Wanting to try Western Dressage with your gaited horse? Wanting to show your gaited horse in Western Dressage? WDAA is the right place for you and your equine and ALL of the WDAA tests can be ridden by gaited horses and mules. All WDAA/USEF Western Dressage judges are specially trained and educated to judge your gaited equine. It is simple; you ride the saddle gait in place of the jog in all tests. Some shows have gaited classes or you can enter into the open classes. It is that simple.

At the 2025 WDAA World Show we had a variety of gaited horses competing and showing, such as the TWH, Fox Trotter, Icelandic, Morgan, Mule and Spotted Saddle horse. All gaited horses and mules are welcomed. The WDAA is a fantastic group of very friendly people and they warmly welcome you and are like minded horse people. Western Dressage is a journey and you and your horse can progress up the training wheel at your own pace. The tests are designed to assess your progress and provide feedback for you. It can be a lot of fun to ride the tests and the shows are live or on-line.

One of the most exciting programs that you can participate in is the WHLPAP and YEHP points programs. You must sign up and record your horse annually and are able to earn points toward lifetime and year end awards. Please refer to the WDAA website for full details about this amazing program.

Wondering how to get started in Western Dressage with your gaited equine? Join the WDAA which has an up to date calendar of events such as clinics, on line shows, and live shows across the country. You can have a clinic at your barn and contact the various trainers in your area and beyond. Many of the judges will offer Fix-a-Test clinics as just one example. Refer to the Directories on the WDAA website quick links.

The benefits of western dressage for your gaited equine and you are many. It can help in your balance, carriage, and the horse’s way of going is improved along with a more harmonious appearance. As the muscles strengthen, the horse develops better flexibility and can have a more athletic expression. As the movements become easier the appearance is more flowing and a true pleasure to watch and ride.

Kathleen Cheshire; proud WDAA member, is a stellar example of how Gaited Western Dressage has transformed her and her Fox Trotter “DOC” in under two years. Kathleen began as a trail rider mostly and now has been in a structured program and showing in Gaited Western Dressage. Kathleen attended the 2025 World Show and won the Gaited Musical Freestyle at Intro-Basic level with a 72%.

Kathleen before Western Dressage training:

Kathleen at this year’s World Show: