International Judging Certificate Program

The WDAA International Judge Certificate program provides basic training and information regarding Western Dressage Association of America's principles, rules, and judging criteria.  Upon successful completion of these courses, the participant will receive a WDAA International Judging Certificate.

International groups can build award programs using International Judge certificate holders, so exhibitors know they are being evaluated appropriately and fairly.   It is the certificate holder’s responsibility to have appropriate insurance when judging shows.

NOTE:  These are not USEF judge licenses. A USEF license is required to judge WDAA recognized shows.  Any show judged by a certificate holder cannot be WDAA recognized,

ELIGIBILITY: 

• You must be an active WDAA international member in good standing, residing outside of the United States.
• To take the Advanced Certificate Course, you must hold the Introductory Certificate.

Introductory Judge Training Certificate

This Certificate signifies that the participant has sufficient knowledge to be able to judge Western Dressage from Introductory Level through Level 1.   Course materials will be accessed through the international members Learning Management System (LMS).

Topics covered include:

• Rule Book
• Training Wheel
• Score and Comment Development
• Judging Introductory – Level 1

The cost is $100 USD. 

Click here to sign up for the Judging Certificate

Advanced Judge Training Certificate

This Certificate signifies that the participant has sufficient knowledge to be able to judge Western Dressage from Level 2 – Level 5, Musical Freestyle, Rail and Horsemanship Classes, Therapeutic Classes. You must currently hold the International Introductory Certificate.

This course is scheduled to become available by September, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does completion of this course allow me to judge USEF recognized shows?  
• No.  You must be a USEF licensed judge to officiate at those shows.
• Does completion of this course allow me to judge WDAA recognized shows?
• No.  You must be a USEF licensed judge to officiate at those shows.
• I live in the US, can I take this course?
• No.  Only international WDAA members may participate in this program.
• US members who are interested in a judging license must go through the policies in procedures listed on the USEF website.