The seventeenth in a series of guest blog posts from Michelle Binder

Last weekend we attended the second Western Dressage classes held here in the Inland Northwest. We rode the NAWD tests through Level 4. The tests are wonderful and the dressage spectators were very interested in how the WD tests are both similar and different from the USEF tests ridden in the USDF shows. The judge was super and even though the day was very long for her, very positive about the work saying "I enjoyed judging the WD for the first time. I was impressed how well most of the riders I judged, rode good 20 meter or smaller circles!  All were appropriately turned out and rode tactfully." (Melody Miller, USDF "L" Graduate with Distinction). While positive, her comments tell me that she was not anticipating the riders would be familiar with the dressage figures and that, despite having received the NAWD Rulebook, of course, she really did not know what to expect. Conservative attire, good working tack and tactful, accurate riding were not on her radar for us as western dressage riders. 

There is so much education to do around the country.  On one hand it is up to the judges to help educate riders about dressage, but in general, there is unfamiliarity with the way western type horses move when they are moving well, so on the other hand it is up to the organizations to try to educate the judges about what they are to look for in judging. There is much confusion surrounding the expectations for western dressage horses.  At the first show the judge wanted the horses less forward. At the second show, most received comments directing more forward energy.  We rode the same horses…. The judges bring their own ideas about what the western dressage horse should move like even when they have not seen it before. For these reasons, it is so important that more of us get out and ride! The first milestone to overcome is the suspicion that western riders will not be able to make accurate figures at the lower levels.  The second is developing an appreciation for the movement qualities of relaxation, softness, steadiness of rhythm, appropriate tempo, balance and connection in our western horses. The third milestone is allowing each horse the quality of expression it is capable of and rewarding that expression accordingly, not relative to an unapproachable ideal. A western dressage horse may look quite different from a great big moving warmblood executing the same movement. The truth is, it is different. That is the point. 

One final milestone that is critical for the development of the discipline is finding the standards of work that define both Western Dressage and Cowboy Dressage. Working together, both organizations hope to enhance what the equestrian world offers riders. Still, the standards are not yet clearly defined.  Are judges to look for a modern dressage horse in western tack? I hope not. Do we sacrifice dressage training as it has become known around the world in favor of the literal translation? I hope not. Do we sacrifice all that is good in western horsemanship because we use the word ‘dressage’?  I hope not. Getting out into the rings and riding will help outline the very standards we need to define all the valid trajectories WD has begun to develop.

In the meantime, Western Dressage is taking off all over the country. In 2012, sixteen shows in North Texas offered WD classes. This month Equifest in St. Paul Minnesota offers 3 WD Schooling Shows. Florida is on the move adding WD classes “due to proven interest” from Ft. Lauderdale and Palm City. Out on the west coast NAWD tests will be in use at shows in Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA and Lodi CA. Further north in Washington, NAWD tests have been in use on both sides of the mountains in the Seattle and Spokane/North Idaho regions. In all, eight shows in 4 regions in October alone are posted on the NAWD calendar. Next year should see even more amazing growth in the discipline! To see where the shows are happening go to:  http://www.northamericanwesterndressage.com/index.php/calendar-of-events/month.calendar/2012/10/10/-

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."