The Pacific Northwest Western Dressage Association (PNWWDA) was first envisioned by Stacy Sutton and Ann Marie Avansino who had been very involved in Western Dressage since its inception. They spent several years developing and running many educational events, symposiums, and exhibitions in Northern California. With this passion for Western Dressage, they both saw the need in the Northwest to further expand Western Dressage education and competition.

The PNWWDA was created to align with and promote the principles of the WDAA and independently organize quality educational programs, awards programs, and network and collaborate with like-minded Western Dressage enthusiasts and professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest.

After Stacy relocated to Southern Oregon in January of 2023, and with the support of the WDAA, they were inspired to take on the big task of kick starting WDAA’s first regional affiliate to include Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia.

With the addition of other Western Dressage supporters in the Pacific Northwest including judges, trainers, and amateurs, this eager group continued the momentum by forming the Board of Directors and numerous committees. After becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the PNWWDA became an official WDAA affiliate in August of 2024.

WDAA provided a list of 170 members in the region which showed a great opportunity to grow and to provide these Western Dressage enthusiasts with their own community.

In early September of 2024, a campaign was started to introduce the PNWWDA to the region. Interest came in quickly as new members joined. Next was to network with competitors going to the World Show in September, as several Board members were either attending or competing. A meet and greet reception was held which was a great way to put faces to names. The PNWWDA also offered a high score award at the World Show in three divisions to Northwest competitors, regardless of membership in the PNWWDA. Other affiliates followed their lead!

For 2025, the PNWWDA is bringing Western Dressage demonstrations to the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Oregon, and they are offering a wonderful educational opportunity and show planned for summer with Lynn Palm at one of Oregon’s premier show facilities. They are currently collaborating with show organizers across the region to assist with promoting quality show opportunities based on a fair, transparent, and ethical structure to be included in the PNWWDA Awards program for members. The next goal is an “East vs West” virtual show to connect with the eastern US.

The PNWWDA is seeking new members and anyone who would like to become more involved in their mission. The Board of Directors is a working Board, and they strive to be a quality and well-run organization for their members. Committees have worked continuously to put programs in place to benefit competitors and recreational riders. They welcome members to participate in committees, and members’ ideas and opinions are extremely valuable as the PNWWDA continues to develop and grow.

Their website has details of all aspects of the affiliate including the Awards program, and information is being added about their Education and Youth programs. The Show and Events listings are updated regularly, and the Trainers and Mentors page is a great resource for all Northwest riders.

Information and membership applications for the PNWWDA are available at www.pacificnorthwestwesterndressage.org. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram and contact them at [email protected] .

The PNWWDA invites you to join them…
Equine Adventure Awaits, Come Join the Fun!