retaining riding ability through aging, and diagnosing, preventing and treating medical disorders commonly associated with equestrian activity. Whether people are preparing for competition or enjoying a casual trail ride, they will benefit from Dr. Warson’s advice and tips for a sound mind and body. To get in on the discussion, members can visit the WDAA Social Corral to ask a question or read his advice to others.

The WDAA believes in building a strong equestrian community by offering support, friendship and fun benefits to everyone exploring the Western Dressage Journey. As such the WDAA encourages members to share their “horse stories”. These tales which include life changing experiences, important lessons, new found knowledge or just general fun can be found under the Education Center on the WDAA website! With each submission, the Western Dressage community learns and grows together becoming further linked in friendship and support.

All these educational offerings are only a sampling of the many opportunities available through the WDAA. The WDAA continues to develop new programs and form partnerships in the Equine world focused on the importance of education for the growth and development of horse and rider. The WDAA encourages interested equestrians to follow their webpage and social media for more upcoming opportunities and join the Western Dressage Journey!

About the WDAA: The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit. The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is “to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West” which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community. To discover more about the WDAA and Western Dressage, please visit www.westerndressageassociation.org