It’s been four years since the first Western Dressage organizations were formed and began the process of formalizing a discipline that was no secret to great horsemen! We’ve come a long ways and, although Western Dressage is still inventing itself, there are plenty of opportunities to participate!

Western Dressage is all about classical horsemanship as a foundation for any discipline and is designed to help western riders learn to use the training scale to provide a step-by-step progression for training and relationship building.

Whether you are a barrel racer, a pleasure rider, a jumper, or a trail rider, Western Dressage promotes long-term soundness and enhances the relationship between horse and rider.

For recognized competition, the Western Dressage Association of America is working with the USEF to provide sanctioned shows and official rules. The second annual Western Dressage World Show will be held November 1-2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is sure to be a fun and exciting time.

At a local level, Western Dressage has been popping up at dressage schooling shows across the nation. This is also an excellent way to get involved!

North American Western Dressage (NAWD) is offering a slightly different approach for you to discover Western Dressage. NAWD offers Virtual Shows so you can test your training anytime, even when don’t have an onsite show nearby.  You can video a test anywhere you and your horse are comfy (at home, at a friend’s, in a pasture, or in an arena). How do you compete?  Simply pre-register, setup your arena or designated area, video your ride and email the upload link(s) to NAWD for judge’s scoring/placement. NAWD membership is not required, but members qualify for achievement awards.  For those that like to compete, Trax competition offers a great selection of year-end prizes and is available for a minimal fee. 

Additional Resources:

For official rules and tests:  www.usef.org

North American Western Dressage: www.northamericanwesterndressage.com

For your enjoyment, NAWD also offers an active Facebook group that can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthAmericanWesternDressage/

Western Dressage Association of America: www.westerndressageassociation.org