It is summer for sure!
I am spending lots of quality time on the riding lawnmower mowing and spraying for weeds. Although it's a continuing battle, the best that I can manage is a draw! I love having fresh veggies, herbs in the yard and flowers but the “war on weeds” is a constant battle and I do not think that I am winning!
Even though we are all enjoying competing and being able to ride, WDAA has a calendar that focuses us on next year. That may sound silly but as an association that is committed to education and to our obligations as the recognized national affiliate, we have to look ahead. We have several wonderful WDAA committees who are guiding us.
The WDAA test writing committee has been looking critically at the current tests that WDAA has used for the past four years. They are making revisions to tests based on feedback form competitors, judges. Stewards and show organizers. This wonderful group has also been asked to create Level Four tests. As Western Dressage matures and grows, we need to look at our tests as a continuum and ensure that every level offers a consistent approach to building and testing skills and the partnership between horse and rider.
The WDAA rules committee is reviewing the USEF rules the govern Western Dressage and will make recommendations to the USEF Western Dressage Committee. This group of volunteers is looking at each rule and is eager for input. You can go to:
www.westerndressageassociation.org/western-dressage-rules-tests to provide your input.
The WDAA International Committee met to review our international relationships and to ask for input from the Executive Board as we move forward to meet the international demand for Western Dressage. This committee is grappling with complex issues and brings experience and energy to this committee.
Without the wonderful volunteers who have stepped to serve on committees, the Executive Board would not have the input that it must have to make good decisions for this association and for the discipline of Western Dressage.
Enjoy your horses and enjoy summer!
Ellen DiBella
World Show Entries NOW OPEN!
Entries open TODAY... July 1st for the 2016 WDAA Western Dressage World Championship Show. Join us for 3 ½ days of prizes, parties, education, friends, points, silent auctions, belt buckles, shopping and some competition thrown in there for good measure! For more information on this great event... please visit
www.wdaaworldshow.org
August TTT Clinic by WDFTX
The Western Dressage Federation of Texas will host their TTT clinic August 3 & 4,2016 in Magnolia, Texas.
The Train the Trainers™ program is designed educate professional trainers, judges and Western Dressage enthusiasts who want to learn the standards of Western Dressage and how to train, hold clinics, show and judge this exciting new discipline. A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all clinic graduates. The WDAA lists all TTT graduate trainers on the WDAA website. Amateurs may also attend, being awarded an Amateur Certificate of Completion. Please note that you must be a current WDAA member to attend.
For more information and details... visit www.wdaatrainthetrainers.org
Custom Saddle Raffle at World Show
As you know, Mike Corcoran or Mike Corcoran Saddlery has supported WDAA again by donating a saddle to be used as a raffle at the 2016 Western Dressage World Championship Show... up to a $4,000 value. He will custom design the saddle to the winner's specifications, so that it can be the correct size for the rider, and most importantly, a custom fit for the horse. Mike is a long-time supporter of WDAA, as well as a WDAA world champion. He is one of very few saddle makers who specialize in saddle-fitting and who is a rider himself, so he understands first-hand how a saddle should function for both horse and rider.
Become a USEF Western Dressage Judge
When WDAA became the USEF Recognized National Affiliate for the discipline of Western Dressage there was an immediate need for a pool of judges to officiate. With this need in mind, the initial Western Dressage rules specified that USEF licensed dressage judges were able to officiate in Western Dressage.
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New Breed Alliance Partnership
WDAA is proud to announce its recent Breed Alliance Partnership with the
American Bashkir Curly Registry (ABCR). The American Bashkir Curly Registry shares the WDAA’s deep respect and care for the soundness and longevity of the horse and also values the importance of education for the horse and rider team. The WDAA is excited for the educational and competitive opportunities that this breed alliance can offer for American Bashkir Curly horses and members of the ABCR to explore additional opportunities to learn, grow, and train to the maximum benefit of the horse and rider partnership.
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WDAA Needs your Support!
WDAA needs you! Whether you plan to attend the 2016 WDAA World Championship show as an exhibitor or a spectator or will be joining by live video feed, you can be part of this amazing celebration of Western Dressage.
Not only will WDAA hold its Annual Meeting and Honors Luncheon at the 2016 World Championship Show, we will also offer educational opportunities for Western Dressage Judges with our Apprentice Judging Program.
There is a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities and levels to chose from. Many levels of sponsorship offer box seats, tickets to parties and more.
Your Sponsorship at any level is
Tax Deductible!
