Western Dressage Is Growing Among Seasoned Riders

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

Whether you are a trail rider, a pleasure rider, a barrel racer or a endurance rider Western Dressage will help you become a better rider and will help your horse be better. Western Dressage promotes long-term soundness as well has enhances the relationship between  horse and rider. 

Western is style or type of riding just as English Hunt Seat is style or type of riding. Dressage is derived from a French word dresser that simple means to train.  The Dressage tests were developed to measure a horse's athletic development at a specific point in their training. The Dressage test is not a means to an end, but it is a process to provide feedback on the training of your horse. Western Dressage integrates the principles of Dressage with the best of Western Working Horse tradition. 

The elements of the two disciplines are of course very similar. Both disciplines create a better horse and rider through structured focused and progressive physical as well as mental development. 
Both look for balance, cadence and carriage. Both disciplines use tests as an opportunity to evaluate the progress of horse and rider through feedback. 

Where they due differ is in the execution of the fundamental elements. As the horse and rider progress through the levels of Western Dressage, the test elements reflect the movements, maneuvers and duties asked of a Western horse. The Western Dressage horse needs to handy, willing, safe and calm while demonstrating pure gaits and lightness. The Western Dressage horse is evaluated with the conformation and movement of today's Western horse in mind. In keeping with tradition, Western Dressage is shown in Western tack and clothing.

Western Dressage goal is not to create a Western horses that competes in traditional Dressage, but to develop a Western horse and offer additional education through the principles of Dressage and good Horsemanship. 

Any breed can participate in Western Dressage including gaited breeds. There is no special tack or embellishments required just good, clean, functional working western tack. They recommend rider's attire be conservative in the style keeping the focus on the horse. Rider can wear their jeans and jeans. Helmets or western hats are required, but the preference  for on or another is up to the rider.

There are several Western Dressage organization out there today who's goal are to educate and promote this fast growing equine sport.