In an attempt to acknowledge the current diversity within the discipline, show organizers have started offering exhibitors the opportunity to ride ANY test they want to ride, from any organization that has published tests. A buffet of western dressage is now available with something for everyone. The show organizers want to meet the needs of the competitors and in so doing really have taken the first step toward acceptance and cooperation. Since USEF will not be licensing Western Dressage for some unknown duration of time, show organizers at all levels are free to choose any of the tests and rules that are currently offered on the WD smorgasbord, including but not limited to, the Basic and Primary Level USEF Morgan Breed Division Western Dressage tests. Last week in this blog there was an invitation given to all the western dressage groups out there to come to the table and help dissolve boundaries beginning at the organizational level.
Keeping up with the grass roots desire for cooperation in the development in the discipline, North American Western Dressage (NAWD) based in Minnesota and Cowboy Dressage (CD) based in California have begun talks that acknowledge the validity of both manifestations of western dressage. In the initial phases of sharing, NAWD and CD have exchanged website links and Facebook pages. They have started to compare mission statements, organizational goals, rules and tests to locate common philosophical ground, ground firm enough to form the foundation of some sort of positive working relationship for the benefit of the western dressage public. Jen Johnson, CED for NAWD says “My great hope is that Cowboy Dressage and North American Western Dressage can be an example to other organizations and disciplines of setting aside differences and working together to make the equine world a better place. It is about changing attitudes... seeing value in something that is not the same as what you are doing but acknowledging that value. We are very thankful for Debbie and Eitan’s attitude of sharing and inclusion.”
Photo by Lee Pivonka
Debbie Beth-Halachmy, spokesperson for CD states: “Cowboy Dressage is very excited to share their Vision with NAWD. Horsemanship is at its best when ideas are shared with open minds and open hearts. This “sharing” creates a win/win for both horse and rider. Horsemanship extends beyond the boundaries of groups or organizations. It is an individual journey for everyone to pursue. Thank you NAWD for opening that door.”
Though it is still early in the exploration, Debbie notes that both CD and NAWD tests place “emphases on lightness, harmony, finesse and partnership as a priority.” She also notes that in CD, “Balance, cadence, carriage, control, and performance are additional areas the horse and rider will be judged and scored.” These similarities form the basis from which NAWD will examine the possibility of including CD Tests in NAWD licensed Western Dressage Shows.
Western Dressage is struggling to find its identity. Acknowledging the differences within western dressage allows all the different manifestations of the sport to maintain individual integrity and gives consumers choice in the matter of what they do. It also provides choices in the show arena that appeal to different breed show organizations as well. According to Jen Johnson “The value to NAWD’s membership is that we can offer a product designed for western riders who want more western elements (the CD tests), AND we can offer a product (the NAWD WD tests) that is very appealing to dressage riders. By offering both products at the same venue we can attract both types of riders and get them together in the same place at the same time so that they can learn to appreciate each other. It is the way to bring two worlds together under the same umbrella.”
Several distinct demographics exist and NAWD’s mission to bring the two world's closer together continues to drive our actions as we attempt to bridge the gaps between those two worlds. There is still much work to be done to determine the feasibility as well as potential ramifications of such collaboration, but the table is set and a few guests have arrived. There are still empty chairs to fill, but dinner is not yet served. NAWD invites any western dressage organization to join the conversation, the more the merrier. Distinctly different trajectories may ultimately emerge, but cooperation will lead to a different level of appreciation for valid, respected expressions of western dressage.
If you have feedback regarding this column or any questions related to Western Dressage, please send email to [email protected]
For more information about North American Western Dressage, to read articles, explore the 2012 Rulebook, see the tests through 6th Level, or start your free basic membership visit http://www.northamericanwesterndressage.com, and join them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/groups/NorthAmericanWesternDressage.
Michelle Binder is the founder of the Relational Riding Academy. Relational Riding is a program that utilizes dressage as fundamental training for all horses performing in all disciplines. She has been an ARIA certified Instructor since 1989. She is currently working on her second book “Relational Riding: A Horsemanship Tutorial,” and has completed work on two professional video productions, “Any Horse, Any Rider: Relational Riding: A Universal Foundation” and "Understand Riding From the Ground Up."