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November 2015 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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WDAA 2015 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.
 

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

WDAA Social Corral

If you wish to be more informed about the Western Dressage movement, we do have a private Social Corral network where members of the Western Dressage Association® of America can interact, discuss various topics, conceive new ideas and generally share all things Western Dressage, including people who are instructors, clinicians and even judges like yourself.
 

Judges Education Program

The WDAA Western Dressage Judge’s Education Program is open to all licensed Dressage judges, Western, Breed judges and those starting out who want to learn about Western Dressage. This Judges Education Program offers training so that they can accurately evaluate horse rider combinations, score the tests and provide comments.

WDAA Professional Directory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!
 

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.
Last month the leaves on the trees were red and gold; now, they are hidden under the snow drifts. Our horses tie us to the seasons. They grow winter coats to prepare for the weather they know is coming. The days grow shorter and our time to ride each day also grows shorter. This is our time to plan and to prepare for next year.
 

WDAA has just finished our 3rd World Championship show and our 6th Annual Meeting. For the Executive Board this is time for us to prepare our report card; to assess what we did well, what we must do better, and what we must change. This year, we had some wonderful members who made time to work with the Executive Board to take on all of these tasks. The enthusiasm for Western Dressage and the positive energy of these generous members has energized the Executive Board.
 
With the wonderful energy and input at our Annual Meeting, we worked through rule change proposals coming from both individuals and the USEF Western Dressage Committee. Attendees listened to presentations on finances and governance for WDAA. The Honors Luncheon was a highlight; giving us an opportunity to recognize a very special Western Dressage Champion, JB's Raising the Bar, and our Top Hand, Joyce Swanson. Joyce has consistently stepped up as a volunteer for the Education Committee, our Group Apprentice Judging, and development of our Western Dressage tests. Dr. DeRoy White of the Sapulpa Equine Clinic joined us for lunch, sharing his expertise in a presentation about equine dentistry.
 

Friday morning found us all at the Fairgrounds for live education. Several talented horse and rider combinations rode tests with live judging, giving each of us live feedback from a judge evaluating a ride. Cliff and Joyce Swanson worked to show legal and illegal equipment, bits and more. We learned how to correctly tie a mecate with a bosal and how use a double rein using a bosal. Our heads were spinning, but we were all smiling. There is nothing like being around a horse at an equine meeting. They remind us why we do this!
 
As president, I have a very long "To Do - Immediately" list. I keep trying to cross things off, but new To Dos appear even more quickly. The good news is that we have a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm following a great meeting and World Championship Show; the bad news is that it’s imperative we capture and direct all of that wonderful energy before we lose that momentum. The Executive Board will be on task to accomplish this goal. We are delighted to welcome a new board member, Janet Lee Parker, to our Executive Board.
 
I would like to thank the board members and volunteers who stepped up to work on the meeting and the show. Holly Clanahan was on deck for both our meeting and our show; she is a small person who has a great heart and an even larger commitment to Western Dressage. Darrell Bilke and his management team from Pinto were pretty much tied to the Fairgrounds keeping the show running. Guy Brown was able to join us as well and Karen Homer Brown worked so very hard on rules presentation and facilitating the Group Apprentice Judging. Dini Swanson and Cath Lindsey worked during the meeting and show; Dini as our volunteer Events Coordinator and Cath Lindsey as part of our Video Education Committee filming interviews, presentations, and more.
 
I believe that 2016 will be an extraordinary year for WDAA and for Western Dressage. We are working on new tests for 2017.  We have an amazing Marketing Committee on task; creating a significant base of commercial sponsors for WDAA and a focused World Championship sponsorship program. The Train the Trainers team is ready to go for 2016 with two clinics already scheduled. Our Video Education Committee has created a library of materials for use. WDAA is reconstituting old committees and populating new committees with support materials.
 
The horses may be resting up for next year but the board, staff, and volunteers of WDAA are hard at work. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and go hug a horse!

Thanks,
Ellen DiBella
 

2015 WDAA World Championships Report:

The WDAA hosted their third annual World Championships on November 6-8th at the Ford Built Tough Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With unprecedented class sizes, impressive test scores, and horsemen and women attending from all over the United States and Canada, the show was an overwhelming success!!
 
Bradie Chapman: “It was a wonderful experience for all of us that were there representing Ohio University Southern. I love being a part of the growth this discipline has made so far.”

Friday morning began with a number of our members participating in two educational opportunities. The Judge’s View clinic allowed participants an insight to Suitability and Hack rail classes and what our judges look for. Four volunteers rode a class and judge Joyce Swanson provided real-time feedback and scoring. Cliff and Joyce Swanson also presented “From the Horse's’ Mouth” - a hands-on presentation about bits, legal equipment, and hand position.
On Friday afternoon amidst the buzz of excitement and nerves, our riders tested their ability in Equitation, Hack, and Suitability rail classes. Saturday morning saw the commencement of dressage tests judged across four arenas. In the Ford arena on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons, we hosted our freestyle dressage tests. This year the WDAA allowed costumes in the freestyle and we saw everything from traditional medieval costumes to Maleficent and Lady Gaga! This was a highlight for many of our riders and audience.
 
Mary Lynne Zylstra: “I had an awesome time with my Michigan entourage! Thank you for putting on a great show.”
 
In conjunction with the USEF, the Western Dressage Association of America offered a Group Apprentice Judging program during the 2015 WDAA World Championship show. Headed by judge Janet (Dolly) Hannon and assisted by Joyce Swanson and Karen Homer Brown, participants had the opportunity to learn and practice their judging skills with classroom instruction, sideline judging, and scribing.
 
A special congratulations goes to the recipients of our USEF Grant, the Ohio South University Equestrian Team. This determined equestrian team worked all year to secure the necessary funds to attend this year’s World Championships, and the USEF grant allowed them to defer the cost of shipping their horses to Tulsa to compete.
 
The WDAA would also like to thank our three Para-equestrian riders for an exceptional Western Dressage demonstration on Friday evening. Their dedication and participation will help us grow Western Dressage involvement in the Para-equestrian world.
 
A special thank you must be extended to our four judges, Debbie Riehl-Rodriguez, Sue Malone-Casey, Robin Brueckmann, and Barbara Ebner. The WDAA would also like to thank the Pinto Horse Association for hosting us, as well as Stacia and her team from Horse Show Consulting for their hard work and dedication in managing our show and getting those test scores out quickly and accurately!
 
Cynthia Terry Collins: “Thanks for wonderful show. The organization is still learning and growing. Very exciting to be involved.”
 
The WDAA World Championships of 2015 was a resounding success and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The culmination of the hard work and dedication of not only our devoted staff, board members, and volunteers, but also each and every competitor, their horses, and their family and friends. We send out a heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you; thank you for your participation and your continuing support. We’ll see you next year!
 

Membership changes:

In July of 2015 the WDAA Board unanimously voted to convert to a calendar year membership. This is a more efficient method of maintaining and processing memberships, and makes it easy for you, our members, to know when to renew. 2015 memberships were prorated starting in July to coincide with the new January 1st start date. We are excited to launch this in a few short days - look out for your 2016 membership renewal emails!
 
We will continue to invoice existing 2015 members that were not converted to the new format during the first half of the year. If you renewed your membership or joined before July 1st, 2015 please be on the watch for your prorated membership invoice in your email.
 
All new members, simply will join at the regular rate and automatically be on the new calendar format.
 
If you’d like to get a head start and renew early, just click here: http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/renewing-your-wdaa-membership/
 
Thank you for supporting the Western Dressage Association of America by renewing your annual membership.

 

New Board Member:

We are thrilled to welcome a new board member this month, Janet Lee Parker. Hailing from Nampa Idaho, Janet brings a lifetime of experience in varied equestrian disciplines. With her 14.3h foundation-bred quarter horse, she’s explored the application of dressage to many traditional western disciplines, earning championship after championship. With a background in business, as a paralegal, and in finance, Janet brings an amazing background and skill set to the WDAA. We are delighted to welcome Janet to our board!
 
Read more about Janet and our current board members here: http://www.westerndressageassociation.org/board-of-directors/executive-board/janet-lee-parker-secretary/
 

Awards Luncheon:

During our Awards Luncheon at the WDAA Annual Meeting, we presented our two annual awards. The Top Hand Award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the WDAA. The Hall of Champions Award is given to a deceased horse who has won Reserve or Champion titles in Western Dressage at either a breed Championship show or the WDAA World Championship show.
 

This year's Top Hand was Joyce Swanson

Following is the speech given by Board President, Ellen DiBella at our Awards Luncheon.
 
Each year the Western Dressage Association recognizes an outstanding volunteer who has made an exceptional contribution to the association and to the discipline of Western Dressage. I am proud to present this award to Joyce Swanson.
 
Where do I begin the very long list of Joyce’s contributions to WDAA? I guess at the beginning. Joyce has trained and shown horses of many breeds as winning pleasure, dressage and driving horses. She is an outstanding instructor who brings a special ability to communicate with her students; she approaches each horse as an individual with strengths to build on and weaknesses to be overcome with tack and patience. She has always brought her dressage background to training her horses in all disciplines and in teaching riders.
 
For more than five years, Joyce has been the one who has taken on huge projects from writing the Western Dressage tests to watching literally hundreds of hours of videos looking for material to use in a variety of educational videos to teaching at the Judges’ Seminar to volunteering to teach at the Group Apprentice judging program this year. Joyce is an ‘R’ licensed judge in Western Dressage; she holds a large number of USEF judging cards in breeds as well as a Reining card. Joyce’s video illustrating the special athleticism of the western working horse demonstrated in reining, cutting, team penning, ranch work, and more is an essential part of training Western Dressage judges.
 
Joyce is critical of herself and not of others; Joyce sets very high goals for herself but sets reasonable goals for her horses and her students; Joyce celebrates her horses her, her students, her family and       friends, Joyce celebrates Western Dressage. A number of years ago, Joyce danced her wonderful Morgan stallion, Cedar Creek Quartermaster, in a memorable pas de deux with Holiday Compadre for the closing ceremonies of the International Path Meeting. I was fortunate to be able to watch this first Western Dressage pas de deux. The audience waved their hands to cheer; this is a tradition in the para community. I am again fortunate to be here today to present the Top Hand Award to Joyce. We can cheer her out loud today. Won’t you join me in applauding Joyce and her generous contributions to Western Dressage!
 

JB's Raising the Bar was this year's recipient of the Hall of Champions award

After seeing a video of this colt as a yearling - free gaiting to perfection while being ponied off of another horse, Blankenship Stables & Brandreth Farms knew this would be the one that would be able to do it all. He was purchased by Brandreth Farms and renamed JB’s Raining The Bar - and raise the bar he certainly did. He was sent to Blankenship Stables to be started under saddle and trained for the 3-year-old Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association’s Versatility Futurity.
 
The beginning of Bar’s amazing career started when he won the MFTHBA Open Western Pleasure World Championship, one of the youngest horses to have claim this honor - then he went on to win Reserve World Champion Open English Pleasure.
 
Tori said, “He was the easiest horse I have ever worked with and an absolute pleasure to start under saddle. Kind, loving, intrigued & genuinely interested in his training work  Like the teacher’s pet - always wanting to do his best to please. The fact that he was a stallion never limited him - he was always a true gentleman”.
 
Bar returned to Brandreth Farms for trail riding & pasture time, after very successful 3 & 4 year old competitive years. His owner John became his primary rider then, and would visit Blankenship Stables from time to time for coaching or working on areas that needed finessing. Also targeting new skills that would be developed for Bar to continue his show career - with his best friend & owner in the saddle.
 
2014 was the first year that the Western Dressage Association of America had added gaited classes to their WDAA World Championship Show. Brandreth Farm entered 3 of their outstanding Fox Trotting horses to be exhibited by John, daughter Isabella, and their trainer Tori Blankenship.  A last-minute change of plans, then change of plans again - dialed in Tori to be Bar’s exhibitor.
 
Tori said, “That was like winning the horse show lottery! Riding Bar is like slipping on my favorite pair of jeans; he feels what you think and focuses into the movements so gracefully. Bar carried me to the 2 WDAA World Champion & 2 WDAA Reserve World Champion wins. It was almost like he was saying, I‘ve got this Sister - you just relax and enjoy the experience.”.
 
The future was so bright and held so much promise, to showcase the athletic abilities of this young, gaited stallion. It seemed there was no limit to what he could accomplish, with ease and natural ability. He would continue to raise the bar in so many more ways.
 
Four months after the WDAA 2014 World Championship Show, Brandreth Farms suffered a tragedy that resulted in the loss of 5 horses’ lives. 
 
Bar was one of them. He was 6 years old.  
 
Last year the Brandreths had bred their multiple award-winning mare to Bar twice, his first breeding attempt. Both times the veterinarian report showed that the breeding - did. not. take.
 
Miraculously, on June 30, 2015 Bar’s son was born. 
 
JB’s Phoenix Rising. A true miracle - rising from the ashes.
 
By the grace of God, JB’s Raising The Bar’s legacy will continue. It is an honor for the Western Dressage Association to add JB's Raising The Bar to our Hall of Champions.

 

Lifetime Performance Award Program:

We have recently launched our Lifetime Performance Award Program, allowing horses to accumulate points by participating in recognized shows around the country. Points follow the horse and are awarded for dressage tests of all levels and rail classes (suitability, hack, and equitation).

Get a head start on the 2016 competition year by registering your horse here: http://www.wdaaworldshow.org/wdaa-horse-performance-awards-program/
 

Facebook promo:

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for all of the latest Western Dressage updates from all over the United States and Canada. Find new Western Dressage groups, follow your favorite riders, find shows and clinics, and connect up with Western Dressage friends in your neck of the woods.

Join our rapidly-growing online community by clicking here: https://www.facebook.com/WesternDressageAssociationAmerica/
 
 

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

t is important to examine horses’ teeth on a regular schedule and to correct disorders early in their development. Dental care, vaccinations, de-worming and a good nutrition program should all be part of a preventive medicine program for horses.
 

Lifetime Points & Awards Program

The very first enrollment into the new WDAA Lifetime Performance & Points program is Tango, a Paint Gelding owned by Jessica Shier of Ortonville, Michigan. Please read her story below about how she came to own Tango and their journey into Western Dressage!
 
 

Member Spotlight

WDAA member Bud Blankenship has recently been inducted into the MFTHBA Hall of Fame in recognition of his distinguished service to the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association and a lifetime of dedication, education and promotion of this wonderful breed.
 
 

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


           
 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

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October 2015 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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View it in your browser.

WDAA 2015 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.
 

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

WDAA Social Corral

If you wish to be more informed about the Western Dressage movement, we do have a private Social Corral network where members of the Western Dressage Association® of America can interact, discuss various topics, conceive new ideas and generally share all things Western Dressage, including people who are instructors, clinicians and even judges like yourself.
 

Judges Education Program

The WDAA Western Dressage Judge’s Education Program is open to all licensed Dressage judges, Western, Breed judges and those starting out who want to learn about Western Dressage. This Judges Education Program offers training so that they can accurately evaluate horse rider combinations, score the tests and provide comments.

WDAA Professional Directory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!
 

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Western Dressage & Autumn Colors!

Happy Fall to everyone! 

The leaves are still green on the trees but the horses are working hard on winter coats; the hay shed is full of home grown hay; the flies are getting lazy.  It must be Fall!

Perhaps because I have seen the start and growth of Western Dressage and WDAA from the beginning, I am focused on touching base with members to be sure that this educational association is always on the right track to meet the needs of our members and to fulfill our educational mission.  I hope to challenge everyone attending our Annual Meeting to work with our board to chart our Journey forward.  I hope that many of you will be at this meeting to help us.

WDAA launched a committee initiative in 2015; the Executive Board identified several areas where the board needed member input and assistance.  You can look to the website in the next few weeks for more information on committees and their membership.  WDAA is constantly eager to identify new volunteers.  I would like to challenge each of you to step up and help to guide our Journey.  I cannot promise that I will be able to fix every problem, but I can promise that I will respond to each and every email that you send to me.  You can reach me at [email protected].

Western Dressage needs your thoughts, your energy, and your enthusiasm.  This is not an easy Journey but it is so worthwhile.  We have wonderful horses to partner with; we have wonderful new friends to make!  I can’t wait.  Will you join me on our Journey?

See you in Tulsa,
Ellen DiBella
 

How Are We Doing?

The Western Dressage Association® of America highly values the perspective of the many riders and supporters sharing this journey.  As such, we are seeking your feedback on important factors of membership with the WDAA, the benefits for you and the significance of the organization in your life.  We hope that you will take a few minutes to share your experience with us.

Complete Survey Now...

World Show Events & Activities

Entries are flooding in for the 2015 WDAA World Championship Horse Show. Hurry and don't miss your chance to experience the excitement. This year USEF WD and WDAA offering a Group Apprentice Judging program at the 2015 WDAA World Championship show on November 6, 7 and 8 2015.  Janet (Dolly) Hannon will be the judge directing this program; she will be assisted by Joyce Swanson and Karen Homer Brown who are clinicians for the WDAA Judges Seminar.

Get Registered Now!

Watch Interviews from the 2014 WDAA World Show. When it comes to telling about the Journey that Western Dressage offers, no one tells the story better than our exhibitors.  We had an opportunity to visit with a wide variety of riders at the 2014 WDAA World Championship Show; here are there stories.

Watch Them Here...

We have a special treat this year, WDAA invited several Para-Equestrians to demonstrate Western Dressage tests. We are so excited to have the opportunity to see these para Western Dressage athletes show us what amazing riders they are.  Western Dressage seems to be a great fit for para equestrians.

Read More about Para-Equestrians...

 


Annual Convention

The Western Dressage Association® of America is in the final planning stages for our Annual Convention. You can see more about the schedule for the meeting and get all of the details at http://www.wdaaworldshow.org/annual-convention/.   Once again, we will spend time at the Expo Fairgrounds for live presentations.  Our host hotel, the Hyatt Regency, is offering a special rate; please make your reservations early to take advantage of that rate. 

Register Now to Attend!

Become a World Show Sponsor

We greatly appreciate any sponsors who will be making the 3rd Annual WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show possible. This event is a celebration of every ride, every horse and rider partnership and every generous sponsor who joins us in the journey.

Become a Sponsor Now...

We Still have a few left in stock...

DRESSAGE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS


Get'em while we still have them at discounted prices!

The WDAA has an overage in inventory of Dressage Illustrated Test Books... From Intro all the way through Level 2 and even a few Instructors Books that contain the Freestyle Tests. We will be offering them at a discount to all who wish to purchase

Go Shopping Now!

 

New Equestrian Grant Program

The Western Dressage Association of America is proud to announce a matching grant program to assist High School and Collegiate Equestrian teams who plan to travel to compete at the WDAA World Championship Horse Show in Tulsa, OK on November 6, 7, 8 2015.
 

Pinto Heritage Foundation

The Pinto Heritage Foundation, Inc. is proud to announce a new scholarship: the Doris Ann Hays Memorial Youth Scholarship. The Pinto Heritage Foundation takes great pride in preserving the Pinto past and supporting the future.

 
 

New Educational Resources

The WDAA announces new educational materials available to help riders learn the WDAA tests and progress in their western dressage journey. Each dollar spent via these educational vendor links helps aid the WDAA’s educational mission and programs.
 
 

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


           
 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

 follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend 
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July 2015 Newsletter

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Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
Is this email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.

WDAA 2015 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.
 

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

WDAA Professional Directory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!
 

TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Summer Fun

For many of us summer is the season of horse shows and holidays, having ‘fun in the sun’ and experiencing special moments.  WDAA knows that many of you are out enjoying this time with your horses and we hope that you will share your adventures with us on our Facebook page, in the Social Corral or by submitting a blog piece and photos for our website.  

While enjoying summer, the WDAA is also in preparation for our favorite events of the year – the WDAA Annual Convention and WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show!  We are updating our World Show website at wdaaworldshow.org each time new information is released.  We hope that you will partake in these amazing events as a participant, exhibitor, vendor, enthusiast or even sponsor!  Your support for the discipline helps us bring the beauty and education of Western Dressage to more horse lovers.

Finally we hope to get your thoughts.  The feedback and insight of our members, friends, supporters and riders is so valued when it comes to the design and development of the programs associated with Western Dressage.  This newsletter contains a link to a brief survey that will help the WDAA with determining additional educational offerings and business partnerships.  Please take a few minutes to give us your ideas and comments.

As the daylight hours starts to shorten and our equestrian tans fade away, we hope you have many new, sweet summer memories to last forever!   

How Are We Doing?

The Western Dressage Association® of America highly values the perspective of the many riders and supporters sharing this journey.  As such, we are seeking your feedback on important factors of membership with the WDAA, the benefits for you and the significance of the organization in your life.  We hope that you will take a few minutes to share your experience with us.

Complete Survey Now...

World Show & Annual Convention

Mark your calendars for November 4-8, 2015!  Plan to join the Western Dressage Association® of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma for our Sixth Annual Convention and the Third WDAA World Championship Horse Show.  The Hyatt Regency in downtown Tulsa will host both the Annual Convention as well as exhibitors and spectators for the World Championship Show at world class Built Ford Tough Livestock Arena at Expo Square.  The Pinto Horse Association will once again manage the show for WDAA.

Read More...

World Show Sponsors

We greatly appreciate any sponsors who will be making the 3rd Annual WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show possible. This event is a celebration of every ride, every horse and rider partnership and every generous sponsor who joins us in the journey.

Become a Sponsor Now...

New Breed Alliance Partner with NWHA

The WDAA is excited for the educational and competitive opportunities which this breed alliance can offer for gaited horses and members of the NWHA to explore additional chances to learn, grown and train to the maximum benefit of the horse and rider partnership.
 
 

We Still have a few left in stock...

DRESSAGE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS


Get'em while we still have them at discounted prices!

The WDAA has an overage in inventory of Dressage Illustrated Test Books... From Intro all the way through Level 2 and even a few Instructors Books that contain the Freestyle Tests. We will be offering them at a discount to all who wish to purchase

Purchase Books Now

 

New Executive Board Members

The Western Dressage Association® of America (WDAA) is proud to welcome Linnea Sidi and Mike Baker as members of its Executive Board of Directors.
 

New Educational Resources

The WDAA announces new educational materials available to help riders learn the WDAA tests and progress in their western dressage journey.
 

WDA of Florida

Many great things developing for the November Championship weekend! Mark your calendars for Nov. 14-15 at the The Grand Oaks Resort. Not just a competition--lots to do!

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


           
 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

 follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend 
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Our mailing address is:
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March 2015 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
Is this email not displaying correctly?
View it in your browser.

WDAA 2015 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.
 

TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA Professional Directory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!
 

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

At times like this when half the country is buried in mountains of snow or stuck inside due to the bitter cold, it is hard to believe that spring is right around the corner.  But for the WDAA a new year of Western Dressage activities is blooming!

Whether it is cultivating relationships with our friends at the American Morgan Horse Association, nurturing new partnerships like our Illinois Affiliate, or offering growth through education with our Judges Education Program or forthcoming Train the Trainers™ in Oklahoma – the WDAA is abounding with new developments. 

So instead of succumbing to cabin fever we encourage you to visit the WDAA website and social media pages to follow the many happenings and to begin planning your Western Dressage year!

The First WDAA Train The Trainers™ Clinic to be held in Oklahoma

On May 5 & 6, 2015 in Pryor, OK hosted by the WDA of Oklahoma

The Western Dressage Association® of America is excited to announce that the Western Dressage Association® of Oklahoma will sponsor a Train the Trainers™ clinic and seminar in Pryor, OK on May 5 & 6 2015.  The purpose of the Train the Trainers™ program is to educate professionals who want to learn how to train, hold clinics and judge Western Dressage.

Get More Details...

WDAA Welcome a New State Affiliate - WDA of Illinois

A New Journey Begins in Illinois with a super-charged up group of go-getters... they plan on taking Illinois by storm! You can visit their Website at www.WDAIllinois.org or their WDAIL Facebook Page
Here's an excerpt from their article they wrote about their Affiliate process...


We learned that Western Dressage is the fastest growing equine discipline ever endorsed by USEF. By the end of the convention, we had met some great people, including our own State’s Freestyle World Champion, Nell Tekampe. Everyone was really supportive and people gave us loads of ideas which inspired more of our own ideas and we were spinning out of control again, only this time it was with plans to pull Illinois into the future of WDAA.

Read More...

WDAA - SAVE THE DATE!!!

The Western Dressage Association® of America is has a wonderful week of Western Dressage excitement planned for this fall! Plan to join the Western Dressage Association® of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma from Nov 4th – Nov 8th, 2015 for our 6th Annual Convention and 3rd Annual WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show which is open to all breeds.

Read More...

DRESSAGE ILLUSTRATED BOOKS


Get'em while we still have them at discounted prices!

The WDAA has an overage in inventory of Dressage Illustrated Test Books... From Intro all the way through Level 3 and even a few Instructors Books that contain the Freestyle Tests. We will be offering them at a discount to all who wish to purchase

Purchase Books Now

WDAA Booth at the 2015 AMHA Convention
in Minneapolis

AMHA Convention

Lots of Morgan fun and excitement took place at the 2015 American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) Awards Gala and Convention. This annual gathering of Morgan members and enthusiasts took place February 27-28 in Minneapolis.
 

One Hand or Two?

There seems to be some confusion about whether it is OK to use one hand or two hands with either snaffle or curb bits in Western Dressage.  Now what’s the difference between the two types of bits and why the two-handed as opposed to one-handed controversy?
 

WDA of Michigan

2014 was a very busy year for Western Dressage Association® of Michigan (WDAMI). We worked hard to promote Western Dressage class offerings in existing Schooling Shows. This excitement carried over into our board and we proceeded to develop a Year-End Awards Program.

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


           
 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

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December 2014 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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WDAA 2014 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.
 

TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA Professional Directory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!
 

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

It was the Year of the Horse!

In Chinese culture, the Horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance.  The Year of the Horse 2014 promised a lot of new things, not least of all adventure, excitement and romance for those who were looking. 

As we reflect on the past year, we do so with such pride as the WDAA and Western Dressage has flourished tremendously. Besides adding 3 new Board of Directors, who stepped up and took on the roles with reverence and enthusiasm, we celebrated with a year of learning and opportunities related to our favorite equine friends. 

Educational seminars for Judges and Trainers were held throughout 2014.  Our State Affiliates and Alliance Partners continued to host local and national events to share the benefits of Western Dressage. And we ended the year with a BANG at the 5th Annual Meeting and 2nd Annual WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show that grew over 300%.

Read more about what transpired in 2014 in our news blog titled "President's Address by Guy E. Brown".

As we move forward into the new year... it promises to be filled with even more education, excitement and of course horses!  We can't wait to share the Journey with you!
 

2015 Executive Board of Directors:

Guy E. Brown - President
Darrell L. Bilke - Vice President
Ellen DiBella - Secretary
Karen Homer-Brown
Lisa Blackstone
Holly Clanahan
Tori Blankenship
Jennifer Keeler


WDAA Western Dressage Judges Education Seminar

On January 26-27, 2015 the WDAA will offer its second Western Dressage Judges Seminar in conjunction with the International Equine Judges Seminar hosted by the Color Breed Council.

This opportunity will offer a wonderful educational experience to judges!  We would love to offer this event to as many that wish to attend! To reserve your spot or get more details about this educational opportunity...

Get More Details...
 

LAST CHANCE to get your WDAA World Championship Show Apparel!

The WDAA General Store offered 2014 World Show Apparel and we will be taking the items off in a couple of weeks. There's still time to get something you may have wanted... or treat yourself to regular WDAA Merchandise as a present to yourself this Holiday Season!
 
The WDAA has an overage in inventory of Dressage Illustrated Test Books... From Intro all the way through Level 3 and even a few Instructors Books that contain the Freestyle Tests. We will be offering them at a discount to all who wish to purchase

Purchase Books Now
(Link now fixed, sorry for the inconvenience in the previous email)
 

We need your 2015 Western Dressage Events!!!

As an added benefit of being a WDAA State Affiliate, or a member of the Western Dressage Association® of America, we have an Events Calendar that is available for your use to promote your Western Dressage events and activities.

Please use the provided submission form (Click Here for Submission Form) to send us notice of any type of event that relates to Western Dressage. We have a huge following on all our social media pages, plus 700+ hits per day on our website! If your event or show is NOT listed, they cannot find you!

WDAA State Affiliates... this means you too! Let's get the calendar so filled up, that we have every single DAY of each MONTH filled!

Read More...


World Show Stories

"West to East… and Back Again by Jec Ballou. Read this great story about Jec Ballou's trip to the World Show as well as several others from members who shared their World Show jpourney!
 

WDAOK Futurity

On Nov. 8, WDAOK hosted its first Western Dressage Futurity, sponsored by Feed in a Drum and Permissive Will Ranch, for 3- and 4-year-old horses who have never been shown under saddle.
 

WDAA World Show

Webster’s dictionary defines diversity as “the state of being diverse; variety” or a “range of different things”. While the description is certainly adequate, it fails to capture the education...

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


           
 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship which optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

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October 2014 Newsletter

WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show & Annual Convention! Check it Out!!!
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WDAA World Show Booth

Be sure to stop by the WDAA World Show Booth and say Hi to the WDAA Staff, State Affiliate Officers, WDAA Executive Board members. We will be set up in the Built Ford Tough Livestock Arena. We will have lots of educational materials & books available:
  • Dressage Illustrated
  • Jec Ballou
  • Lynn Palm
  • Elaine Ward
  • Promotional items
  • Rules & Tests

World Show Awards

Ribbons for 1st – 10th place, Embroidered World Show Jackets and a Dressage Illustrated Book to winners of each class.

Eleven (11) High Point Belt Buckles will be given for the Junior, Amateur and Open divisions in the Introductory classes, Junior, Amateur and Open divisions in the Basic classes, Junior, Amateur and Open divisions in the Level 1 classes, Open and Amateur divisions in the Level 2 classes and Open and Amateur division in the Level 3 classes to the highest combined scores for horse/rider combination within each division.

If scores are tied, the horse/rider combination with the fewest number of classes will win; second tiebreaker will be the highest score on an individual test.
We greatly appreciate the sponsors who are making the second annual WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show possible. This event is a celebration of every ride, every horse and rider partnership and every generous sponsor who joins us in the journey.

Please download the sponsorship contract if you’d like to join the celebration!
“I’ve been showing horses for 42 years, but only because I’m having fun.”
– Ellen DiBella, WDAA secretary

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the spirit of the 2014 WDAA World Championship Show, to be Nov. 1-2 in Tulsa, Okla. Fun will be had, and lots of it!

Plan to join the WDAA in Tulsa, Oklahoma for our 5th Annual Convention and the 2nd Annual WDAA World Championship Horse Show which is open to all breeds. The Embassy Suites in Tulsa will be the site of two days of meetings and round table discussions.

The World Championship show will be at the world class Built Ford Tough Livestock Arena at Expo Square. WDAA is proud to host this event with the Pinto Horse Association in conjunction with the Color Breed Congress.

For more Convention information and World Show details, visit our NEW WDAA World Show Website!

 

www.WDAAWorldShow.org

Saddle Up Party completes the Weekend of FUN!

To be held at the Tulsa Expo Center on Nov. 2 after the show’s conclusion.We’d like to offer a western dressage salute and much appreciation to the American Morgan Horse Association for sponsoring the Saddle Up Party,.

Whether you’re in Tulsa or across the globe
, you’ll want to purchase an admission ticket to the party. Because there’s a very important reason that we’re calling it a Saddle Up Party. Thanks to a generous donation from Western Dressage Riding Gear, we will give away a custom Harmony Western Dressage Saddle as a door prize. Need not be present to win.

This line of saddles is designed by western dressage riders for western dressage riders, and they allow horse and rider to feel and move as one. So come check out this one-of-a-kind rig, which will have a custom 2014 WDAA logo tooled into the fenders and is valued at $2,485.


Get Your Tickets NOW!!!

WDAA 2014 Annual Convention

This convention will feature various events including nightly meet and greet social hours, informational discussions, strategic planning, rules and tests discussions, live demonstrations, guest speakers, an open town meeting for participant driven discussions, annual election of Officers and Directors.

Registrations need to be completed by Oct. 22nd at the latest for us to be able to plan printed materials for all attendees.
 

Get Registered NOW!!!


What is the Color of your Western Dressage Journey?

We want to encourage everyone at the show – and those cheering them on at home – to get in on the fun. Start by ordering items with the exclusive WDAA 2014 World Show logo, and show us the Colors of Your Journey!

We’d love to see a selfie of you in your shirt – maybe alongside the horse you’ll be riding – on WDAA’s Facebook pagewith the hashtag #WDAAWorldShowColors

Go Shopping!!!

 

Breed Alliances



 
 

Corporate Sponsor



International Alliance Partners


   

 
 
About The Western Dressage Association® of America is a 501(c)3 educational non-profit organization focused on providing a model of horsemanship that optimizes the partnership of horse and rider for their mutual benefit.  The mission of the Western Dressage Association® is to honor the horse, to value the partnership between horse and rider and to celebrate the legacy of the American West which it focuses on through its offerings of educational opportunities and events to the equestrian community.

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August 2014 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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WDAA 2014 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.

A NEW Level has been added with 4 brand new tests with a greater degree of difficulty... Check out the new Level 3 Western Dressage Tests.
 

New Webpage for the TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA Professional Direcory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

Visit our Hitching Post Blogs

We have some wonderful human-interest stories in our Hitching Post blog categories - Grass Roots Stories, Show Pen Experience, and more check out some of the more recent articles below.

- New Book Released by Jec A. Ballou

- Notes from Julie: To Shoe or Not To Shoe?

- It’s What She Was Born To Do!

- Our Western Dressage Journey


 

WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show

Mark your calendars for Oct 30 - Nov 2, 2014! Plan to join the WDAA in Tulsa, Oklahoma for our 5th Annual Convention and the 2nd Annual WDAA World Championship Horse Show which is open to all breeds. The Embassy Suites in Tulsa will be the site of two days of meetings and round table discussions.

The World Championship show will be at the world class Built Ford Tough Livestock Arena at Expo Square. WDAA is proud to host this event with the Pinto Horse Association in conjunction with the Color Breed Congress.

For more information and show requirements/details, visit our NEW WDAA World Show Website!

 

www.WDAAWorldShow.org


Details for registering for the Annual Convention will be forthcoming in the next few days... as we solidify the details and agenda!

Train The Trainers comes to California

We’ve received a lot of requests for information for the WDAA Train the Trainers™ clinic coming to California on October 5 and 6.  Stay tuned -- our official Train The Trainers™ website where you can find more information and register will be online by July 15.  We will also be sending out a special e-mailing announcing the opening of this great event.
 
Train The Trainers™ program will be hosted by the CAWDA at the beautiful McCoy Equestrian Center in Chino Hills.
 
This two-day workshop is your opportunity to learn Western Dressage standards from WDAA advisors Cliff Swanson and Frances Carbonnel.  The morning sessions of the program are taught in a classroom with plenty of materials and handouts for participants, as well as videos and Powerpoint presentations.  The afternoons will be held in the main show ring with live demonstrations of the movements and WD tests
.
 

Spaces are filling up fast, so hurry and don't delay!

Get Registered NOW!!!


USEF Youth Sportsmanship Award for Western Dressage Youth

The September 1, 2014 deadline for submissions for the USEF Youth Sportsmanship Award is rapidly approaching.  This award is designed to recognize the achievements of Youth riders who also demonstrate dedication to and leadership in equine organization(s).  Youth riders who are active members in good standing of both the USEF and Western Dressage Association® of America are welcome to apply.

Get More Details...


State Affiliates offer Awards Programs for 2014

Several of our Affiliates are offering a new benefit of High Point Programs and/or Awards for participation in Western Dressage.  We encourage you to visit their websites and Facebook pages of the following Affiliates for more details:

In addition, all of our Affiliates have other great programs for you to enjoy!  We encourage you to visit the WDAA Calendar of events as well as your local Affiliates website to find out what is happening near you!

View Full List of State Affiliates











































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March 2014 Newsletter

Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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WDAA 2014 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.

A NEW Level has been added with 4 brand new tests with a greater degree of difficulty... Check out the new Level 3 Western Dressage Tests.
 

New Webpage for the TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA Professional Direcory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

Visit our Hitching Post Blogs

We have some wonderful human-interest stories in our Hitching Post blog categories - Grass Roots Stories, Show Pen Experience, and more check out some of the more recent articles below.

- Inaugural Dressage World Show — Western, That Is!

- Sharing Strides – Two Minds, One Journey Part 3

- How Do You Like Me Now?
 

Is minic a rinne bromach gioblach capall cumasach!

This old Irish proverb seems to be a fitting statement for those of us traveling the Journey of Western Dressage. 

It translates to “many a ragged colt made a noble horse”.

Whether bringing along a young horse or furthering our relationship with an older partner, the arrival of spring seems equate to shedding (hair as well as) the problems of the past year; refreshing our commitment to our horse; and marking the start of new goals for our partnership.

This month the WDAA shares a few more opportunities for developing and celebrating our horse and rider relationship.  From our training blogs for working with your horse at home, to events and opportunities with our Affiliates & Alliances, to educational sessions for Judges, or the grand celebration at the WDAA Annual Convention and World Championship Show, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy on their Western Dressage ride.

So as you saddle up for spring, remember the most important thing is to have a good Journey!

Go n-éiri an bóthár leat!

Michigan joins WDAA as new State Affiliate

Yes, things are happening in Michigan and I must say none of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of the WDAMI Board.  This Board is overflowing with talent and motivation.  Michigan is blessed to have such a dynamic team! Our team is talented and energetic.

The Board includes: Jill Robiadek from Cheboygan, Michigan;  Rachel Leigh Ory from Harbor Springs, Michigan;  Violet O’Dell from North Street , Michigan;  Dorothy Mueller from Leonard, Michigan;  Diane Kaser from Beulah , Michigan;  Sue Hughes from Plymouth, Michigan; Rachel Belcher from White Cloud, Michigan;  and me, Carol Baldwin from Wolverine, Michigan.

Plus, as of right now Michigan has 6 Western Dressage shows scheduled for the summer of 2014!!

Read More...

WDAA World Show & Annual Convention

The Western Dressage Association® of America is has a wonderful week of Western Dressage excitement planned for this fall!  Plan to join the Western Dressage Association® of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 30 & 31, 2014 for our Fifth Annual Convention and stay and show at the second WDAA World Championship Horse Show which is open to all breeds on November 1 & 2, 2014.

For the latest news and updates on the WDAA World Show go to www.WDAAWorldShow.org currently under development!

Read More...

Western Dressage Judges Training well under way...

In January the WDAA introduced our Western Dressage Judges' Training Program.  We are quite excited about this opportunity for Judges to explore this discipline.

The Judges' Training Program is open to all licensed Dressage judges, Western judges, Breed judges and those starting out who want to learn about Western Dressage. The program consists of three parts: participation in the Judge’s Seminar, online judges testing through access to a WDAA Online Judges Platform and a Learner Judging at a Federation Competition.  Here is some additional detail about each part:

Get More Details...


State Affiliates offer Awards Programs for 2014

Several of our Affiliates are offering a new benefit of High Point Programs and/or Awards for participation in Western Dressage.  We encourage you to visit their websites and Facebook pages of the following Affiliates for more details:

In addition, all of our Affiliates have other great programs for you to enjoy!  We encourage you to visit the WDAA Calendar of events as well as your local Affiliates website to find out what is happening near you!

View Full List of State Affiliates

















































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January 2014 Newsletter

*|MC:SUBJECT|*
Exciting happenings at Western Dressage Association of America... Be sure to check it all out!
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WDAA 2014 Rules & Tests!

Our Rules incorporate elements of both Western and Dressage disciplines. Their revision was a collaborative effort on the part of member feedback, evaluation of respected horse people and equine organizations, and edited by a team of our Advisory Board members.

A NEW Level has been added with 4 brand new tests with a greater degree of difficulty... Check out the new Level 3 Western Dressage Tests.
 

New Webpage for the TTT Education Program

Train the Trainers™ clinics were established by the Western Dressage Association of America in early 2012.  Intense national and international demand led Frances Carbonnel and Cliff Swanson, members of the WDAA Advisory Board to begin the development of a training curriculum which addressed the needs of equine professionals who were interested in training their horses and clients about Western Dressage.
 

WDAA Professional Direcory

The Western Dressage Association® of America has implemented a new Professional Directory for WDAA members. For a very small fee you can "Get Listed... Get Found... Find an Instructor or Clinician!"

Try it FREE for 30 days!!!

WDAA General Store

Where You can purchase WDAA Customized Apparel in our Apparel Boutique as well as Books, DVDs and other educational material all about Western Dressage in our Products General Store.

Clinics & Shows

Looking for a Schooling Show or Clinic to brush up on your skills. Stop by the Events Calendar on the WDAA website where you will find lots of events happening all over the USA!

It is 2014, the Year of the Horse!

In Chinese culture, the Horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance.  The Year of the Horse 2014 promises a lot of new things, not least of all adventure, excitement and romance for those who are looking.  One of the best ways to energize all the positive attributes of the Horse Year is to display beautiful horse images in the home.  Pick those which resonate with you most strongly and those which evoke positive energies and emotions in you, and  invite the excellent energies  into your home.

You can celebrate with the WDAA with a year of learning and opportunities related to our favorite equine friends. The WDAA started the competition year by adding Level 3 tests, Freestyles and Suitability, Hack and Equitation classes.  Educational seminars for Judges and Trainers are planned throughout 2014.  Our Affiliates and Alliance Partners continue to host local and national events to share the benefits of Western Dressage. And planning has begun for the 2nd WDAA Western Dressage World Show. The new year promises to be filled with education, excitement and of course horses!  We can't wait to share the Journey!
 

2014 Executive Board of Directors:

Guy E. Brown - President
Darrell L. Bilke - Vice President
Ellen DiBella - Secretary
Gil Merrick - Treasurer
Karen Homer-Brown - Rules & Test Chair
Lisa Blackstone - Members Relations Chair

Gil Merrick joins WDAA Executive Board

The WDAA is excited to welcome its newest Board member, Gil Merrick.  Gil brings over 30 years of management experience including extensive international business experience to the WDAA.  He has served in a variety of senior management roles for top companies and as the Managing Director for Dressage at the USEF from 2005-2009.  Gil is a highly recognized equestrian and respected clinician who focused on the correct gymnastic development of the horse.  He was among the first avid supporters for the Western Dressage Association of America.  We are so grateful that he is sharing his time and talents with our organization and discipline!

Read More...

New WDAA Western Dressage Judges Education Seminar

On January 28, 2014 the WDAA will offer the first Western Dressage Judges Seminar in conjunction with the International Equine Judges Seminar hosted by the Color Breed Council.

For a few months we have been reaching out to various mailing lists of judges and have had a wonderful response!  This inaugural opportunity will offer a wonderful educational experience to judges!  We would love to offer this event to as many that wish to attend! To reserve your spot or get more details about this new educational opportunity...

Get More Details...


WDA of North Carolina to host next Trainers Clinic

Feb. 18-19, 2014 - WDA of North Carolina

There are still a few spots left for the first TTT Educational Clinic in North Carolina! Don't miss out on your opportunity to join the rest of the ranks of professionals who have completed the program.

Check out the gorgeous facility where the next clinic will be held Southeastern Agricultural Center in Lumberton NC. The clinic location is 1½ hours from Raleigh, NC where the American Morgan Horse Association will be holding their Annual Convention the following weekend, February 20-22. If you are interested in attending this clinic click the link below.

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Mental Preparation for Western Dressage Competition

This brief outline will give you some insights and suggestions on how to better prepare yourself mentally for a western dressage competition. I am going to assume that you and your horse are ready to compete at the level entered and that you already know what is involved in attending a recognized western dressage show.

  1. Discuss well in advance with your instructor long-term and short-term goals for the upcoming show season. Write down your goals and refer to them often. They may need to be modified from time to time.
  2. Read the WDAA Western Dressage Rules. All gaits, paces, and movements are described in detail and are judged accordingly. The purpose of each of the levels is described and all legal equipment, saddlery, and clothing is listed.
  3. You can never be too organized. Have all equipment, tack, clothing, feed, etc. organized before arriving at show. This will save time and especially, energy, so that you can relax and focus on the job at hand: competing.
  4. If possible, have a groom and a ground person/coach. You are the RIDER, you don't want to use up all of your energy cleaning stalls, bathing your horse, etc. Your ground person will keep you on track and focused as well as being able to hand you your coat, etc. A well-rested and focused competitor will always do better than a tired competitor.
  5. Nutrition plays a big part in being able to sustain high energy and clear mental focus. Eat protein at breakfast, eat protein and complex carbohydrates throughout the day. Eat many small, healthy meals often. Avoid refined sugar and alcohol (wait until you are finished!). If you are showing over several days, too much alcohol consumption will impair your energy level and performance- try to take it easy.
  6. Develop a warm up strategy for each horse. Some horses do well with being worked then put away, then taken out right before a class. Others do better with a warm-up right before the test. Bottom line: Every horse is different-find what works.
  7. It is often helpful to find a quiet place before your class where you can focus on your ride. This needs to be a place where you are not distracted and can positively focus on your ride.
  8. THE TEST: It is your responsibility to know your test. Try to select tests that complement your strengths, if possible. Know which movements contain coefficients and where they start and finish (they are worth twice as many points). When riding your test, take some risks. To get a really high score, you need to show some brilliance, GO FOR IT! Try to read your previously ridden and scored test before your next ride, if possible. Some things are easily fixed, such as incorrect geometry or early/late transitions.
  9. If you have a disastrous test-LET IT GO (It's not the end of the world)! It is simply a moment in time that didn't go so well. Do not let it define who you are and how you ride. Pick up and move on. Guess what? It happens to everyone sooner or later, even the judge!
  10. After the competition, assess your performance and compare score sheets from other judges/tests. Look for strengths and weaknesses. Compare and look for an underlying theme in your training. Maybe your down transitions are not scoring well from all judges. This gives you something to work on and improve before the next show. Discuss this with your instructor and be willing to modify your training goals and program accordingly.

HOW YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND CAN HELP YOU

I am going to spend a little time to discuss your most powerful training tool: YOUR MIND, especially your sub-conscious mind.

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