Western Dressage

Ignite the Passion and Begin Again

by Kelley Bitter

Recently I had the pleasure of working with a group of women I call Begin Again Riders. These ladies used to trail ride or show horses until life got in the way. Now that the kids are grown and jobs are good, they want to get back to riding. But it is more than just getting on a horse again. These ladies want to regain or start a partnership with their horse. They all want the bond that makes them feel they are part of something again, something that feeds the part of their soul that made them feel free, joyful, and excited. It is what they share with the horse that ignites the passion to ride again.

In our discussions of what their riding goals are, the discipline of western dressage always comes up. Why western dressage? As a newer discipline, it is very welcoming, and the majority of women involved are over 30. They are tired of the main show ring but want something that challenges their skills. Western dressage speaks to them. It offers a sisterhood where the ladies help each other and above all, share in the joy of riding horses. This comradery helps make getting back in the saddle and even showing in dressage less scary. Riding a western dressage test is not like showing main ring. It’s just you and your horse. It really does not matter if you go to shows or not, western dressage provides great exercises for your horse to stay supple and keep in shape. Keeping old Red in great condition is important and helps him be a happy horse. But more than that, I have seen this discipline strengthen the bond

between rider and horse. The partnership that can be developed is priceless. I say partnership but that also means the love we have for these horses, what feeds our soul and enriches the lives of both the horse and the rider. That’s It all starts with what the partnership these Begin western dressage A g a i n Riders seek. can offer the horse It all starts with what and the rider. western dressage can offer the horse and the rider. The exercise it offers the horse helps in strengthening and conditioning the body as well as developing suppleness. The mind of the horse also needs to be exercised. The western dressage tests have clear objectives and maneuvers that make the horse think, listen and respond. Most horses want a job and western dressage offers various jobs at many levels. Your horse does not have to ride at level III test; introductory is just fine to keep the mind and body going. The tests maneuvers also keep the rider conditioned and fresh. Using the aids to move the horse through the tests are strengthened. The rider and the horse learn to move as one. The horse listens for the cues and the rider must be able to support the horse and use the aids to provide the cues. As the horse and rider learn to move together in harmony, the partnership is enhanced, and a mutual respect is formed and strengthened. The Begin Again Riders are a true joy to work with. It is a delight for me to teach them western dressage and watch the partnership between horse and rider develop. Western dressage is such a wonderful discipline that helps strengthen, renew and ignite the passion to ride again. It does not matter if you compete or not, the training, exercises and discipline are exceptional for conditioning the horse and the rider. The embracing and openhearted nature of this newer discipline offers riders a safe and nurturing environment to begin igniting their passion to ride again. You can join us and inflame your passion to ride again.

Kelley Bitter is the owner of Buckeye Performance Horse Center in Newbury, Ohio. A second-generation horsewoman. Kelley began riding and showing at 4 years old. In her teens, she started riding Arabians in various discipline and won several Regional and USEF titles over the last 50 years. Kelley started riding western dressage with her sister’s Paint when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and could not ride anymore. She stayed with the discipline learning as she went from showing and reading about western dressage. She began showing her Arabians western dressage in 2017 and again won several titles including placing two of her Arabians in the WDAA World show in 2020. Kelley currently runs riding programs for beginners and begin again riders as well as Western Dressage Programs and Arabian Sport Horse Programs.

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