Western Dressage: Tack & Rider Attire Story and Photos By Lynn Palm
So you want to get involved in Western Dressage, but aren’t sure if you have the proper tack and attire. Not to worry! You’ll be glad to know you don’t need special tack, equipment or rider attire in order to show in this new discipline
Your Western saddle, headstall and reins may be used. Riders can perform the tests in either a ����������������������������������� ����������������������������������� book, or in a standard western bit ���������������������������� According to the Western Dressage Association of America’s (WDAA) website (www. westerndressageassociation.org), “the WDAA will request ��������������������������������������������������������� request changes which will require, at the lowest test ������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������� between the cavesson and the horse’s nose.” Rider attire should be “conservative and workman-like.” ������������������������������������������������������������� starched long-sleeve shirt and choker scarf tie, tied with a square knot and the same color chaps as your pants, and western boots.
TRAINING & Showing
Don’t be concerned if your tack is basic. When it comes to Western Dressage, judges are seeking conservative ������������������������������������������������������ Navajo blanket under the saddle, a breast collar if your ������������������������������������������������������ curb bit, curb chain or leather strap, and western split or romal reins. Keep in mind that a Western Dressage horse is expected to work with lighter contact than the traditional dressage horse. Balance, cadence and carriage are still important, but judges will evaluate horses based on the conformation and movement found in today’s Western horses. Horses are asked to walk, jog and lope instead of walk, trot and canter.
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As stated on the WDAA website: “It is not the goal of Western Dressage to create western horses that compete in open dressage but to create better western horses and riders through the use and principles of dressage. ��������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������opment of the skills and abilities of both the horse and ���������������������������������������������������������� the correctness of the horse’s (and rider’s) schooling.” Here are the areas judges will be looking at closely: • Gaits: Does the horse move freely and with regularity? • Impulsion: Does the horse show willing forward movement with roundness and elasticity? • Submission: ������������������������������������� acceptance of the bit? Does the horse show harmony with rider and overall lightness of movement? • Rider’s position and seat: Does the rider have correct position and is he/she able to be effective with the aids? We would love to have you come ride with us. We love to share our dressage backgrounds and knowledge ��������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������tion near you. For more information on these training materials and more, as well as clinics, please visit www.lynnpalm.com or call us at 800-503-2824.
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